There are millions of people in the world who are suffering from migraines. The role a diet play in controlling migraine is still under debate. However, many studies have shown that some foods trigger migraine attacks. So, here are the foods to avoid and eat to manage migraines and dietary habits.

Foods to avoid
Decreasing the number of foods in your diet that trigger migraines can significantly lower the frequency of migraine attacks. Some of the common culprits that can trigger a migraine attack include processed foods and food additives. Here is a list of such foods.

1. Processed meats
About 5% of people who suffer from migraines get a headache after consuming products made from processed meats. Sometimes, this headache triggered by processed meats is also known as a ‘hot dog headache.’ One of the reasons why processed meats trigger a migraine attack is their nitrate content. Nitrates, such as sodium and potassium nitrate, are preservatives that can trigger a headache. To successfully manage your migraine and dietary habits associated with it, consider eliminating foods such as bacon, ham, sausages, bologna, and salami.

2. Alcohol
Hangover headaches are a common problem for people who consume excessive alcohol. In some cases, drinking alcoholic beverages can lead to a migraine attack within a short span of three hours. About 29 to 36% of people who suffer from migraines believe that their migraine attacks could have been triggered due to alcohol consumption.

3. Other foods
Some other foods that you should avoid consuming include chocolate, cultured dairy products, and pickled foods.

Foods to eat
Keeping your migraine and dietary habits in check is not just about eliminating foods from your diet. It is also about introducing the right foods in your diet that can help you fight migraine and its symptoms. Here is a list of foods you need to add to your diet to fight migraines.

1. Nuts and seeds
Various nuts and seeds such as pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts, and several others are loaded with magnesium, which is essential to ward off headaches. These nuts and seeds also contain vitamin E in rich quantity. This means they can fight headaches if they are triggered by fluctuations in hormones, such as the ones women experience during their periods.

2. Whole grains
Brown rice, wheat pasta, and other such foods that are made of whole grains help in maintaining the overall health of your digestive system and heart. Including these in your diet can keep you healthy, boost your overall mood, and prevent migraines. Whole wheat foods do not have any ingredients that can trigger a migraine attack. Therefore, these are safe for people who suffer from migraines.

3. Other foods
Other foods that you can add to your diet include oatmeal, peanut butter, cashews, and Brazil nut.