For a patient with migraine headache with aura, which food should she avoid?

When considering dietary triggers for patients with migraine headaches, especially those who experience migraines with aura, it's essential to focus on specific substances known to potentially exacerbate these headaches. Aspartame, a common artificial sweetener found in various diet foods and beverages, is known for its neuroexcitatory properties; it can provoke migraines in some individuals. Consequently, avoiding foods that contain aspartame can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine episodes in susceptible patients.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG), garlic, and nitrates can also trigger migraines in some people, but aspartame is more specifically recognized as a direct trigger for individuals prone to migraines. Therefore, avoiding foods with aspartame is a prudent recommendation for managing migraine triggers effectively. Understanding the unique triggers for each patient is crucial, as reactions to dietary components can vary from person to person.