There are specific foods that are known to cause migraines. Most people who get migraine attacks are familiar with headache-triggering foods like cheese, chocolate, and red wine. But other little-known foods can trigger a throbbing migraine headache as well. You must know that the domain of migraine-triggering foods is not fully explored yet, so some foods mentioned here can be surprising to many people. Here’s a list of such foods that migraines patients must avoid.

Dried fruits

Dried fruits such as raisins, prunes, and apricots contain amines, a chemical compound that dilates blood vessels and can induce a headache. Moreover, these fruits also contain sulfites, a type of preservative that can cause headaches among some migraine patients. Dried fruits contain some sulfites naturally, so consuming even fresh and organic versions can trigger a migraine in some people.

Nuts

Some doctors recommend migraine patients to eat nuts because they contain large amounts of magnesium, a mineral essential to prevent migraine attacks. But, in some cases, nuts such as almonds and peanuts can trigger headaches. Doctors say that the headache can be because of the tyramine content in nuts and nut butter. Making a note of the type of nuts you’ve eaten before a migraine starts, can help you identify which ones are safe for you.

Tea

Most people know that coffee can trigger a migraine, but in some cases, even tea can induce a notorious headache. This can be because tea is prepared from tea plants that are sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides that can cause stress on our body and brain. Also, like coffee, tea contains some amount of caffeine, and it is good to cut out on all sources of caffeine if you’re experiencing daily headaches.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are yet another surprising food that can trigger a migraine. Although mushrooms are high in proteins and stimulate our immune system, migraine studies found them to be a sensitive food. So if you’re eating mushrooms regularly and getting headaches, you may want to avoid consuming them often. Also, some mushrooms, like Portobello, contain some amount of harmful substances that can trigger a headache, so they need to be cooked thoroughly before eating.

Eggs

Eggs are good if we eat them occasionally, but eating them every day can cause migraines. This is especially true if we eat large amounts of eggs when we have a compromised digestive capacity or leaky gut. Experts recommend buying eggs that are pastured-raised and insect fed, instead of grain-fed. Also, you must stop eating eggs daily if the headaches worsen.

Beef

It’s surprising to know that beef, one of the most prevalent foods in the country, can trigger a migraine. Beef can become a trigger when your stress levels are high. A higher stress level usually means a poor digestive system. Meaning, the beef you’re eating is not being broken down completely, which can lead to a headache. Experts recommend slow cooking and marinating the beef to pre-digest it before eating.