Can Eating Bananas Cause Migraines?

Have you ever experienced a sudden migraine in the midst of having a good day? It could be after you ate something, didn’t drink water for too long, or didn’t sleep enough the night before. Whatever may be the situation, a migraine can severely affect your daily activity.

Usually, people who suffer from migraine have a known list of triggers that can lead to a migraine. These triggers include certain types of foods, lack of sleep, excessive heat, or very bright light. (1)

Among fruits, banana can lead to a bout of migraine after its consumption. (2)(3)

In Whom Does Banana Cause Migraines?

Before discussing why banana can be a trigger, it is important to clarify that banana is not a common trigger at all. (2)

So why does banana trigger migraines?

Ripe bananas contain a compound called tyramine, (4) which is a breakdown product of the amino acid tyrosine.

Recent findings have discovered some people have sensitivity to foods containing tyramine and these foods can act as triggers for migraines. (5)

Can Banana Improve Migraines?

Now the question arises whether people for whom banana is not a trigger can eat the fruit. The answer is yes.

Ripe banana fruit contains magnesium (30 mg for every 100 g), (6) and consuming oral salts of magnesium has been identified as a remedy against migraine. This mineral is known to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks with no side effects. (7)

How Many Bananas Should I Eat to Treat a Headache From Migraine?

You can eat one medium-sized banana at the peak of attack.

Final Word

Migraine is a debilitating condition that can affect the quality of life. No standard treatment for migraines exists, and most people manage the condition by avoiding triggers.

Certain foods can bring on migraines, and bananas can be a trigger in some but not all people. Many people are sensitive to a specific compound in ripe bananas, called tyramine, that can cause migraines.