MyMigraineTeam

Are you wondering which foods to avoid to help reduce migraine attacks? While triggers vary from person to person, there are some common culprits worth knowing about.

Here are foods and drinks frequently linked to migraine attacks:

- Aged or processed meats (salami, cured or smoked fish/meat)
- Aged cheeses (Swiss, blue Show Full Answer

Are you wondering which foods to avoid to help reduce migraine attacks? While triggers vary from person to person, there are some common culprits worth knowing about.

Here are foods and drinks frequently linked to migraine attacks:

- Aged or processed meats (salami, cured or smoked fish/meat)
- Aged cheeses (Swiss, blue cheese)
- Fermented foods (soy sauce, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, pickles)
- Nuts and nut butters
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- High-fat or high-sodium foods
- Processed/packaged foods with preservatives like nitrites or nitrates
- Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, etc.)
- Alcohol, especially dark or heavy drinks like red wine
- Caffeine in excess (over 200mg/day for episodic migraine)

One MyMigraineTeam member shared: "I thought food triggers were a hoax until I seriously tested it. Now I know that tree nuts, lunch meats, and leftovers older than two to three days give me a nearly instant headache." It's worth noting that not every food on this list will affect everyone the same way. Keeping a food and symptom journal can help identify personal triggers.

An elimination diet is another useful approach — temporarily removing suspected foods, then reintroducing them one at a time to see how your body responds. Always check with your healthcare provider before making major dietary changes.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Migraine Diet: Foods To Eat and Triggers To Avoid