Ten to 30 percent of migraine sufferers can pinpoint diet triggers. Here is a list of suspected foods. The amines and tyrosine are suspect. Alcohol causes the blood vessels to expand. Certain substances in wine, such as tyramine, phenols, sulfites and congeners, may be the culprits.
Some migraine sufferers claim that food additives provoke the headaches.
Some people claim that the sweetener aspartame gives them headaches, not necessarily migraines. The relationship of caffeine and headaches is somewhat confusing. A small amount of caffeine can relieve a headache, but too much may bring one on. Coffee initially constricts the blood vessels, reducing the pain, but too much causes the blood vessels to dilate, causing more pain. Brewed coffee has much more caffeine than tea or cola.