Does Diet Affect Migraines?

Tagging a few members who've mentioned diet and migraine who may have comments on this potential connection, @hopeful33250 @mcgrathcreative2 @mikaylar @kate2002 @jdiakiw @taterjoy @kathyb52 @richardfrancine @rwinney.

@shaylala @dj0751 @karenakr @mlpults @shivaamedeo @californiazebra @lakesofdelray @pacer3702 @lakelifelady also may have information and/or experiences to share about the many triggers that can result in migraines, especially foods.

Caffeine, chocolate and cheese are also triggers for my afib. I discovered the reason cheese is a trigger is the tyramine in it. Chocolate has both caffeine and tyramine. You might want to look up foods with tyramine. It’s a long list and I’ve identified several foods on it that are triggers for my afib. The tyramine lists online were actually created for migraine sufferers. They vary a bit so check more than one and vet the source.

Soy sauce is also a big trigger for me on the tyramine list. That eliminates a lot of foods. A lot of Asian foods contain soy sauce but I recently learned the hard way that many Mexican meat marinades contain soy sauce. Surprise!

Tyramine is an amino acid and won’t be on food labels so you need to memorize the tyramine food list.

Aged foods, cured and processed meats, fermented foods/drinks, nuts and seeds, overripe fruit, aging leftovers, and more. Best of luck in finding your food triggers.

Hello @californiazebra,

I appreciate the information on tyramine. I just found a list on WebMD with a listing of foods with high levels of tyramine. Here is a link to that list,
https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-tyramine
Has anyone else found these foods to trigger migraines?

Foods are frequently triggers. I underwent a 3 day Trigger Test. Initial fasting for 24 hrs. Then tried various foods which are common triggers. Life changing.
Thank the Lord, chocolate was not a trigger!!!!!
Sourdough bread, champagne, red wine. Nitrates (any kind— good by pizza.salami, luncheon meat bacon etc). Milk and milk products. Use plant based milk instead.
My grocery shopping has done a 189. Shop the outer walls. Avoid the center. Read the labels — watch for nitrates, high sodium or figh corn syrup sweeteners. Would also add carbonated and caffeine laden soft drinks. Especially Diet Coke.
Small or large sacrifices will free you. No more migraines!

PS. Additional triggers: flashing lights ( Las Vegas, police cars, fire trucks), loud noises — esp if prolonged ,(no more concerts or pep rallies). Carry ear plugs in my purse. Good luck.

@hopeful33250 Diet can certainly be a trigger for migraines. Red wine, aged cheese and chocolate. For me, I can eat 1 piece of chocolate if it is over 70% cocoa.

Well, I am in the cluster headache (eCH) group and have read about the red wine effect. What I haven't read about is beer. And not a Coors light, but a stout, hearty Porter or ale. Anyone tried excluding this from the "migraine diet?"

Hello @theirishfolk and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You are asking a good question. Have you noticed a correlation between the type of ale you mentioned in your post and migraines? Keeping track of food, drinks, and activities that you have had prior to a migraine is the best way to know what your personal triggers might be. Here is an article from WebMD regarding migraine triggers and alcohol.
https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraine-triggers-alcohol.
As I read this article, it appears that dark alcoholic drinks might be a trigger, but I would encourage you to read the article for yourself.

How long have migraines been a problem for you?

@californiazebra Tyramine is a huge trigger for me also along with nitrates. Gluten too. Diet has a big impact for me.