151 intro as if migraines werent awful enough it can be downright overwhelming to sidestep all the things that could set off an attack problem is food triggers not only vary from person to person but much of our knowledge about them comes less from carefully controlled studies and more from observing patients explains lee peterlin do the director of headache research at johns hopkins university before you cut out every one of these items from your diet heres something to keep in mind fasting or skipping meals can be an even bigger migraine trigger for women says dr peterlin so just keep that advice in mind as you go through this list then turn to your fridge though you might want to reconsider that charcuterie 21 natural ways to prevent and treat headaches quicklist 1category 10 foods that may trigger a migrainetitle alcoholurltextwine especially red is believed to be one migraine trigger according to a review by researchers in brazil migraine sufferers say that alcohol may play a role in their attacks about 30 of the time or more the reason is still up for debate but some experts believe that certain compounds in wine like tannins and flavonoids are the culprits one 2014 study suggested that red wines that contains higher amounts of tanninsthink big bold wines like cabernet sauvignonmight be even more likely to trigger a migraine plus drinking alcohol may lead to dehydration which can also contribute to a headache says dr peterkin quicklist 2category 10 foods that may trigger a migrainetitle caffeineurltext if youre prone to migraines you might want to reconsider your coffee or soda intake too much of it can cause an attack possibly because caffeine acts on certain receptors in the brain that are linked with migraines according to one 2009 review limit caffeinated beverages to 8 to 12 ounces a day says dr peterlin but theres a twist since caffeine has a pain relieving effect consuming a small amount of it during an attack may actually help that justkillmenow feeling to subside fasteras long as youre not overusing it in the first place she says 20 things you should throw away for better health quicklist 3category 10 foods that may trigger a migrainetitle aged cheesesurltextgorgonzola camembert cheddar aged cheeses ie all the good ones are beloved for their rich flavors and texturesand because life isnt fair theyre also commonly cited migraine triggers experts arent sure what specifically is to blame but research suggests that aged cheeses can contain compounds called tyramines which may interact with the neurotransmitters in the body and lead to a migraines quicklist 4category 10 foods that may trigger a migrainetitle cured or processed meatsurltexthot dogs sausages even that turkey sandwich you had for lunchall of those foods might set off a migraine too says rebecca traub md a neurologist with columbiadoctors these meats can contain a preservative called sodium nitrate and researchers speculate that this additive may also cause changes in brain chemistry that contribute to