FOOD TRIGGERS OF MIGRAINE 1. Caffeine Some caffeine can actually help relieve a headache, but it’s a double-edged sword When you use it every day, you can become dependent on it, and consuming 80 milligrams less than your usual amount can bring on a headache. Since the amount of caffeine varies widely in drinks and foods like chocolate, it’s worth looking at your own daily use. 2. Aged cheese and meats The nitrites or nitrates in salami and other aged meats are thought to bring on a migraine. Plus, these foods are also very salty, which can make you dehydrated. 3. Alcohol It’s not so much the alcohol itself that’s associated with a migraine — it’s the withdrawal from it the next day. And don’t blame the Pinot Noir just yet. “There is no good evidence demonstrating red wine to be [more of a] trigger than other alcoholic beverages, but there is speculation that the tannins, sulfate preservatives, and other contaminants may play a role for individuals. 4. Monosodium glutamate, or MSG “We do know that glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and can trigger a migraine attack, ” Dr. Berk says. MSG is not only found in Chinese fast food but also in many prepared foods, including barbecue sauce and salad dressings. 5. Citrus fruits, Raw Groundnuts Along with other high-acid foods, these are also sometimes thought to cause gastric irritation and trigger migraines. In Indian scenario, Raw groundnuts, certain fish may trigger migraines in few. 6. Chocolate It may not technically be a trigger — but eating it may still precede a migraine. “It may be that your body craves chocolate prior to a migraine because the caffeine and antioxidants in chocolate can treat some of the symptoms” Berk says. 7. Spicy foods Chili peppers are probably more likely than any other kind of spicy food to trigger migraines. “It’s likely that they react on certain pain receptors — called TRP receptors — in the brain that lower the threshold for developing a migraine. 8. Foods or drinks containing aspartame Experts aren’t sure why aspartame can trigger a migraine, but Berk says that people who are sensitive to the additive should avoid any food that contains it — especially diet sodas.  What to Do if Food Triggers Your Migraines If you suspect that certain foods may be triggering your migraines, try these tips: Start a headache journal. If you aren’t sure what’s triggering your head pain,  write down potential triggers such as foods you ate or things you did shortly before your migraine started, says Berk. Eliminate the most likely culprits. “Whenever someone has very obvious food triggers we definitely recommend avoiding those foods. “In general, we do not recommend being on specific ‘migraine diets, ’ as studies have not shown any benefit in improving the frequency or severity of migraines with those diets.”