There are many different factors that come into play to cause a migraine, but the most common tend to be food triggers. At the very least, food triggers tend to be the most impactful when it comes to initiating a migraine. Every person’s body is unique, and therefore there is no universal trigger. What causes one person’s migraine may not be what causes another’s. That being said, there are some very common food triggers that tend to include the majority of migraine sufferers.
Most Common Migraine Food Triggers
Caffeine
Caffeine – like always – is controversial when it comes to migraine triggers. Some research has shown that caffeine can be effective at treating or preventing migraines from happening. Caffeine triggers migraines when you consume too much or suffer withdrawal, so make sure to take it in moderation.
Artificial Sweeteners
Many diabetics or people attempting to lose weight utilize artificial sweeteners. But the chemicals in the sweeteners can cause migraines to occur.
Alcohol
Most people know that drinking alcohol is not good for your head. If you’re suffering from regularly occurring headaches and migraines, it might be due to drinking too much wine or beer which can cause dehydration and subsequent migraines.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains both caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, a compound which has been known to trigger migraines and headaches in some people.
Cured Meats
Protein is good for you, but not all protein is made the same. Cured meats – meat with a shelf life has preservatives known as nitrates. Nitrates are responsible for preserving food’s flavor and color. Nitrates can make their way into your blood and cause your brain blood vessels to dilate. This could contribute to headaches and migraines.
