Migraine Triggers

Alcoholic beverages are a major migraine trigger. However, alcohol in moderation may also benefit your headache health. Find out when alcohol is a trigger and when it’s not.

Processed chocolate is regarded as one the most powerful migraine triggers. However, pure chocolate may actually benefit migraines.

Food allergens are top migraine triggers. Cross-reactions are when your body attacks similar food proteins. This may trigger migraines in the same way as your top migraine triggers

Some food allergens are more likely to be migraine triggers, but personal food allergens can be unpredictable. Document everything you eat in a food diary and eliminate foods or combinations of foods that are repeatedly noted as having been consumed within three days of a migraine occurring

Food allergens are major migraine triggers. The big eight account for 90 percent of all allergic reactions and are more likely to be headache triggers.

GMO foods generally have higher levels of poisons, lower levels of antioxidants, and may damage the gut. Limit excessive amounts of GMO foods.

Sugar is a top migraine trigger and natural foods with sugar can be dangerous when consumed in excess. Limit excessive amounts of sugar.

Inflammation is a migraine trigger. Avoid excessive amounts of inflammatory meats.

Anything in a package, can, or jar. Packaged foods are more likely to contain high levels of biogenic amines, glutamic acid, hidden sugar, and food additives.

Migraines are associated with inflammation. Inflammatory foods are dangerous in moderate to excessive amounts.

Artificial sweeteners are a top migraine trigger. Reduce or eliminate artificial sweeteners.

Orange juice is a top migraine trigger. Reduce or eliminate orange juice.

Eggs are a top migraine trigger. Reduce or eliminate eggs and egg additives.

Corn products are a top migraine trigger. Reduce or eliminate corn products and corn additives .

Soy products are a top migraine trigger. Reduce or eliminate soy products and foods with high levels of glutamic acid, glutamate, or monosodium glutamate.

Over consuming caffeine is known to cause caffeine-withdrawal headaches and trigger migraines. Caffeine is also used to immediately treat migraines. Limit or eliminate caffeine to prevent migraines.

Lectins are found in most healthy foods; however, foods with high levels of lectins have been found to stress the digestive track. Foods with high concentrations of lectins should not be consumed in excess.

Sulfites are a suspected migraine trigger, but research is limited. Sulfites are found in natural foods, but they contain less than 10 parts per million (ppm). Foods with over 10 ppm of sulfites must be labeled and may actually contain over 200 times the amount of sulfites found in nature.