Headaches

[nmcross]

I have completed two whole30 and I am still experiencing daily headaches-both on and off of whole 30. Are there certain foods that are prone to cause headaches?

[AmyS]

This is a big topic! What is your history with headaches? Did they start with Whole30 or do they pre-date your Whole30s?  Hopefully we can offer some insights.  Also, you might post a couple of days' worth of sample meals, exercise, water, sleep, stress, etc. and see if that sheds any light.

[jennor]

Have you read about histamine intolerance? Histamine occurs naturally in many foods and can cause headaches if you are intolerant. The most famous ciulprits are red wine and cheese, but it is also present in many other foods. Here is a list from http://www.allergyuk.org/common-food-intolerances/histamine-intolerance : 

 

Foods that are particularly high in histamine and other vasoactive amines include:

• Champagne, wine, beer, cider and other fermented drinks and spirits
• Sauerkraut and other pickled foods
• Vinegar and foods containing it such as dressings, pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard
• Tofu and soya sauce
• Parmesan cheese and other cheeses
• Sausages and other processed meats (ham, salami, gammon, bacon)
• Mushrooms and quorn
• Tinned and smoked fish (tuna, salmon, herring) and crustaceans
• Prepared salads
• Tinned vegetables
• Dried fruit, seeds, nuts
• Yeast extract, yeast
• Chocolate, cocoa, cola