The Connection Between Chocolate and Headaches: What You Need to Know
Can eating chocolate give you a headache? It’s a common belief that chocolate and other foods trigger headaches for those who are sensitive to them. But does this mean you need to eliminate these foods from your diet?
Even if you’re prone to getting headaches, research shows that eating chocolate on occasion isn’t likely to precipitate one.
In fact, some studies suggest that regular intake of cocoa — specifically the flavanols it contains — may even help ease headaches by causing blood vessels in the brain to expand and improve circulation there.
What’s the deal with chocolate and headaches?
Chocolate has been accused of causing headaches for a long time, but there’s no evidence of a causal link. It’s true that the substances in chocolate that trigger headaches are also found in other foods. So it’s possible that these foods could be involved in some instances.
But there are two things to keep in mind. First, foods aren’t likely to cause headaches unless they cause reactions in large segments of the population. In other words, if eating chocolate triggered headaches in just a few sensitive individuals, it would be hard to prove that it’s the cause of the headaches.
Second, the substances in chocolate that are most likely to trigger headaches are also found in many other foods.
The science behind the chocolate-and-headache myth
Chocolate contains certain ingredients that can trigger headaches in sensitive individuals. Those who report headaches after eating chocolate almost always experience migraines.
Chocolate shares these trigger ingredients with several other foods. They include cheese, wine, coffee, and preserved foods. The substances common to these foods are called tyramine and phenylethylamine. Both are chemicals that can trigger migraines when they build up in the bloodstream.
These substances can build up when a person is under stress or when their bodies are not metabolizing them properly.
How do trigger foods cause headaches?
Both tyramine and phenylethylamine are created when certain foods are broken down by the body. Tyramine is created when foods like cheese, chocolate, and fermented products (including red wine) are broken down.
Phenethylamine is created when foods like coffee and citrus fruits are broken down. Both chemicals are also neurotransmitters. That means they’re molecules that allow nerves to communicate with each other.
The more of these chemicals there are in the bloodstream, the more sensitive nerves become. This can lead to headaches.
Which foods are most likely to trigger headaches?
There’s no research proving that regular intake of the substances in any particular food is likely to cause headaches. But many foods share these ingredients with chocolate.
They include:
- Aged cheeses
- Beer
- Fermented or overripe fruits
- Red wine
- Smoked fish
- Citrus fruits
- Coffee
- Strongly brewed black tea
Apart from these foods, there are also many other things that can cause or trigger headaches.
For example, if you’re under a lot of stress, it’s more likely that you’ll experience headaches. Other migraine triggers include tiredness, lack of sleep, weather changes, and flashing lights.
So if your headaches are recurring, you should also investigate other possible causes. Most people who experience headaches are able to identify what triggers them. But for folks who don’t experience regular headaches, it can be harder to tell what’s to blame.
Can chocolate be good for your head?
The substances in chocolate that trigger headaches are also in a lot of other foods. And those foods are known migraine triggers. So could it be that the very same ingredients that trigger headaches in some people could actually be beneficial for others?
But can chocolate be good for your head if it triggers headaches in some people? Recent research suggests that regular intake of cocoa — specifically the flavanols it contains — may even help ease headaches by causing blood vessels in the brain to expand and improve circulation there.
And there’s even more good news: While studies have found that chocolate may trigger headaches in some people, those who are sensitive are likely to experience fewer and less severe symptoms if they opt for dark chocolate over the more sugary and processed varieties.
The Takeaway
For most people, chocolate is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed on occasion without causing headaches. But for those who are particularly sensitive, it makes sense to avoid chocolate and other foods that trigger headaches. Remember that not all chocolate is created equal.
If you experience headaches after eating chocolate, opt for dark chocolate varieties that are less sugary.
And consider other possible causes of your headaches, since not all headaches are caused by food sensitivities. After reading this article, you’re probably feeling better about indulging in your favorite chocolate treats.
The evidence shows that chocolate is not likely to cause headaches in most people. It’s possible for headaches to be triggered by many foods, including chocolate, but it’s unlikely that it will be the cause in most people.
