Common Food Triggers of Migraines

It can be frustrating to manage food triggers. It can seem especially difficult to eat in a restaurant or go to parties. But, when managing food triggers means fewer migraines, it's well worth it.

Beans

All kinds of beans are potential food triggers – string beans, navy beans, kidney beans, lima beans, all of them. The tannin in beans may be the culprit.

Pickles

This extends to anything that has been pickled – eggs, beets, olives, vegetables, peppers, cucumbers, etc.

Chilli Peppers

The capsaicin in chili peppers can be a migraine trigger. In fact, it’s sometimes used to trigger migraines for research.

Olives

The tyramine in olives is thought to be the reason they can be migraine triggers.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruits contain sulfites, which are thought to be the reason they can be a migraine trigger.

Avocados

The tyramine in avocados is thought to be the reason they can be migraine triggers.

Red Plums

The tyramine in red plums is thought to be the reason they can be migraine triggers.

Bananas

The tyramine and histamine in bananas are thought to be the reason they can be migraine triggers.

Citrus Fruit

The tyramine and histamine in citrus fruits are thought to be the reason they can be migraine triggers.

Yeast breads

A naturally occurring chemical called coumarin in yeast may be why it’s a migraine trigger.

Pizza

The yeast in the crust of pizza can be a migraine trigger.

Soft Pretzels

The yeast in soft pretzels is the potential culprit.

Processed meats

The tyramine and preservatives in processed meats are thought to be the reason they can be migraine triggers.

Bacon

The tyramine and preservatives in bacon are thought to be the reason they can be migraine triggers.

Hot Dogs

The tyramine and preservatives in hot dogs are thought to be the reason they can be migraine triggers.

Aged Cheese

The tyramine in aged cheeses is thought to be the reason they can be migraine triggers.

Sour Cream

Choline in sour cream may be the reason it can be a migraine trigger.

Whole Milk

Choline and casein in whole milk may be the reasons it can be a migraine trigger.

Alcohol

Tyramine is thought to be at least part of the problem if alcohol is a migraine trigger.

Red Wine

Tyramine and sulfites are thought to be at least part of the problem if red wine is a migraine trigger. Tannin may also be the problem.

Chocolate Beverages

Phenylethylamine, tannin, and caffeine may be the culprits when chocolate is a migraine trigger.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a paradox. For some people, it can trigger a migraine; yet, those very same people can benefit from caffeine in and with medications because it helps them work more quickly and efficiently.

MSG

The newest theory on MSG as a migraine trigger connects it to the TRESK gene, which is activated by glutamate.

Artificial Sweeteners

Excitotoxins, which cause neurons to fire spasmodically, are thought to be the reason artificial sweeteners can be migraine triggers. It’s worth noting that all artificial sweeteners are triggers for some people, while others can use some of these sweeteners, but not others.

Vinegar

The tyramine in red and balsamic vinegar is thought to be the reason they’re potential migraine triggers. White vinegar is usually not a trigger and contains no tyramine.