Migraines can be set off by foods containing tyramine, phenathylamine, monosodium glutamate, or sodium nitrate. Common foods that contain these are chocolate, aged cheeses, sour cream, red wine, pickled herring, chicken livers, avocados, ripe bananas, cured meats, and many Asian and prepared foods.

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Here are some of the most common food-related migraine triggers:
- Aged cheese (blue, brie, cheddar, parmesan, Swiss)
- Pickles and olives
- Alcohol (especially red wine)
- MSG (soy sauce, packaged foods, seasoned salts)
- Food additives (nitrates and some food colorings)
- Excessive caffeine (more than two to three cups of coffee daily).
Certain foods are notorious migraine triggers. In this video, Dr. Stephen Atkins, an integrative medicine specialist, discusses the numerous foods that can cause colossal pain in the heads of migraine sufferers.
- alcoholic beverages
- avocados
- bananas
- beans (except green or wax)
- caffeinated beverages (tea, coffee, cola, etc.)
- cheeses, aged and unpasteurized (brie, camembert, cheddar, gruyere, stilton, etc.)
- chicken livers
- chocolate
- citrus fruits
- fermented, pickled, or marinated foods
- herring
- monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- nitrates (found in cured meats)
- nuts and peanut butter
- onions
- peas
- pork
- sour cream
- vinegar (except white)
- yogurt
Continue Learning about Migraine Headache Causes
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.