Foods That Trigger Migraines: A List of Triggers and Doctor's Advice

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Potential "triggers" include chocolate, alcohol, and even coffee.

Certain foods can provoke migraine attacks due to the presence of specific substances. Potential "triggers" include chocolate, alcohol, and even coffee. This is reported by the Verywell Health website.

Consumption of Caffeinated Beverages

The American Medical Journal states that excessive or regular consumption of caffeine (especially more than 200-300 mg/day, which is more than 2-3 cups of coffee) can lead to dependence.

A sudden decrease or skipping the usual dose can cause withdrawal syndrome, including headaches or migraines. For some people, even a single excess of the usual dose can trigger an attack due to vascular effects (initially constriction, then dilation of the brain's blood vessels).

Alcohol

The European Journal of Neurology mentions that people suffering from migraines note a strong connection between alcohol consumption and its symptoms.

Ethanol causes vasodilation, which can trigger pain in individuals prone to migraines. Alcohol also has a diuretic effect, which exacerbates headaches.

If you are prone to migraines, you should:

avoid alcohol
not mix different drinks
drink enough water
not consume alcohol on an empty stomach

Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener (E951) that is about sweeter than sugar but contains fewer calories.

A study published in the journal Diet and Headache showed that foods and beverages containing the artificial sweetener aspartame exacerbate migraine symptoms and frequency.

If you have migraines, it is worth starting with stevia or erythritol - they have better tolerance. Check the labels: even "sugar-free" products may contain aspartame or blends of sweeteners.

Chocolate

According to PubMed, phenylethylamine, tyramine, and theobromine - bioactive substances found in cocoa - can affect the blood vessels of the brain and the release of neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine), which sometimes triggers migraines.

Caffeine in chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can either contribute to an attack or temporarily relieve pain depending on the dose and individual sensitivity. A sharp rise and then fall in blood glucose levels can also be a triggering factor for migraines.

Foods High in Tyramine

Tyramine is an amino acid that is naturally present in the human body as well as in many foods and can trigger migraines in some people.

Foods that contain high levels of tyramine include:

aged cheeses such as blue, brie, gorgonzola, feta, cheddar
fermented products including sauerkraut, kimchi, and miso
cured, smoked, or pickled meats and fish, such as smoked salmon
alcohol
foods containing nitrates, sulfites, concentrated yeast, and monosodium glutamate