Migraines are still a mystery in today’s world. They can last between 4 and 72 hours and can adversely impact your life. This troublesome illness is illustrated by a severe, throbbing, recurring pain on one side of the head, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. All of these symptoms make this disorder very invasive in one’s life. Migraines can affect personal relationships, health, and the inability to function normally at work or at home.

The protein Calcitonin gene-related Peptide is thought to be the main contributing factor in migraine attacks. It is also thought that certain inflammatory foods will also bring on the effects of a migraine, such as:

1. Caffeine

Caffeine can be a significant contributor to the onset of a migraine. Whether it is too much or withdrawal, this chemical is linked to the start of the symptoms.

2. Chocolate

It affects an estimated 22 percent of people who experience migraines. It contains beta-phenylethylamine, which may trigger headaches in some people. In addition to this, it contains caffeine.

3. Alcohol

Surprisingly enough, alcohol is considered to be the number one cause of migraines. Red wine and beer are the leading and most common forms that cause this illness in 25 percent of the people.

4. Aged Cheese

Feta, Blue Cheese, and Parmesan are examples of aged cheese that are linked to the onset of migraine headaches. They all contain chemicals named tyramine that form when the aging process breaks down proteins. The longer the aging process, the higher the tyramine content will be. This chemical is linked to the cause of migraines.

5. Fermented and pickled foods

These foods also contain high amounts of tyramine, just like aged cheese. Foods such as pickles, kimchi, pickled vegetables such as okra and jalapenos should all be treated carefully.

6. Cured meats

Meats such as deli meats, hot dogs, all types of sausages all contain nitrates. Nitrates are a preservative that is used to preserve color and flavor in the mentioned meats. Eating these inflammatory foods will release nitric oxide into the bloodstream. This chemical then dilates blood vessels in the brain. These symptoms contribute to the onset of migraines.

7. Salty foods

Foods that contain high levels of sodium are likely to bring on symptoms of migraines. These salty foods with increased sodium cause an increase in blood pressure. This high blood pressure is thought to bring on headaches and the symptoms of migraines.

8. Frozen foods

These frozen foods are to be eaten with care. If consumed too quickly, ice cream, slushies, and frozen food and drink can bring on the stabbing pain in the head. We refer to these pains as “an ice cream headache” and can create headaches that can transform into migraines.

In summary, many types of food and drink can bring on or aggravate a migraine headache. These items should be used sparingly or avoided altogether. Hopefully, this will reduce the likelihood that a migraine will develop.