I'm currently on a migraine elimination diet. The problem is I know I have non-food triggers. How am I ever going to figure out what foods possibly trigger me? Are there tests that could pinpoint what foods I react to?
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Q: Can an allergist test you for migraine triggers?
Answers (2)
4/18/12 11:46am
nefret17,
No, an allergist can't accurately test you for Migraine triggers. Although for some people, there may be some correlation between foods they're allergic to and foods that are Migraine triggers for them, this isn't true for everyone. There are plenty of people who have food triggers, yet they're not allergic to any foods. There are also many of us who are allergic to foods, but those foods do NOT trigger Migraines for us.
The same thing applies to the food "sensitivies" the people talk about.
So, you could certainly have the tests, and you'd know which foods you're allergic to or sensitive to, but in the end, that wouldn't necessarily tell you which ones are food triggers for you.
The best way to identify the foods that trigger Migraines for you is to do exactly what you said you're doing- an elimination diet. If you need more information on elimination diets, or would like a free food triggers workbook, check out our article Managing Migraine - Migraine Trigger Foods and our slideshow 27 Foods That Can Trigger Migraines.
Teri
4/17/12 6:41pm
Signet Diagnostic Corp of Riviera Beach, FL has developed a test that uses blood to test for food sensitivities. This is not a food allergy test. It tests about 140 foods and and gives a result of either non-reactive, moderately reactive or reactive. The plan is to eat only those foods for which you are non-reactive, and then slowly add more foods. I know of several people that this has helped. The disclaimer is that you should have a doctor or nutritionist guide you through the process.
Like you, I also have non-food triggers, and my first try at this did not yield any food that seemed to trigger the migraines. I'm now trying it for a second time, and so far have identified MSG as a trigger.
Good luck, and wishes for a migraine free week!
Kimberly
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By nefret17— Last Modified: 04/18/12, First Published: 04/13/12
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