Why You are Craving Carbs, Common Migraine Food Triggers #1094

Today we talk with Jill Lane about Carbs - the good, the bad, and why you might be craving them. Then, we talk with Dr. Cristina Wohlgehagen about common migraine food triggers.

Craving Carbs?

Carbohydrates are such a gift, right? French fries, pizza, potato chips, pasta....all the goods. Some days it's like you simply can't get enough carbs. And, some days may not be that way at all. So what is the appropriate amount of carbs, and which should you choose? Jill Lane is an expert in the fields of nutrition and exercise physiology, and she dives in on this complex subject today.There are good and bad sources of carbs. In this article, it breaks down everything you will need to know about carbs, and why you might be craving them. This doesn't mean, don't enjoy French fries and pizza now and again, just don't go to those as your regular intake for carbs. Find complex carbs that will keep you fuller, longer. And that have good sources of fiber, and low amounts of added sodium. In the world we live in now with so many options for processed foods, pre-packaged foods, and fast-food, the key is to eat foods in their closest to natural state. This means, unaltered, unprocessed, chemical-free, additive-free, etc., and you will be on the right path.

Migraine Food Triggers

Dr. Cristina Wohlgehagen is a family and community-oriented neurologist taking a holisticapproach to health care. She also founded the International Headache Center. She joined us a few weeks ago on this podcast episode, talking about the basics of headaches and migraines. Today we dive deeper and talk about common food triggers. If you suffer from migraines, you may have no idea that something in your diet could be triggering your episodes. Here are some common food triggers:

• Alcohol (especially red wine and beer)
• Aged cheese
• Cured meats
• Overly ripe bananas or avocados
• Food preservatives that contain nitrates and nitrites (deli meats)
• Smoked fish
• Yeast extract
• Pickled foods
• Artificial sweeteners (aspartame)
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG or "flavor enhancer")
• Food Dyes
• Chocolate
• Onions
• Citrus fruit
• Peanuts
• Dairy

It's quite a lengthy list, but if you do suffer with migraines, finding out if it's one or a combination of these could definitely help you find relief. Listen to hear Dr. Cris give even more common triggers aside from food, in this episode.