If You Have Migraine, Be Aware Not to Eat These Foods

Table of Contents

By Dietician Avni Kaul — Gold Medalist, M.Sc. Food & Nutrition, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi | Founder, Nutri Activania

You probably already know about common migraine triggers such as stress, lack of sleep, and even exercise (yes, seriously), but did you know that what you are eating might also be giving you migraines?

Celebrated Nutritionist Avni Kaul says that’s correct—even if your migraines are usually triggered by visual stimuli such as flashing lights, refraining from the foods below might help decrease the frequency or severity of your attacks.

Does Your Food Actually Triggers Migraine?

Yes, the relationship between your food and migraine is still not clear-cut, and sadly, no single factor can be directly linked to your attacks. Having said that, there is scientific proof that suggests migraines could be triggered by specific foods. Further, almost 27% of those who experience migraines believe that certain foods are personally triggering. (Refer: https :// my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9648-headaches-and-food ).

Specific foods and additives are more possibly to trigger headaches in a higher percentage of migraineurs, but even in individuals, other factors such as stress, hormonal changes, and lack of sleep can raise the likelihood of an attack after eating or drinking a known trigger.

So, through this blog, India’s top Nutritionist and Dietician Avni Kaul shares a list of the most common food that can trigger a migraine.

Excessive Coffee

You may know that some of you are perhaps groaning when you see this, but excessive caffeine consumption can trigger migraines. By cutting back on coffee, you can help reduce migraines.

Well, if you can’t begin your day without coffee, remember the use of the word “excessive. (Refer: https : //www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343(19)30210-4/fulltext ).

Aged Cheese

Sadly, for all cheese lovers, this delicacy can also be a cause of trigger for migraine symptoms. Again, the problem is tyramine. Blue cheese, cheddar, swiss, brie, feta, mozzarella, and several other common kinds of cheese should be avoided if they bring about the migraines in you.

Citrus Fruits

Though eating plenty of fresh fruit is a good way to avoid migraines (and remain healthy!), you might need to be careful with citrus fruits. As many people say oranges, limes, and lemons give them migraines, they are not as typical a trigger as some of the other foods on this list. Try keeping a track of your migraines to see if refraining from these fruits could make a difference for you.

Certain Seeds and Nuts

Are you fond of almond butter? It might be bringing some bad news: almonds, peanuts, and a few other nuts and seeds have tyramine, and you know what it means. Like all triggers, not each migraine sufferers are sensitive to nuts, so having a close look can be the key to figuring out if you are.

Aspartame and Other Artificial Sweeteners

If you are fond of sweets, be aware of this point. Some research suggests that artificial sweeteners such as aspartame normally found in Diet Coke and other calorie-free beverages could increase the risk of migraine headaches..

**This article has been written by team Nutri Activania**

Special Online Diet Program, Designed for Home Quarantine

Do anxiety, boredom, and stress from home isolation are causing you sleeplessness, fluctuations in blood pressure and sugar levels, frequent indigestions? Are you worried about your immunity level and weight gain due to the homestay and due to the absence of morning walks and Gym?

Join Nutritionist Avni Kaul’s special online diet program, designed to keep you fit, reach weight loss goals and boost your immunity while you stay during the home isolation.

Talk to the Nutritionist Avni Kaul to know more about Special online diet programs for weight loss and obesity management, Therapeutic Diets for people suffering from Thyroid, Diabetes, Hypertension, PCOD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Important Disclaimer & Medical Policy

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or dietary advice. Please consult Dietician Avni Kaul or a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or nutrition plan.

Picture of Avni Kaul: Dietician & Nutritionist in Delhi NCR

Avni Kaul: Dietician & Nutritionist in Delhi NCR

About the Author: Dietician Avni Kaul

Avni Kaul is a Gold Medalist nutritionist holding a Master's degree in Food and Nutrition from Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi. With 12+ years of clinical experience and 15,000+ clients, she is the founder of Nutri Activania — Delhi's leading dietitian practice. She specialises in weight management, PCOS, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and pregnancy nutrition.

Share with your network
Nutrition Category
Popular Blogs
Top Fruits to Eat During Pregnancy for Baby's Growth
When you are pregnant, every bite you take contributes directly to your baby’s development. Your...
What Is Creatine? A Guide on Strength, Muscle, and Recovery
Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in sports nutrition, yet it remains one of the most...
Algae Oil vs Fish Oil: A Dietician's Guide to Choosing Right
Choosing the right omega-3 supplement can feel confusing, especially when algae oil and fish oil both...
Can Lean PCOS Be Cured? The Best Diet for Lean PCOS and How to Manage It
You have irregular periods, maybe some acne or unexpected hair growth, and a doctor has mentioned PCOS....
15 Healthy Homemade Indian Snacks for Kids
Ask any parent and they will tell you the same thing. The real battle is not dinner, it is everything...
High-Protein vs Low-Fat Diet: Which Is Better for Weight Loss?
Losing weight often begins with a single decision, then quickly turns into a series of confusing choices....
Why You Feel Tired All the Time Despite Eating Well
Nearly 1 in 3 adults report feeling persistently tired despite no obvious medical cause, and a significant...
Foods That Cause Skin Inflammation And What to Eat Instead 
Most people blame their skin problems on pollution, stress, or the wrong face wash. But what if the real...
Tandoori Chicken vs Grilled Chicken – Which Is Healthier for Weight Loss?
You are at a restaurant, trying to eat healthy, and you are staring at the menu wondering should I order...
How Much Weight Can I Lose in a Month?
It is one of the first questions anyone asks when starting a weight loss journey: how much weight can...

Book Consultation Now

Join 300+ Delhi clients” + 5‑star reviews

Get a Free 30-Minute Consultation

Join 300+ Delhi clients” + 5‑star reviews