What foods should you avoid to help manage migraines?
While no single food triggers migraines for everyone, many people find that certain foods can bring on attacks. Identifying your personal triggers through tracking what you eat can be really helpful.
Common foods that may trigger migraines include:
* Aged cheeses Show Full Answer
What foods should you avoid to help manage migraines?
While no single food triggers migraines for everyone, many people find that certain foods can bring on attacks. Identifying your personal triggers through tracking what you eat can be really helpful.
Common foods that may trigger migraines include:
* Aged cheeses (Swiss, blue cheese)
* Processed and cured meats (salami, lunch meats)
* Alcoholic beverages (especially red wine and beer)
* Foods with MSG or nitrates
* Chocolate
* Nuts and nut butters
* Citrus fruits
* High-fat foods
* Artificial sweeteners
* Caffeine (when consumed in excess)
* Aged, fermented, or pickled foods (sauerkraut, pickles, soy sauce, miso)
It's worth noting that triggers vary from person to person. As one MyMigraineTeam member shared, they discovered tree nuts and lunch meats gave them instant headaches, while cheese and coffee didn't bother them at all.
Consider keeping a food journal to track what you eat before migraine attacks. This can help you identify your specific triggers. Always talk with your healthcare provider before making major dietary changes to ensure you're still getting proper nutrition.
December 26, 2025
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