Throbbing headaches triggered by migraines are the worst, and research is still unable to pinpoint the exact cause of this condition. What is known is that migraine results in minor changes in brain waves that affect nerve cells and blood vessels, instigating painful aches in the head. Food also plays a role in triggering migraine attacks. Read on to know more about surprising foods that are known to trigger migraines.

• Artificial sweeteners

These cause a major problem in the digestive tract and accelerate or drop insulin levels in the body. Artificial sweeteners are one of the most common food triggers of migraine.

• Alcohol

Alcohol has negative effects on testosterone and estrogen levels. It also increases the flow of blood in the blood vessels in the brain. This severe imbalance combined with dehydration can trigger a migraine.

• Chocolate

This is surely a surprising migraine food trigger. In fact, the American Migraine Foundation rates chocolate as the second most common food that can trigger a migraine as it contains beta-phenylethylamine and caffeine.

• MSG

Foods that contain monosodium glutamate (MSG) should be avoided if you are prone to migraines. MSG releases glutamic acid that can cause instability in the brain waves, resulting in a migraine.

• Cured meats

Meats like ham and sausages contain nitrates, which is beneficial for retaining the meat’s color and flavor. Nitrates release nitric oxide in the blood, making it a direct contributor to migraines.

• Caffeine

This has addictive properties, which can result in negative dependence of the human minds. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor causing a vicious cycle of migraine attacks.

• Wheat

The pesticides sprayed in wheat have the most harmful effects on our guts and brains. If your digestive tract is weak, it can create inflammation of the internal organs indirectly resulting in migraine.

• Aged cheese and fermented foods

Foods like feta, blue cheese, parmesan, pickles, kimchi, and kombucha comprise a substance called tyramine that is linked to migraines. Stay away from them if you want to lessen your migraine attacks.

• Selected fruits

Oranges, limes, and other high-acid fruits and foods can sometimes lead to gastric issues and migraines. Bananas, grapefruit, raspberries, and plum also should be avoided as they contain histamine that could result in a migraine.

• Spicy foods

Chill peppers and foods that contain too much spice can have a negative effect on certain pain receptors in the brain that help prevent migraine attacks. It’s best to avoid or limit your spicy food consumption.

• Soda

Artificially flavored soda, especially diet sodas contain aspartame that can cause migraine. There is no clear reason why this substance results in headaches, but you should steer clear of it.

• Yeast foods

Food that contains yeast can also trigger migraines as they contain biogenic amines that can negatively affect the gut. Avoid breads, cakes, biscuits, and other baked goods.