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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Nicola Roy & Julia Banim

Health experts share ingredient in popular drink that can cause migraines

People that suffer from migraines know how painful and inconvenient they can be, but it helps to identify the things that trigger them.

It's estimated that around 10 million people in the UK suffer from the debilitating headaches, and they can be caused by a number of things - hormones, weather and dehydration, to name a few.

But the food and drink we consume can also have an impact, and pharmacists have warned that an ingredient in a popular beverage could be causing people to suffer from migraines.

The Mirror reports that artificial sweeteners including aspartame could be potential triggers for migraines, and these are found in drinks such as Diet Coke.

The team at Lloyd's Pharmacy carried out a survey of 500 Brits, many of which were left shocked at what can cause migraines to kick in.

They've recommended that sufferers drink water instead of opting for artificially sweetened fizzy drinks when thirsty, as this poses much less risk.

A reported 89 per cent of people surveyed had no idea that artificial sweeteners could potentially trigger migraines, meaning many would have been sipping away quite happily, not realising they could be bringing on a pounding headache.

Dr Neel Patel, GP, advised: "While the triggers for migraines can vary widely from person to person, it may take some trial and error to determine which foods are responsible, especially if you aren't aware of the foods and drinks that could be problematic for you.

"We recommend keeping a food diary which can help you to identify patterns and triggers for your migraines. If you suspect that certain foods are leading to symptoms, try eliminating them from your diet for a while to see if they improve."

Meanwhile, Diet Coke fans have been left reeling after finding out what happens to your body just one hour after sipping the drink.

The Renegade Pharmacist, Niraj Narik, warned people that the drink can attack the enamel on your teeth after only ten minutes, and your body is tricked into thinking it had just processed sugar.

He also said that after drinking, you might find yourself being more hungry and thirsty than before, leaving you more likely to reach for junk food and more sugary drinks.

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