Waking up with a throbbing headache or a migraine can be one of the most annoying things. The primary difference between a headache and a migraine is that the latter shows many other physical symptoms and can last longer than an ordinary headache. There are no definitive treatment options to cure the condition, however, following a healthy and balanced diet can lower the intensity and frequency of these migraine attacks.

The foods and other factors that trigger migraine attacks can be different for each person. One of the best ways to know your triggers is to maintain a food diary and note down the symptoms you observe when you eat certain foods.

If you are someone who suffers from frequent migraine attacks, following a balanced diet will help combat the condition. Here are some food triggers to avoid that will help manage migraines:

• MSG containing foods
  Food products like soy sauce, meat tenderizer, or other processed foods contain a chemical called Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a type of flavor enhancer. This ingredient can trigger migraines. Therefore, lookout for terms like “natural flavoring,” “all-natural preservatives,” “hydrolyzed fat,” or “hydrolyzed protein”, when you buy packaged or processed foods.
• Caffeinated drinks
  Most people tend to consume caffeinated drinks as a way of suppressing headaches. The main ingredient, caffeine, has the ability to make us more alert, energetic and helps us get ready for a day full of goals and tasks. Sadly, excessive consumption of caffeine is also one of the primary food factors that trigger a migraine attack. Moreover, if you are a regular caffeine user and you abruptly decide to take it out of your diet, you will probably have to deal with a withdrawal period, which might lead to painful headaches lasting for a couple of days.
• Alcohol
  As we all know, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to various health issues. Congeners are alcohol byproducts found in dark-colored alcohol; they are responsible for triggering migraines. Hence, even a glass of alcohol, especially consumed by someone who experiences frequent migraines, could immediately be affected with a migraine attack.
• Tyramine-rich foods
  Tyramine is a common trigger of migraine headaches mostly found in foods containing high amounts of protein. These foods are stored for a long time in room temperatures. It is usually found in food items like aged cheese, cured meat, smoked fish, etc. and even in some types of beer. These foods should be avoided to prevent migraine attacks.
• Nitrate/nitrite-containing foods
  Processed and cured meat products like hot dogs, sausage, bacon, etc., contain some amounts of nitrites and nitrates, which is known to trigger migraines in some people. These compounds may increase nitric oxide, which is the main cause of headaches.