Too much caffeine and experiencing caffeine withdrawal can cause migraine or headaches.
Many processed foods contain artificial sweeteners. These are sugar alternatives that are added to foods and drinks to add sweetness.
Red wine in particular is reported as a trigger in over 77% of the participants who reported alcohol as a trigger.
Chocolate contains both caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, which may trigger headaches in some people.
MSG is found in certain foods, and present in many foods as a food additive. It’s considered safe to eat, but some researchers link it to migraine attacks.
Cured meats can release nitric oxide into the blood, which is thought to dilate blood vessels in the brain.
Aged cheeses contain a substance called tyramine. It forms when a food’s aging causes the breakdown of proteins.
Like aged cheeses, pickled and fermented foods can contain high amounts of tyramine.
You’re most likely to experience headaches that become migraine attacks if you’re eating cold food quickly, after exercising, or when overheated.