A migraine is a continuous throbbing pain in the head that can last for several days. Some of the common symptoms of migraines are severe pain, particularly on one side of the head, dizziness, hypersensitivity to sound and light, and nausea. Although there is no particular cure, the frequency of attacks can be reduced by avoiding the top foods that trigger migraines. Here are some common food triggers that must be avoided:

• Caffeine: Caffeine is the most common beverage that triggers a migraine. While coffee may help you get relief from a mild headache, excessive intake of caffeine can also trigger a migraine. If you’re a regular coffee drinker, skipping your daily dose of coffee could also trigger a migraine, and withdrawal symptoms include nausea, severe headache, and an inability to concentrate. These symptoms are similar to those of migraines, so you should consume caffeine in moderation and reduce its intake gradually.
• Aged cheese: Cheese is among the top foods that trigger migraines as it has high salt, histamine, and tyramine content. People who have migraine issues tend to have a higher level of tyramine in their bodies, so the consumption of this food should be limited.
• Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to hangovers and severe headaches, but not every beverage that contains alcohol may act as a trigger for migraines. Excessive consumption of red wine can lead to increased histamine levels in the body, which causes migraines. If you take an antihistamine before consuming red wine, it can help lower the chances of a migraine attack.
• Processed meats: Processed meats including salami, ham, and bacon contain preservatives like sodium nitrite and potassium nitrite. Additionally, these meats have high levels of histamine that can trigger migraines in people who are intolerant to it.
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): MSG may trigger migraine attacks in some people, and it is mainly found in packaged foods, salad dressings, barbeque sauce, and tomatoes. It increases the flow of blood to your brain, leading to a migraine.
• Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits and juices like orange juice may trigger migraines, so avoid citrus fruits as well as avocados, red plums, bananas, and raisins if you have a recurring migraine problem. Citrus fruits have high acid content that may cause digestive problems as well.
• Chocolate: Chocolate has tyramine that is a known trigger for migraines. Tyramine decreases the serotonin levels in your brain and also affects the opening of blood vessels. Chocolates are considered to be one of the top foods that trigger migraines.

Also, while intermittent fasting has its benefits, fasting for long periods might trigger a migraine, and this is one of the leading triggers of migraines in most people. Long hours of fasting reduces blood glucose levels, which results in headaches, so it’s best to avoid fasting for long hours.