Junk Food and Migraine

By Holly Harding

1 min read

Is junk food:

A trigger for migraine?
A signal that an attack is on its way?
A comfort food that helps you manage your condition?
A strategy to stop nausea?

How are migraine and junk food related?

Challenges with junk food frequently arise for people with migraine. In this video, Holly discusses the interlinks between junk food and migraine.

We hope to shed light on the topic and invite you to join the discussion in the comment section below.

How does junk food come into play in your migraine condition?

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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azreynolds Member
Ritz crackers! I crave them like crazy during a migraine. And ouch! Yes, I feel justified to indulge because I hurt, and I don't care that it has gluten! Then for nausea? Chocolate milk. BUT....I won't let these things in my house. I know my temptations and try hard to stay away. Hubby loves Ritz crackers so he takes them to the office. I'm lactose free, so usually there's only hubby's whole milk hanging around, but I'm not dumb enough to cheat with whole milk since I can't digest it. The justification part is SO hard to deal with, isn't it?! It's good to hear you have these issues too. Sometimes I feel like I'm acting childish wanting to eat things that I know I shouldn't, when in reality we actually have so much to deal with thanks to migraine. So, is a cracker really so terrible? 😉 BTW, I can't reply to your email. It says you don't exist! Crazy! I'll contact the IT dept again. I don't know why I'm having so many issues now. Great topic this time!! Hope you are well!
1. Amanda Workman Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> I swear there is just something about Ritz crackers! I love them too when I am not feeling well. It doesn't matter if it is just nausea or a full migraine attack. I have to respect your discipline to be able to keep food items that you will crave out of the house. I wish I could do that. But seeing as I do not live alone, I simply cannot keep others from having food items because of me. I am glad your husband is supportive of you with the Ritz crackers. - Amanda W (team member)
2. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="azreynolds" user-id="3677307"/> Annie, have you seen A2 milk at the store? It's cow milk but lacks a particular protein that many, but not all, cows have in their milk. It's been a godsend for my dad -- he can have milk on his cereal again -- but I know drinking an actual glass of it can be risky regardless. Maybe it's worth experimenting with in baking, etc. -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
Amanda Workman Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="Holly Harding" user-id="3755969"/> I am the worst when it comes to eating food (in general) when I have a migraine coming on or during an attack. It can be hit or miss during a migraine attack though. Sometimes chewing seems to help reduce some of the tension or pain, but other times chewing makes the pain even worse. The sad truth is I have 'snacked' before even when I was not hungry. Simply because I craved something due to my migraine. Salty and spicy foods are generally my weaknesses. - Amanda W (team member)
seleqm Member
My go to is usually Ritz or Saltines also. I do find that if I have a migraine and know I will end up taking an Imitrex, I will eat something that I crave but normally avoid because of migraines. I think I am justifying it with "I already have a migraine and am taking meds for it, I may as well eat --- also"
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="seleqm" user-id="3778567"/> That justification makes sense to me! The meds are doing their work, so indulge away! So interesting how some people crave salty and crunchy and others want sweets. I wonder what that's about? Thanks so much for sharing what works for you. So glad you're with us. Warmly- Holly <a href='https://-migraine.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>-migraine.com</a> team.