Headaches can be caused by many different factors, including stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and even certain foods. Some foods contain compounds that have been shown to trigger headaches in some people.

In this article, we will be discussing the top 30 headache-inducing foods and why they may be causing you pain.

Caffeine

Caffeine is a natural stimulant found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some sodas. While caffeine can help to alleviate headaches in some people, it can also trigger headaches and migraines in others.

If you suspect that caffeine may be the cause of your headaches, try reducing your intake or switching to decaf options.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a well-known trigger for headaches and migraines. This is because alcohol can cause dehydration, disrupt sleep patterns, and increase blood pressure, all of which can contribute to headaches.

If you are prone to headaches, try limiting your alcohol intake or avoiding it altogether.

Cured Meats

Cured meats such as bacon, sausage, and deli meats contain nitrates and nitrites, which are preservatives that can trigger headaches in some people. These compounds can also cause blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to headaches and migraines.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming cured meats, try opting for alternatives such as fresh meats or vegetarian options.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons contain high levels of histamine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals.

Additionally, the acid content in these fruits can also cause irritation and inflammation in the lining of the mouth, leading to headaches and pain. If you find that citrus fruits trigger your headaches, try limiting your intake or avoiding them altogether.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains caffeine, which as previously mentioned, can trigger headaches in some people. Additionally, chocolate also contains a compound called phenylethylamine, which can also contribute to headaches and migraines.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming chocolate, try reducing your intake or opting for dark chocolate with a lower caffeine content.

MSG

MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is a flavor enhancer commonly found in Chinese food, canned vegetables, and processed meats. Some people are sensitive to MSG and may experience headaches and other symptoms after consuming it.

If you suspect that MSG may be causing your headaches, try reading food labels carefully and avoiding products that contain it.

Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose are commonly found in diet sodas and other sugar-free products. While these sweeteners may be low in calories, they can also trigger headaches and migraines in some people.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming artificial sweeteners, try reducing your intake or opting for natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods such as pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain histamines, which as previously mentioned, can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming fermented foods, try reducing your intake or opting for fresh alternatives.

Nuts

Nuts such as peanuts, almonds, and cashews contain high levels of tyramine, which can trigger headaches in some people. Additionally, nuts can also cause inflammation in the lining of the mouth, leading to headaches and pain.

If you find that nuts trigger your headaches, try limiting your intake or avoiding them altogether.

Aged Cheeses

Aged cheeses such as cheddar, Parmesan, and blue cheese contain high levels of tyramine, which can trigger headaches and migraines. Additionally, these cheeses can also cause inflammation in the lining of the mouth, leading to headaches and pain.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming aged cheeses, try reducing your intake or opting for fresher alternatives.

Onions

Onions contain high levels of histamine, which as previously mentioned, can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. Additionally, onions can also cause inflammation in the lining of the mouth, leading to headaches and pain.

If you find that onions trigger your headaches, try limiting your intake or avoiding them altogether.

Processed Foods

Processed foods such as chips, crackers, and microwave meals often contain high levels of sodium, additives, and preservatives, all of which can trigger headaches and migraines.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming processed foods, try opting for natural alternatives or preparing your meals from scratch.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits such as raisins, apricots, and figs contain high levels of tyramine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some people. Additionally, dried fruits can also cause blood sugar spikes and dips, leading to headaches and fatigue.

If you find that dried fruits trigger your headaches, try limiting your intake or opting for fresh alternatives.

Ice Cream

Ice cream contains high levels of fat and sugar, which can cause blood sugar fluctuations and trigger headaches and migraines in some people. Additionally, ice cream can also cause inflammation in the lining of the mouth, leading to headaches and pain.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming ice cream, try reducing your intake or opting for lower fat and sugar alternatives.

Shellfish

Shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, and crab contain high levels of histamine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals.

Additionally, shellfish can also cause allergic reactions and inflammation in the body, leading to headaches and pain. If you find that shellfish trigger your headaches, try limiting your intake or avoiding them altogether.

Avocado

Avocado contains high levels of tyramine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some people. Additionally, avocado can also cause inflammation in the lining of the mouth, leading to headaches and pain.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming avocado, try reducing your intake or opting for other healthy fats such as nuts or olive oil.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce contains high levels of sodium, which can contribute to headaches and migraines. Additionally, soy sauce can also contain MSG, which as previously mentioned, can trigger headaches in some people.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming soy sauce, try opting for lower sodium alternatives or avoiding it altogether.

Caffeinated Sodas

Caffeinated sodas such as cola contain high levels of caffeine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some people. Additionally, these sodas can also contain artificial sweeteners and preservatives, both of which can contribute to headache pain.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming caffeinated sodas, try reducing your intake or opting for caffeine-free options.

Sour Cream

Sour cream contains high levels of fat and histamine, both of which can trigger headaches and migraines. Additionally, sour cream can also cause inflammation in the lining of the mouth, leading to headaches and pain.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming sour cream, try reducing your intake or opting for low-fat alternatives.

Pizza

Pizza contains a combination of headache-inducing foods, including tomato sauce, cheese, and cured meats. Additionally, pizza can also be high in sodium and preservatives, both of which can contribute to headaches.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming pizza, try opting for homemade versions with fresh ingredients or limited toppings.

Bananas

Bananas contain high levels of tyramine and histamine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. Additionally, bananas can also cause blood sugar spikes and dips, leading to headaches and fatigue.

If you find that bananas trigger your headaches, try limiting your intake or opting for other fruits such as apples or berries.

Beef

Beef contains high levels of tyramine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some people. Additionally, beef can also cause inflammation in the body, leading to headaches and pain.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming beef, try reducing your intake or opting for leaner cuts such as chicken or fish.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter contains high levels of fat and histamine, both of which can trigger headaches and migraines. Additionally, many peanut butters also contain added sugars and preservatives, both of which can contribute to headache pain.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming peanut butter, try opting for natural varieties with no added sugars or preservatives.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds contain high levels of tyramine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. Additionally, sesame seeds can also cause inflammation in the lining of the mouth, leading to headaches and pain.

If you find that sesame seeds trigger your headaches, try reducing your intake or avoiding them altogether.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods such as chili peppers and hot sauce can cause blood vessels to dilate, which can lead to headaches and migraines. Additionally, spicy foods can also cause inflammation in the lining of the mouth, leading to headaches and pain.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming spicy foods, try limiting your intake or avoiding them altogether.

Tomato Sauce

Tomato sauce contains high levels of histamine, which can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. Additionally, tomato sauce can also cause acid reflux and inflammation in the body, leading to headaches and pain.

If you find that tomato sauce triggers your headaches, try opting for fresh tomatoes or other sauces with fewer additives and preservatives.

Yogurt

Yogurt contains high levels of tyramine and histamine, both of which can trigger headaches and migraines. Additionally, many yogurts also contain added sugars and artificial sweeteners, both of which can contribute to headache pain.

If you frequently experience headaches after consuming yogurt, try opting for natural varieties with no added sugars or preservatives.

Conclusion

While certain foods can trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals, it is important to remember that everyone is unique and may have different triggers.

If you suspect that a certain food is causing your headaches, try eliminating it from your diet and seeing if your symptoms improve. Additionally, it is important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of water and regular meals to prevent headaches and migraines from occurring in the first place.