Food and Migraines
Research suggests that dietary factors may trigger migraines in some people. While food triggers vary significantly between individuals, keeping a detailed food diary can help identify patterns and potential triggers specific to you.
A migraine food diary helps you:
- Identify personal triggers: Discover which foods precede your migraines
- Track delayed reactions: Food triggers can cause migraines up to 24 hours later
- Notice combinations: Sometimes multiple factors together trigger an episode
- Share with your doctor: Provide detailed records for healthcare appointments
- Guide dietary changes: Make informed decisions about what to avoid
Important: Migraines should be diagnosed and managed by a healthcare professional. NutraSafe is a food diary and symptom tracker — not a medical app. Always consult your GP or neurologist about migraine management.
Common Dietary Migraine Triggers
Aged Cheeses
Cheddar, blue cheese, brie, parmesan and other aged cheeses contain tyramine, which may trigger migraines in some people
Alcohol
Red wine is commonly reported, but beer, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks may also trigger migraines
Processed Meats
Bacon, ham, sausages, and deli meats often contain nitrates and nitrites, which some find triggering
Chocolate
Contains both caffeine and tyramine. A trigger for some, though research findings are mixed
Caffeine
Both excess caffeine and caffeine withdrawal can trigger migraines. Consistent intake may help
MSG & Artificial Sweeteners
Monosodium glutamate (E621) and aspartame (E951) are reported triggers for some individuals
How NutraSafe Helps Track Migraines
Log Every Meal
Scan barcodes or search for foods to log what you eat. NutraSafe shows complete ingredient lists, helping you identify potential triggers like MSG, nitrates, and artificial sweeteners in packaged foods.
Record Headache Episodes
When a migraine occurs, log it with details: severity, duration, location, and any accompanying symptoms. Note the timing relative to meals eaten in the previous 24 hours.
Check Additives
NutraSafe identifies all E-numbers and additives in products. Quickly spot common migraine triggers like MSG (E621), nitrates (E249-252), and artificial sweeteners.
Discover Patterns
Over time, NutraSafe helps surface patterns between foods eaten and migraine episodes. Share your food diary with your neurologist or GP for more informed discussions.
Beyond Food: Other Factors to Note
Meal Timing
Skipping meals or irregular eating patterns can trigger migraines for some people. NutraSafe's meal logging helps you track eating times alongside symptoms.
Hydration
Dehydration is a common migraine trigger. While NutraSafe focuses on food, noting fluid intake alongside meals can provide additional insights.
Multiple Triggers
Migraines often result from a combination of factors (food, stress, sleep, hormones). A detailed food diary helps isolate dietary contributions from other triggers.
Start Your Migraine Food Diary
Track meals, log headaches, and identify potential dietary triggers with a UK food diary app.
Download Free on iOSFrequently Asked Questions
Common dietary migraine triggers include aged cheeses, alcohol (especially red wine), chocolate, processed meats containing nitrates, MSG, artificial sweeteners, caffeine (both excess and withdrawal), and foods containing tyramine.
Most headache specialists recommend keeping a food diary for at least 4-8 weeks to identify patterns. Migraine triggers can be delayed by up to 24 hours, making consistent tracking essential.
No. NutraSafe is a food diary and symptom tracker. Migraines should be diagnosed and managed by a healthcare professional. The app helps you track patterns to discuss with your doctor.
Always check the label. NutraSafe helps you spot potential triggers and track reactions — but ingredients change and cross-contamination varies by batch. The packaging is your source of truth.