Can celery trigger migraines?

Migraines are severe headaches that can be debilitating for those who experience them. While there are many potential triggers, some people have found that certain foods seem to set off their migraines more than others. One food that is sometimes cited as a migraine trigger is celery.

Introduction

Celery is a healthy and nutritious vegetable that is commonly used for cooking and snacking. It contains antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals like folate, potassium, and vitamin K. However, some people report getting migraines after eating celery. There are a few theories as to why this may happen.

Possible Causes of Celery-Triggered Migraines

Here are some of the leading theories behind why celery may trigger migraines in some people:

Salicylates

Celery naturally contains salicylates, which are chemicals related to aspirin. Salicylates can cause problems for people with sensitivities or allergies. They may trigger headaches, including migraines, in those who are salicylate intolerant.

Histamine

Celery has relatively high levels of histamine. Histamine is a neurotransmitter involved in immune response, gastric acid secretion, and vasodilation. When histamine levels fluctuate, it can dilate blood vessels and trigger migraines in some people.

Nitrates

Like many other vegetables, celery contains nitrates. There is some limited evidence that dietary nitrates may trigger headaches in sensitive individuals by dilating blood vessels.

Sulfites

Sulfites are sulfur-containing preservatives used in some foods and drinks. Sulfites may trigger migraines as they cause the release of nitric oxide, expanding blood vessels. Celery has naturally occurring sulfites.

MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a common food additive that may trigger migraines. Celery has naturally occurring MSG.

Tyramine

Tyramine is a compound found naturally in some foods that is linked to migraines. Celery contains small amounts of tyramine.

Scientific Research

While many people report celery as a migraine trigger anecdotally, there is limited scientific research specifically on celery’s effects on migraines.

Some small studies have found connections between food sensitivities and migraines. A 2018 study had 10 migraine patients follow an elimination diet, adding foods back one at a time. 4 out of the 10 patients identified celery as a migraine trigger.

A 1995 study looked at tyramine levels in foods frequently reported to trigger migraines. Celery had one of the highest tyramine contents among the foods tested:

Food	Tyramine Content (mg/100g)
Celery	32
Sauerkraut	104
Parmesan Cheese	1200
Beef Jerky	171
Banana	10

Overall though, more research is still needed on celery itself and its direct connection to migraines.

Who May Be Impacted?

While celery can cause migraines for anyone, these individuals may be more prone to celery-triggered migraines:

• Those with food sensitivities or allergies
• People prone to histamine intolerance
• Individuals who often get migraines from tyramine-rich foods
• People who have a low tolerance for nitrates or MSG
• Those who get migraines from changes in blood vessel dilation

People who already eat a high celery diet may be more likely to experience celery-related migraines as well. It also tends to be more of an issue with raw celery versus cooked.

Tips to Prevent Celery-Triggered Migraines

If you experience migraines after eating celery, here are some tips that may help:

• Limit intake of raw celery stalks and leaves
• Cook celery before eating to reduce compounds
• Avoid celery juice and salt preserved celery stalks
• Take an antihistamine before eating celery
• Consider an elimination diet to identify triggers
• Use celery powder or celery salt instead of fresh
• Take magnesium, riboflavin, or CoQ10 supplements
• Stay hydrated and get enough electrolytes
• Manage stress and get enough sleep

Talk to your doctor if you think celery is repeatedly triggering your migraines. They can help adjust your diet and provide targeted treatment options.

Other Potential Food Triggers

In addition to celery, these foods are also commonly reported to trigger migraines in prone individuals:

• Aged cheeses
• Processed meats
• Chocolate
• Caffeine (and caffeine withdrawal)
• Wine, especially red wine
• Artificial sweeteners like aspartame
• Nuts
• Beans and lentils
• Bananas
• Citrus fruits
• Onions

Keep a food diary to help identify your specific migraine triggers. Then avoid or limit those foods to reduce your migraine frequency and severity.

The Bottom Line

In summary, while celery is nutritious, for some people it may trigger severe migraines or exacerbate existing ones. This is likely related to celery’s natural compounds like histamine, tyramine, nitrates, and MSG.

If you experience migraines after eating celery, limiting celery intake or cooking it may help. But overall more research is still needed on celery itself and its direct link to migraines.

Work with your doctor to identify all of your migraine triggers, get to the underlying cause of your migraines, and find the most effective treatment and prevention plan for you.