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Headache food triggers checklist

HEADACHE TRIGGERS

Certain foods can very often trigger migraine headaches. Below is a list of the most common food triggers that can cause headaches. Keep them in mind the next time you suffer a headache. Does eating or drinking any of these coincide with your headaches?

  • red wine or white wine
  • bananas
  • other alcohol
  • citrus fruits
  • chocolate
  • monosodium glutamate (MSG)
  • cheese
  • freshly baked bread (yeast)
  • pickled foods
  • coffee, tea, cola
  • nuts
  • aspartame (food or drink)

Think back to a previous headache. Was it a particularly stressful day or was there a sudden change in the weather? Using the following chart, check off some of the factors that could be involved in the onset of your headaches. You may see a pattern in causes of your headaches.

Identify your headache triggers

  • Stressful or hectic days, including long hours, intense deadlines
  • Other emotions, such as depression, anxiety, let down, frustration — and even pleasant excitement
  • Poor posture and tense jaws
  • Foods (see list above)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Odors
  • Skipping meals
  • Irregular sleep patterns
  • Weather / barometric changes

If you think you may suffer from any of these types of headaches, print this page and ask your doctor if Excedrin® products are right for you.

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