Did you know that migraine headaches are actually a neurological disease? Every 10 seconds someone goes into an emergency room complaining of a severe headache, yet about half of migraine sufferers go undiagnosed. Around 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from migraines and many are so severe that it interferes with daily life. Migraines are genetic, but very little money has been spent on research, so doctors know little other than how to treat symptoms.

1. Things that cause migraines 

According to the Mayo Clinic, migraine triggers can include:

• Hormonal changes in women
• Severe sleep changes (getting too much or too little sleep)
• Intense physical activity (including sex)
• Certain Medications
• Stress
• And weather changes

By far, the triggers that precede many migraine attacks include food, food additives, caffeine, and alcohol.

2. A migraine diet 

After ruling out other problems with either an MRI or CT scan, most doctors, besides

prescribing management medications and various preventive drugs, will put their

patients on a migraine diet to avoid certain triggers.

These food and drinks can include:

• Caffeine

Caffeine is a double-edged sword because while it can often be used to cure mild headaches, it can also cause problems with migraine sufferers.

• Alcohol

Researchers are unsure why alcohol is problematic for people with migraines. Some suspect that the tannin in wine has something to do with it. But generally, people subject to migraines are urged to severely limit alcoholic beverages.

• Citrus Fruits

Doctors blame the tendency of citrus fruits to cause gastric irritation and this irritation can spread within the body.

• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

Monosodium glutamate is found in Chinese food, barbecue sauces, salad dressings, soy sauce, whey protein, and dozens of other products. It tends to trigger migraines in many people and MSG sensitivity is extremely common.

• Spicy Foods

Some spicy foods, but in particular those with chili peppers, are known to trigger migraines.

• Aged cheeses and meats

Aged cheeses and dried meats are loaded with nitrates and salt. The salt dehydrates cells in the system and many people are very sensitive to nitrates.

• Aspartame

Low or zero-calorie foods, but especially zero-calorie soft drinks are loaded with

Aspartame, to which many migraine sufferers have a sensitivity.

• Chocolate

Some people are sensitive to chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, which has been shown to be problematic.

3. What to do about problematic food and drinks? 

Naturally, these are just guidelines. Some migraine sufferers can drink coffee or red wine every day without a problem. So the best thing to do is create a food journal where you mark down what foods may tend to trigger your migraines.