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Foods That Cause Migraines

Many foods can be linked to triggering headaches and migraines. Foods associated with migraines contain a natural substance or food additives--sometimes a combination of both--that contribute to the onset of migraines. Knowing which foods contain ingredients that are migraine triggers can be the first step to reducing the occurrence of migraines.

  1. Natural Migraine Contributing Substance

    • Tyramine is a natural substance found in protein-based foods. Tyramine forms from the breakdown of protein, and can trigger severe hypertension resulting in migraines.

    Foods Containing Tyramine

    • The following foods contain high levels of tyramine and should be avoided by migraine sufferers:

      Avocados
      Bananas
      Beef liver
      Blue cheese
      Bologna
      Canned soup
      Camembert cheese
      Cheddar cheese
      Chicken liver
      Dates
      Dried figs
      Fava beans
      Garbanzo beans
      Kiwi
      Lima beans
      Nuts
      Olives
      Onions
      Papaya
      Peanut butter
      Pepperoni
      Pineapple
      Pinto beans
      Raisins
      Raspberries
      Red plums
      Roquefort cheese
      Salami
      Sauerkraut
      Soy sauce
      Spinach
      Stilton cheese
      Summer sausage
      Swiss cheese
      Teriyaki
      Tofu
      Tomatoes
      Yeast
      Yeast extracts

    Food Additives Proven to Contribute to Migraines

    • Nitrates, nitrites, monosodium glutamate (MSG), salt, aspartame, meat tenderizer and soy sauce are food preservatives that have the ability to dilate blood vessels and cause migraines. Most processed foods contain additives; while some contain minuscule amounts, others contain as many additives as the original product.

    Foods Containing Food Additives

    • The following foods typically are abundant in food additives and should be avoided by people who suffer from frequent migraines:

      Bacon
      Cured meat
      Deli meat
      Hot dogs
      Ham
      Luncheon meat
      Oriental foods
      Pepperoni
      Pickles
      Processed meat
      Red wine
      Sausage
      Whiskey

    Dairy Products Can Trigger Migraines

    • The protein found in milk is a known allergenic for many people. This protein--casein--creates histamines, which in turn are responsible for the production of mucus. Excessive mucus puts pressure on brain membranes, which can trigger migraines.

    Dairy Products to Avoid

    • Dairy products may contribute to migraines for many people. To see if dairy products trigger migraines, avoid the following:

      Cheese (all types)
      Ice cream
      Milk
      Sour cream
      Yogurt

    Considerations

    • Every person who experiences migraines may have different triggers; therefore, avoiding all foods listed may not be entirely necessary. For this reason, it is recommended to determine triggers through an elimination process. Eliminate all foods listed for four to six weeks, then add one food each week. Any unpleasant side effects noticed upon reintroducing a food would indicate a food to avoid.

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