Migraines are among the leading causes of health-related problems, especially in American females. A form of primary headache disorder, migraines are often marked by moderate to severe headaches that are pulsating in nature. Symptoms of migraine may include pain on one side of the head; sensitivity to sound, smell and light; nausea, vomiting, and pain that may last between a few hours to 3 days in duration.

Migraines are often caused by environmental factors such as noise or bright lights. They can also be the result of underlying health conditions such as hormonal imbalances (i.e., menopause). However, in some cases migraines may also be triggered by the foods we eat:

1. Alcohol

According to data from the American Migraine Association, roughly one-third of migraine sufferers reported alcohol as a migraine trigger. Alcohol can trigger migraines in one of two ways. For example, drinking red wine may trigger a migraine attack within a few hours or it may cause a delayed migraine, due to a hangover. Red wine does contain high levels of nitrates, which are also commonly associated with migraines.

2. Chocolate

According to other patients, chocolate is a common migraine trigger. Neurologists suggest that chocolate causes migraines due to an amino acid, known as tyramine. However, due to the fact that many women crave chocolate (or sweets) during periods of hormonal imbalance or in times of stress, scientists speculate that these could also play a role.

3. Aged cheeses

While the verdict on cheese and its effect on migraines is still out, many patients have found a correlation between migraine onset and eating certain types of cheese. Aged or ripened cheese such as blue cheese, cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, aged cheddar, Emmentaler, Stilton, brie, Camembert, and swiss are often reported by patients.

If you suffer from migraines and you believe food is the source. Keep a food journal and track your symptoms and frequency of migraines after you eat. Then speak to your doctor. Bring your food journal along to your appointment and consider eliminating the food from your diet to see if you experience a reduction in symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend over the counter or prescription remedies to help manage your migraine pain. Common remedies include Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Excedrin Migraine, and Tylenol Extra Strength. If headaches continue, your primary care physician may order a CT scan or bloodwork to determine an underlying health condition.