There might be some migraine triggers hidden in your spicy food.
While some people claim spicy foods cause a headache, studies thus far have found no direct link between spicy foods in general and headaches. Even the National Headache Foundation’s Headache Sufferers’ Diet guide makes no mention of avoiding spicy foods.
So, if that’s the case, then why do some people associate spicy food with headaches?
Chinese Restaurant Syndrome
First identified in the 1960s, Chinese Restaurant Syndrome refers to an array of symptoms, including headaches, that often strike people who have recently eaten Chinese food, which can often be spicy. More recently, research has shown that there’s no consistent link between MSG and these symptoms, including headaches and migraines.1 But other flavorings commonly used in Chinese food, including soy sauce and teriyaki sauce, might trigger headaches for some because of high tyramine content. Tyramine, an amino acid occurs naturally in certain foods, and higher amounts are often found when items are aged, fermented or stored for long periods of time.
Other Ingredients
One of the difficulties in isolating spicy food as a headache trigger is the fact that the spices are often being used in conjunction with other foods that could be headache triggers. So, while certain spices may be safe by themselves, the type of food you’re adding spices to may possibly give you a headache. Again, tyramine is the thing to watch out for: Any kind of meat that has been aged, smoked, salted, dried, or has had tenderizer added could potentially be a trigger. Additionally, any kind of nuts or citrus, such as lemon juice, could also act as a trigger in some people. When in doubt, check the ingredients of what you are eating. You may discover that you’ve been putting blame on the wrong components all along. Some simple food swaps could spare a headache for some.
