The diet we consume can have a great effect on migraine attacks. As per the Migraine Research Foundation, the most impact in severe migraine cases is created by a combination of food triggers and other migraine-developing triggers. While this is still being researched, it is quite clear that there is so much variation between migraine cases to have a single cure or a single universal trigger to avoid. Thereby, the best bet is to take a note of the common triggers and developing a better understanding of other personal triggers. Some of the trigger food items that should be actively avoided are as follows:

• Salty foods: A lot of heavily salty foods fall under the category of processed foods also. These can have multiple preservatives that are harmful and can bring about severe migraine attacks in several patients. In addition to that, foods that contain high amounts of salt are capable of increasing blood pressure. This would further result in the development of headaches and migraines.
• Frozen foods: Deeply frozen foods such as ice creams and drinks like slushies would lead to the development of severe and stabbing pains in the head. It is very plausible that individuals would experience headaches when they consume cold food in a short duration immediately after physical exertion or when the body is overheated. These headaches will eventually develop into migraines in a lot of cases. Thereby avoiding them is highly recommended.
• Fermented and pickled food items: Pickled and fermented foods are known to have a substance known as tyramine. Tyramine is formed as a result of protein breakdown and has been associated with migraine attacks. Therefore, food items like pickled okra, kombucha, pickled jalapenos, kimchi, and pickles should not be included in the diet plans to avoid any possibility of a migraine attack.
• Cured meats: Nitrates are used to preserve the flavor and color of different types of cured meats such as sausages, ham, deli meats, hot dogs, etc. Once consumed, these food items would release nitric oxide into the bloodstream. Nitric oxide is further thought to dilate the blood vessels present in the brain. Nitric oxide has also been shown to be a trigger and even cause migraines. Therefore, avoiding them would be advisable for migraine patients.
• Artificial sweeteners: Artificial sweeteners are present in many processed foods that already have a lot of substances that can trigger migraine attacks. These artificial sweeteners are usually used as a replacement for sugar in food items for diabetes patients. However, it has been noticed that these artificial sweeteners can lead to the development of migraines. Aspartame, in particular, is shown to have a higher effect and therefore should be actively avoided.
• Foods with MSG: Monosodium Glutamate is an additive that is very commonly used and usually considered to be safe. Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter and is capable of triggering a migraine attack. This additive is present in many food items such as most of the Chinese food items, salad dressings, barbecue sauce, etc. Checking the ingredient list before adding these products to the diet list could save some trouble.