Foods That Cause Migraines

Migraines are a common type of headache that can be extremely debilitating. For some people, certain foods can trigger migraines. While there is no one-size-fits-all list of migraine-triggering foods, there are some common triggers that many people with migraines should avoid. Foods that cause migraines are:

Aged cheeses

Aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese contain tyramine, which is a compound that can trigger migraines in some people. Tyramine is a byproduct of the breakdown of amino acids, and it’s found in aged foods like cheese, wine, and cured meats.

It’s also found in fermented foods like soy sauce and sauerkraut. Some people are more sensitive to tyramine than others, and they may experience migraines when they eat foods that contain it. If you’re sensitive to tyramine, you may want to avoid aged cheeses or eat them in moderation.

Alcohol

Alcohol, especially red wine, is a common migraine trigger. Alcohol can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to migraines. It can also dehydrate the body and interfere with sleep, both of which can trigger migraines. If you’re sensitive to alcohol, you may want to avoid it or drink it in moderation. If you do drink alcohol, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Caffeine

Caffeine can both cause and relieve migraines, depending on the person. Some people are sensitive to even small amounts of caffeine, while others can tolerate moderate amounts without issue. Caffeine can cause migraines by constricting blood vessels and increasing adrenaline levels. It can also lead to dehydration, which can trigger migraines. On the other hand, caffeine can also relieve migraines by constricting dilated blood vessels.

Caffeine is often used as a treatment for migraines, and it’s the active ingredient in many over-the-counter migraine medications. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, you may want to avoid it or drink it in moderation. If you do drink caffeinated beverages, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains both caffeine and migraine relief compounds, so it can be a trigger for some people and a relief for others. Chocolate can cause migraines by constricting blood vessels and increasing adrenaline levels. It can also lead to dehydration, which can trigger migraines. On the other hand, chocolate contains compounds that can relieve migraines, including magnesium and flavonoids.

These compounds can help to relax blood vessels and reduce inflammation. If you’re sensitive to chocolate, you may want to avoid it or eat it in moderation. If you do eat chocolate, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits can trigger migraines in some people. Citrus fruits contain citric acid, which can irritate the digestive system and trigger migraines. If you’re sensitive to citrus fruits, you may want to avoid them or eat them in moderation. If you do eat citrus fruits, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Dairy Products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt can trigger migraines in some people. Dairy products contain casein, a protein that can trigger migraines in some people. Casein is also found in wheat and other grains. If you’re sensitive to dairy products, you may want to avoid them or eat them in moderation. If you do eat dairy products, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

MSG

MSG is a common food additive that’s used to enhance flavor. It’s found in many processed foods, as well as in some Asian cuisines. MSG can trigger migraines in some people. If you’re sensitive to MSG, you may want to avoid it or eat foods that contain it in moderation. If you do eat foods that contain MSG, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Salty Foods

Salty foods like chips, pretzels, and popcorn can trigger migraines in some people. Salty foods can cause dehydration, which can trigger migraines. They can also increase blood pressure, which can trigger migraines. If you’re sensitive to salt, you may want to avoid salty foods or eat them in moderation. If you do eat salty foods, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Sugar

Sugar can trigger migraines in some people. Sugar can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, which can trigger migraines. Sugar can also lead to dehydration, which can trigger migraines. If you’re sensitive to sugar, you may want to avoid sugary foods or eat them in moderation. If you do eat sugary foods, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Tyramine

Tyramine is a compound that’s found in aged and fermented foods. It can trigger migraines in some people. If you’re sensitive to tyramine, you may want to avoid aged and fermented foods or eat them in moderation. If you do eat aged and fermented foods, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you suffer from migraines, it’s important to pay attention to your own triggers and avoid them as much as possible. For many people, avoiding migraine triggers is the best way to prevent migraines.

What Foods To Avoid If You Have Migraines?

There are a few things to consider when thinking about what foods to avoid if you have migraines. First, it is important to keep a food diary to help identify any possible triggers. Second, some foods may trigger migraines in some people but not others, so it is important to experiment with different dietary changes to see what works for you.

And finally, it is important to consult with a physician or registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet. With that said, here are a few general tips for triggers and food that cause migraines:

Avoid processed foods and artificial additives.

Processed foods often contain chemicals and preservatives that can trigger migraines. Artificial additives, such as MSG, aspartame, and sulfites, are also common migraine triggers.

Limit your intake of caffeine.

Caffeine can be a double-edged sword when it comes to migraines. While it may help relieve pain temporarily, too much caffeine can actually trigger migraines. If you do consume caffeine, do so in moderation and avoid caffeinated beverages that are also high in sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Avoid alcohol.

Alcohol is a common migraine trigger for many people. If you enjoy the occasional drink, limit yourself to one or two servings and avoid alcoholic beverages that are high in histamine or tyramine, such as red wine and aged cheese.

Watch your sodium intake.

Too much sodium can trigger migraines in some people. If you are sensitive to sodium, limit your intake of processed and fast foods, which are often high in sodium, and opt for fresh fruits and vegetables instead.

Avoid triggers specific to you.

As mentioned previously, everyone has different migraine triggers. Keeping a food diary can help you identify any potential triggers specific to you. Once you know what your triggers are, you can then take steps to avoid them. With these tips in mind, here is a list of specific foods to avoid if you have migraines:

Processed meats: Processed meats, such as sausage and pepperoni, often contain artificial additives that can trigger migraines.

Cured meats: Cured meats, such as ham and bacon, also often contain artificial additives that can trigger migraines.

Aged cheese: Aged cheese, such as cheddar and Swiss, contains high levels of histamine, which can trigger migraines in some people.

Chocolate: Chocolate is a common migraine trigger for many people. If you do enjoy chocolate, opt for dark chocolate, which is less likely to trigger migraines than milk chocolate or white chocolate.

Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, contain high levels of citric acid, which can trigger migraines in some people.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain high levels of histamine, which can trigger migraines in some people.

Aspartame: Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is often used in diet sodas and other sugar-free products. It is a common migraine trigger for many people.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG): MSG is a common food additive that can trigger migraines in some people.

Nitrites: Nitrites are found in processed meats and are used as a preservative. They can trigger migraines in some people.

Sulfites: Sulfites are found in some dried fruits and wines. They can trigger migraines in some people.
If you suspect that a certain food is triggering your migraines, avoid that food for at least two weeks to see if your symptoms improve. If they do, you may have found one of your migraine triggers. Remember, everyone has different triggers, so what works for one person may not work for another.

Experiment with different dietary changes to see what works for you. And always consult with a physician or registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet.

Conclusion

There are a number of foods that can trigger migraines. If you suspect that a certain food is triggering your migraines, avoid that food for at least two weeks to see if your symptoms improve. Remember, everyone has different triggers, so what works for one person may not work for another.

Experiment with different dietary changes to see what works for you. And always consult with a physician or registered dietitian before making any major changes to your diet.