Migraine headaches are debilitating and painful. Often, the headache is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can last for a short time, a few hours, or even continue for days. There are different causes for migraines which can include stress, sleep deprivation, heat, and food. If you suffer from migraines, you should consult your physician for a proper diagnosis, treatment options, and change in diet.

Many who suffer with migraines do not seek medical attention and instead self-soothe with dark rooms, ice packs, and over-the-counter migraine-strength pain killers. For persistent and pervasive migraine headaches, there are foods you may eat every day that could be triggering your migraine. Implementing a migraine diet can help reduce and eliminate migraines. Avoiding the following foods can help you live a more pain-free life:

1. Dairy
Amino acid protein building blocks are necessary for good health, but many foods that contain amino acids, like cheese, yogurt, and chocolate may be feeding your migraine instead of your body. Food that isn’t safely stored may add tyramine levels that can further exacerbate migraines.

2. Processed meats
Food enhancers and preservatives often include nitrates. Processed meat primarily uses nitrate-laden preservatives. Avoid deli meat, pepperoni, and hot dogs to help reduce this migraine trigger.

3. Wine
Do you enjoy a nice glass of wine with or after dinner? You may inadvertently be activating a migraine. White and lighter wines contain higher levels of sulfites than darker reds, but all should be reduced or eliminated from your diet if they provoke migraines.

4. Dried fruits
Sulfates can also be found in dried fruits and processed foods. The preservatives used in order to keep food edible can react negatively and spark a migraine. They can be found in dried bananas, apricots, apples, and other similar fruits.

5. Acidic fruits
Harsh flavored foods often contain tannins. These include pears, apples, apple cider, and red wine. Any food or beverage that causes your taste buds to tingle might contain tannins. Though red wine has less sulfites than white or blush, they also contain tannins and should be avoided.

6. Snow peas
Fresh vegetables are typically good for a body, but snow peas contain tyramine which, like yogurt, citrus, and cheese, can trigger a migraine. Other fresh vegetables do not contain tyramine and are safe to eat.

7. Soy
Soy sauce should be avoided due to their naturally high tyramine levels. The list of soy-based items to avoid include soy, miso, teriyaki, and tofu. Ask for steamed foods from your favorite Chinese restaurant instead.

8. Pickles
Pickles are created by a process that uses vinegar and vinegar contains tyramine and tannins, which are harsh on the taste buds, but even more harsh for migraine sufferers. Substitute fresh sliced cucumber or zucchini instead.