There are many points that can trigger a migraine attack, what we eat and drink.
According to the Migraine Research Foundation, foods that cause migraine can cause migraine when combined with other causes. But this combination – and any cause in general – is very individualized, which makes studies difficult.
There is no universal migraine trigger, but there are some common triggers that can cause or contribute to migraine attacks in some people.
Too much caffeine and a lack of caffeine can lead to migraines or headaches.
But according to the American Migraine Foundation, caffeine may help prevent migraine attacks in some people. It can also relieve headaches with occasional use.
Caffeinated beverages and include:
Why not refuel with a caffeine shake in the morning?We love this super-potent banana, almond and spinach smoothie.
Many processed foods contain synthetic sweeteners. They are sugars that are added to foods and drinks to provide sweetness.
But those sweeteners can trigger a migraine attack. Aspartame, in particular, causes migraine attacks.
Try this naturally sweetened berry protein shake instead of any synthetic sweetener.
Alcohol is one of the most common beverages that can cause migraines.
According to a 2018 study, more than 35% of migraine participants reported that alcohol was one of their usual triggers.
Of those people, 77% reported that wine was a trigger.
It’s not known exactly how alcohol can cause migraine attacks, but the leading theory is that it’s due to compounds discovered in alcohol, such as histamine and tyramine.
Instead of alcohol, try this frothy mint, blueberry, and lime drink.
In a 2020 review of studies, chocolate was a cause of migraine in up to 33% of participants.
Chocolate contains caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, which can cause headaches in some people.
Swap out the chocolate for those easy-to-make cherry and berry parfaits.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, which exists naturally in our body.
MSG is found in some foods and is provided in many foods as a food additive. It’s considered edible, but some researchers have linked it to migraine attacks.
Although MSG is reported to be a migraine trigger, the effects of clinical studies are mixed. More studies are needed to determine whether MSG actually triggers migraine attacks.
As an alternative, this recipe for roasted salmon crusted with walnuts and apples and broccolini doesn’t come with MSG.
Deli meats (adding deli meats, ham, sausage, and sausage) contain preservatives called nitrates, which maintain color and flavor. These foods can carry nitric oxide into the bloodstream, which would dilate the blood vessels in the brain.
There is some evidence that nitric oxide may possibly contribute to migraine attacks.
For a wonderful breakfast without cold cuts, check out this egg and spinach protein bowl recipe.
Aged cheeses contain a substance called tyramine, which forms when bacteria break down proteins in food.
The older the cheese, the higher the tyramine content.
Tyramine is a chemical linked to triggers for headaches and migraines. Common cheeses high in tyramine include:
No cheese in your snack? No problem. We love those carrots with a creamy lemon and cilantro hummus sauce.
Like aged cheeses, fermented foods can contain high amounts of tyramine. These foods include:
Try this vegetarian dish: tacos with black beans and peeled radishes.
Cold foods have been shown to cause headaches in some people, but they don’t exist in migraine.
Still craving something sweet but cold? Try those keto nut cookies yetter to satisfy your craving.
Migraine remedies may involve a combination of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and remedies of choice.
For occasional headaches or migraines, you can take over-the-counter medications like Excedrin Migraine to relieve pain. A medical professional may also prescribe triptans to relieve pain.
If you have migraine episodes, a doctor will most likely prescribe preventive medications, possibly including beta-blockers, that can lower blood pressure and decrease migraine attacks.
Antidepressants are also prescribed to prevent migraine symptoms, even in people who are not depressed.
There is evidence that some remedies of choice can treat migraine. These include:
Migraine can be painful and life-disrupting. But there are some adjustments you can make to your way of life and behavior to avoid painful crises.
Ways to avoid migraine attacks include:
Read this article in Spanish.
Last exam on June 7, 2024
Our experts frequently monitor the fitness and wellness space, and we update our articles when new data becomes available.
Current version
June 11, 2024
Written by
Ana Gotter
Posted by
Cristina Snyder
Copy edited by
Jaime Elmer
June 7, 2024
Medically Proven by
Amy Richter, MS, RD
SEE THE FULL STORY
Share this article
Nausea, dizziness, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound can accompany a severe migraine attack. Here are nine tactics to avoid migraine before. . .
There are a few things you can do to make weather changes less migraine triggering.
I would never have learned what foods were the triggers that gave my brain a chance to calm down.
If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from common or occasional migraines, it’s vital to understand what triggers your symptoms.
Consuming certain foods and drinks can prevent migraine attacks or lessen the severity of symptoms. Learn what to eat and what to avoid.
Tyramine is a compound that occurs naturally in many foods. Find out what tyramine does in your body and why you might need to restrict it if you experience. . .
Learn more about the relationship between gluten and migraines.
These 8 supplements have research-based evidence of their effectiveness in preventing or treating migraine.
Engaging in undeniable stress-reduction practices will allow you to get more days pain-free.
Although the link is not fully understood, migraine symptoms are not unusual in other people with BPD. Read on to find out why and how to treat them. . .
OUR BRANDS