Several studies have been done to find out the real cause of migraine. You will be surprised to know that besides your lifestyle and environmental triggers, there are many food triggers that can give you head-splitting pain. Like symptoms, migraine food triggers also differ from person to person. Let’s find out which foods in your diet are acting against you.

1. Coffee
Coffee is a lifesaver for many, but sadly, it is also a migraine trigger. Although coffee itself is not the cause of migraines, it is advisable to go easy on your coffee intake. Two cups are usually enough for a day.

2. Aged cheese
Bad news for cheese lovers! Cheese has a substance called tyramine that is formed when the proteins in cheese break down. The greater the age of cheese, the more the tyramine. If you suffer from migraines often, then check the age of the cheese. Avoid consuming blue cheese, Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and brie.

3. Processed meats
Processed meats, such as bacon, salami, ham, lunch meats, sausages, and deli meats, have nitrates, which help them retain color and flavor. Nitrates dilate blood vessels and trigger headaches. So, the next time you choose one of these meats, think twice.

4. Alcohol
Studies confirm that alcohol can be one of the migraine food triggers for many. Chemicals, such as histamine, tyramine, and sulphites are added to alcohol to preserve them. Red wine, in particular, contains high levels of histamine. It increases blood flow to the brain and triggers headaches.

5. Citrus fruits
In some cases, citrus fruits, such as oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruit, can also cause migraine pain. Experts usually owe this to their acidic nature.

6. Foods with MSG
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor enhancer that is used in fast food, sauces, snacks, seasonings, and salad dressings. It is an excitatory neurotransmitter that can lead to migraines. So mind what you eat!

7. Foods or drinks with aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that is added to calorie-free drinks like Diet Coke. It is known to be a migraine trigger for many.

Doctors suggest keeping migraine pain at bay by following a healthy diet, never staying hungry, drinking lots of water, and leading an overall healthy lifestyle.