Foods That Trigger Migraine/Headache

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a sodium salt of glutamic acid, which naturally exists in our bodies.

MSG is found in certain foods, and present in many foods as a food additive. It’s considered safe to eat, but some researchers link it to migraine attacks.

The American Migraine Foundation notes that it may trigger severe migraine episodes in 10 to 15 percent of those with migraine. Other preservatives may also be a trigger in some people.

6. Cured meats

Cured meats — including deli meats, ham, hot dogs, and sausages — all contain preservatives called nitrates, which preserve color and flavor. These foods can release nitric oxide into the blood, which is thought to dilate blood vessels in the brain.

There’s some evidence that nitric oxide can cause or contribute to migraine.

7. Aged cheeses

Aged cheeses contain a substance called tyramine. It forms when a food’s aging causes the breakdown of proteins.

The longer the cheese has aged, the higher the tyramine content will be.

Tyramine is another chemical that has been said to trigger headaches and migraine. Common cheeses that are high in tyramine include:

• feta
• blue cheese
• Parmesan

Like aged cheeses, pickled and fermented foods can contain high amounts of tyramine. These foods include:

• pickles
• kimchi
• kombucha (which can also have alcoholic content)
• pickled okra
• pickled jalapeños

9. Frozen foods

Eating frozen foods and drinks like ice cream or slushies can trigger severe, stabbing pains in the head.

You’re most likely to experience headaches that become migraine attacks if you’re eating cold food quickly, after exercising, or when overheated.

10. Salty foods

Salty foods — especially salty processed foods that may contain harmful preservatives — may trigger migraine in some people.

Consuming high levels of sodium can increase blood pressure, causing headaches or migraine attacks.

Treating migraine

Treatment for migraine can involve a combination of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications and alternative remedies.

For occasional headache or migraine pain, you can take OTC medications like Excedrin Migraine to relieve pain. Your doctor may also prescribe triptan medications to relieve pain.

If you experience regular migraine episodes, your doctor will likely prescribe preventive medications. These may include beta-blockers, which can lower blood pressure and reduce migraine attacks.

Antidepressants are also sometimes prescribed to prevent migraine symptoms, even in those without depression.

There’s evidence that some alternative remedies can help treat migraine. These include:

• massage therapy, which could lower the frequency of migraine attacks
• biofeedback, which teaches you how to check physical responses of stress, like muscle tension
• vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which can help prevent migraine episodes
• magnesium supplements

Outlook and prevention

Migraine episodes can be painful and interrupt your life. Fortunately, there are some lifestyle changes you can make and habits to adopt that can help you prevent them.

These include:

• eating regularly and never skipping meals
• limiting your caffeine intake
• getting plenty of sleep
• reducing the stress in your life by trying yoga, mindfulness, or meditation
• limiting the amount of time you’re looking at bright lights, or are in direct sunlight, which can both cause sensory migraine
• taking frequent “screen breaks” from television, the computer, and other screens
• trying an elimination diet to help you identify any food allergies or intolerances that may be headache triggers