With migraines, certain foods can act as triggers and provoke attacks. Tyramine, histamine, caffeine, alcohol, and certain additives are suspected triggers. Since triggers vary individually, a food diary helps identify personal triggers. Here you can see which foods are generally classified as suitable or unsuitable.
With Migraine, 204 foods are currently allowed and 64 foods are not recommended. Check all foods in the interactive tool above.
Common triggers include aged cheese (high in tyramine), red wine and beer (alcohol, sulfites, tyramine), chocolate, cured meat products (nitrates), glutamate in processed foods, and histamine in fermented foods. However, triggers vary greatly between individuals.
Fresh, unprocessed foods are generally well tolerated: lean meat, fresh fish, eggs, vegetables, potatoes, rice, and mild fruits. Regular meals and drinking enough water help reduce migraine attacks.
A food and headache diary kept for 4 to 8 weeks helps identify personal triggers. Meals, drinks, sleep, stress, and headaches are documented. Suspected triggers can then be eliminated one at a time.
Caffeine can relieve migraine attacks in small amounts (it is also found in some migraine medications), but with regular consumption it can also act as a trigger. Caffeine withdrawal itself can cause headaches. Moderate, regular consumption is more favorable than irregular use.
Common triggers are aged cheese, red wine, chocolate, citrus fruits, glutamate (MSG), aspartame, smoked meats, and alcoholic beverages. Triggers are very individual - a food diary helps with identification.
Yes, blood sugar fluctuations from skipped meals or too long between meals can trigger migraine attacks. Eat regularly every 3-4 hours with small meals containing complex carbohydrates and protein.