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Common Migraine Food Triggers

What sets off a migraine attack is currently undetermined. The most probable answer to-date is that a succession of small irritations or reactions pile up until, finally, a migraine headache develops.

Migraine triggers are numerous for each individual, but several migraineurs declare that a particular food or grouping of foods will make them over the edge into a headache.

Keep in mind that most science clashes with migraineurs concerning food triggers. There are no convincing reports representing a bond between a variety of foods and migraine headaches, so all information is unreliable. The thing is there is a lot, tons in fact, of sketchy evidence for the relation.

While a migraine trigger food can be, quite literally, anything, some foods come up on the trigger list for enough people to merit discussion.

Cheese

Cheese is a key trigger for countless migraineurs. Particularly expected to bring about an attack are hard or aged cheeses. Soft cheeses like cream cheese and new cheeses seem to be fine and not likely to trigger problems.

Processed Meats

Nitrates are understood by many to be a major migraine trigger. For most people, the most widespread well of nitrates is processed meat, items like hot dogs, sausage, bacon, processed lunchmeats, etc.

Condiments

Salad dressings are a trigger for many. The reason is not known, but is most likely tied to an amalgamation of other triggers all coming together in one place.

Spices and Additives

Any spice can be a trigger. Spices as triggers may be tied, at least partially, to smell sensitivity, since a lot of spices have a sharp odor. Seasonings that seem to produce migraineurs the most anxiety include monosodium glutamate (MSG), ordinary in Asian foods, synthetic sweeteners, food dyes, and vinegar.

Migraine headache sufferers who suspect a food trigger should consider trying an elimination food intake to isolate the trigger food(s).