Migraine Trigger Directory

Suggested TriggersPosted TriggersSaved TriggersTrigger Directory

Red Wine

High Severity Migraine Trigger
Contains: Tannins (Related Triggers)   Tyramine (Related Triggers)   Sulfites (Related Triggers)  
See: Red Wine vs. Sulfite Allergy

Save Trigger Comments Whether it's the tannins, tyramine, or sulfites, migraineurs should probably avoid red wine altogether. The following resources provide some discussion into tannins, sulfites, and other potential base triggers in red wine. Sulfites are one of the many chemical triggers in wine, and they're not specific to reds. The tendency for red...

Chocolate ( Cocoa )

High Severity Potential Trigger
Contains: Tyramine (Related Triggers)  

Save Trigger Comments There are currently two schools of thought on chocolate... It either causes migraines (Phenylethylamine, theobromine and caffeine may alter the cerebral blood flow) or it doesn't here are a list of resources to help you decide for yourself if they are the cause of your migraines.

MSG ( monosodium glutamate, free glutamates )

Migraine Trigger
Found in: Fast Food, Soups, Salad Dressings, Frozen Foods, Processed Meats, Sauces, Snack Foods

See: Carbohydrate Addicts

Save Trigger Comments MSG, often used as an additive in Asian foods, but also common in many packaged foods is a major cause of migraines. Be careful it goes under a LOT of different names (stock, yeast extract, pectin, maltodextrin, natural flavors). See the following website for a full list.

Cheese ( Aged Cheese, Yellow Cheeses )

Medium Severity Potential Trigger
Contains: Tyramine (Related Triggers)   Histamines (Related Triggers)  
Found in: Blue Cheese, Mozzarella, Feta, Cheddar, Parmesan

Save Trigger Comments The aging process in cheeses can be a cause of migraines in some people. American cheese and possibly cream cheese and cottage cheese may be safe. Cheeses may also contain Tyramine, histamines, or phenylethylamine which are known migraine triggers.

Caffeine

High Severity Migraine Trigger
Found in: Coffee, Tea, Soda, Energy Drinks, Excedrin

Save Trigger Comments Caffeine is a vascular constrictor, which may provide short-term relief of migraines for some (why people get hooked on Excedrin). However, the rebound headaches can be far worse. Furthermore, migraine headaches, as opposed to regular headaches begin with vascular constriction followed by dilation. In general, anything that ac...

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