A migraine is a type of headache that is severe and difficult to handle. Migraines are often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea. Changes in food, hormonal imbalance, and increased stress levels can all trigger migraines. Choosing the right foods can prevent the condition from worsening. Here are some of the top foods to avoid for migraines:

1. Caffeine-rich foods
For a lot of people, caffeine is one of the top foods that trigger migraine. Caffeine-rich foods and beverages can cause changes in the central nervous system and make you hypersensitive and attentive. Bringing down your caffeine intake can help you handle the condition better. Some of the common caffeine-rich foods are coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate.

2. Alcohol
A study says that up to 35 percent of people with migraine point to alcohol as one of its main triggers. Alcohol causes dehydration in the body, and dehydration is an important cause of migraines. Bring down your alcohol intake. Instead, stay hydrated with water and healthy liquids like juices to prevent migraine occurrences. While all kinds of alcohol are considered triggers for migraines, red wine is especially triggering, as it contains high levels of histamine. Histamine leads to an inflammatory response in the body and causes reactions like headaches, itching, and general discomfort.

3. Chinese takeaways
Who does not love Chinese takeaways? However, they are on the list of the foods to avoid for migraines. Almost all Chinese restaurants use monosodium glutamate (MSG) to add flavor and taste to their food. MSG is known to trigger a range of health troubles, including migraine, in many people. Plus, it is also known to be mildly addictive.

4. Artificial sweeteners
Aspartame is a kind of artificial sweetener that is up to 200 times sweeter than sucrose. This is also considered one of the triggers for migraines. If you have a history of developing unmanageable migraines, then stay away from foods that are sweetened artificially using aspartame.

5. Aged cheese
Aged cheese is cheese cured in specific conditions for at least six months. Such cheese ends up having a sharp and unique taste that people love. Aged cheese is a great starter and goes well with lots of drinks. However, it is also one of the foods to avoid for migraines. Aged cheese contains a natural chemical called tyramine that helps in the breakdown of proteins in cheese, thereby triggering a headache.

6. Foods containing yeast
Yeast is generally used to bake delicacies like bread, buns, cakes, donuts, and more. Yeast also contains tyramine, and hence, can trigger migraines.

Staying away from all these foods can help you prevent the condition from flaring up. Staying in a closed and dark room for sometime, eating freshly cooked meals, and keeping the body hydrated can all help you deal with the condition better.