Bananas and headaches / panic attacks???

[Cafe Latte]

I am finding that I have getting very severe headaches lately. Yesterday, I had such a terrible headache when I was driving, I had to pull over because I thought I was having a panic attack. Someone told me that bananas can be causing the headaches. I have been eating more bananas because they are easy to eat and curb my hunger during the day.

Has anyone experienced headaches or panic attacks from bananas or other foods? I really need to get to my Dr. but he is on vacation and I don't want to see another right now. Any input will help me. Thanks.

[wallycat]

I have had panic attacks with or without bananas :D :p

Not to make light of the situation...bananas can be a cross-reaction to latex allergies in some people.
Do you have any swelling of lips, tongue, throat??
Are you eating the bananas with anything else that may be causing headaches?
Some people get headaches when they get hungry and their blood sugar drops, so maybe it's taking a while for the banans to kick in and raise your blood sugar.

Hope the panic attacks stop for you...I hear lots of women going through perimenopause (which I'm not saying you are) go through it, so it may be hormonal too.

[JHolcomb]

I've only had food trigger a panic attack once, and it was because it triggered a thought/memory, not because I had an actual physical reaction to it. I've never had food trigger a headache, but I do have reactions to fresh pineapple and to underripe bananas---those allergies are fairly common. Like Ana said, have you had any swelling, burning or itching in your mouth/throat/lips after eating a banana? I would call your dr's nurse and see how long he'll be on vacation. If the nurse thinks it's serious enough that you should come in before he's back, would you be ok seeing another dr in the practice (I know you said you don't want to see another doctor, but what if it wasn't someone totally random?)? It sounds really unpleasant...hope you get some answers soon!

[funnybone]

Bananas have triggered migraines in me, but I have never had a panic attack. I think it could be a low blood sugar thing, as mentioned by wallycat. You should get it checked out though.

[Cafe Latte]

Originally posted by wallycat
bananas can be a cross-reaction to latex allergies in some people.
Do you have any swelling of lips, tongue, throat??
Are you eating the bananas with anything else that may be causing headaches?
Some people get headaches when they get hungry and their blood sugar drops, so maybe it's taking a while for the banans to kick in and raise your blood sugar.


I don't have any swelling or other symptoms, so I don't think it iss allergies. It could be a low blood sugar thing, I guess. It was the first time that "panic" feeling came over me yesterday, although the headaches have been around for weeks. I think I should stop eating bananas and note how I feel otherwise. As for the Dr. he is back next week, but I will see how I feel before going to him. It may just be a one time thing, so I won't worry about it for now.

Thank you for your help.

[CrimsonRed55]

like what JHolcomb said, it may be triggered by a thought, in which case may be triggered whilst eating a banana. in any sort of connection, at anytime you eat banana, you are reminded by this thought. i'd say, go eat anything but a banana. try an apple or pear. we all know it's a psychological thing right? food is just food. unless some scientist prove us wrong. don't worry much, just be calm. everything is fine.