A migraine is often marked by a throbbing and pulsating headache which varies in intensity. It is a neurological disorder that can also accompanied by vomiting, nausea, and a variety of other symptoms. Some foods are likely to trigger a migraine. Food triggers in migraine vary from person to person. There are certain foods which help to manage migraine, and there are foods which serve as the trigger factor.

Following are the common foods that might trigger a migraine:

1. Alcohol
Alcohol, especially red wine, is considered to be one of migraine triggers. It is also said that some of the compounds present in the alcohol such as tannins and flavonoids tend to trigger a migraine. Red wine and bold wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon also trigger a migraine. Alcohol leads to dehydration which is a factor for causing a headache. The same compounds present in red wine which trigger migraines are also present in beer. So it is better to avoid beer.

2. Caffeine
Caffeine has an impact on certain brain receptors which can trigger a migraine. Caffeine also serves as a pain reliever in many cases. However, 7% of people with migraine had experienced trigger symptoms due to caffeine. Intake of caffeine during a migraine attack may ease pain and helps in subsiding the pain faster. However, too much caffeine becomes a trigger factor. Henceforth, it is better to limit caffeinated beverages to 8 to 12 ounces.

3. Aged cheeses
Aged cheeses such as Gorgonzola, Cheddar, and Camembert are considered as migraine triggers. Aged cheeses contain a compound called tyramine. It is also said that most migraine trigger foods contain tyramine. The tyramine present in the food interacts with the neurotransmitters and leads to migraines.

4. Nuts
Nuts are a source of lean protein which is also high in tyramine. If you suffer from migraine, you should have a record of the foods you eat. If you tend to have a headache or any other symptoms of migraine within four to 12 hours of consumption of nuts, then it must be a trigger factor.

5. Chocolates
Chocolate triggers a headache in many people. This may be due to the caffeine content in chocolates. Chocolate also contains tyramine, which is an important compound that triggers a migraine. It is also said that 15% of people tend to have a migraine trigger after consuming chocolates.

6. Cured or processed meats
Processed meats such as sausages, turkey, and hot dogs are also considered as migraine triggers. If you experience a headache after consuming turkey sandwich for lunch, then it is probably a trigger. Some of the processed meats contain preservatives known as sodium nitrate. These additives or preservatives tend to have an impact on brain chemistry which may contribute to headaches.

7. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are also considered as a migraine trigger. They are considered as a rare trigger factor. However, in recent days, there is an increase in the number of people who experience a headache after the consumption of citrus fruits.

8. Legumes
Legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils are also considered as a trigger factor. However, they are a rare trigger factor. If you are a migraine sufferer, it is better to have a record of the food you eat to determine your personal trigger foods.