Migraine is a debilitating condition that causes throbbing pain on usually one side of the head. The headache is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to sound and light. Certain food items can also trigger migraines. Here are some foods that you can avoid to overcome the trigger risks:

1. Caffeinated beverages
According to research, excessive consumption of caffeine can encourage migraines. Also, the addictive properties of caffeine can cause mental and emotional dependence on it. You can still drink coffee, but try to limit your intake to not more than two cups in a day.

2. Aged cheese
The bad news for cheese lovers is that aged cheese can trigger migraine symptoms. The culprit here is tyramine that is found in cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese, and brie, among others.

3. Chocolate
According to a study, chocolate can trigger migraines in up to 42 percent of people. It contains tyramine and phenylethylamine, two compounds that can cause headaches. If you really must have chocolate, then read the labels and aim to consume pure chocolate.

4. Wheat
Wheat is one of the most common triggers of migraine. Wheat production these days is laced with pesticides that can have a toxic impact on our brains as well as the gut. If your digestion isn’t working optimally, then the pesticides can leak into your gut wall and enter your blood. This can cause an inflammatory reaction. Hence, wheat is one of the foremost food items to avoid for migraines. You can, instead, switch to healthier alternatives, such as quinoa.

5. Citrus fruits
Even though fresh fruits form a part of a healthy diet, some of them may trigger migraines. Citrus fruits contain tyramine, which can cause headaches. If you still want to enjoy them, then consider drinking a glass of freshly squeezed juice instead.

6. Whole milk
The casein found in milk can be hard to break down. If your body does not produce sufficient amounts of lactase, then it is possible to develop digestive problems that can lead to painful headaches.

7. Nuts and seeds
Nuts and peanuts are the most commonly consumed snacks. However, the high amount of biogenic amines present in these foods can trigger an inflammatory response in your gut and brain. Peanuts also contain mold that can cause severe damage to the immune system. They are also difficult to digest. Therefore, if you want to avoid food-related migraines, then consider swapping peanuts with almonds.

Apart from avoiding these foods, you must also maintain a healthy lifestyle, which comprises a balanced diet and regular exercise. These simple changes will go a long way in keeping you healthy and migraine-free.