Migraines aren’t just painful – they cause intermediate to severe pain sufferers. When they are severe and recurring, they can result in so much discomfort that they disrupt everyday life. Migraines eventually become so debilitating that everyday activities are no longer enjoyable. There are all sorts of treatments to prevent and treat migraines. Prescriptions and over the counter pain relievers, along with rest, massages and relaxation techniques may help. It could also help to avoid these 5 foods and drinks:

1. Skip the beer and wine

Alcohol, in particular, red wine and dark beer, contain high amounts of congeners.Congeners are alcohol by-products and the darker the alcohol the more congeners. Sticking to non-alcoholic drinks and reminding your friends of your dietary restrictions when out is recommended. Carbonated water is a great alternative. If you are dire need of cocktail, choose a beverage that’s light in color and contains as little sugar as possible.

2. Cut out the chocolate

I’m so sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but chocolate is known to trigger migraines. Chocolate contains the amino acid tyramine, which may make migraine symptoms worse. Next time you’re craving something sweet, consider fresh or dried fruits.

3. Leave tomatoes and onions alone

Tomatoes and onions are found in many sauces and dips. They are popular ingredients for pizzas, salads, and all sorts of meals. Raw onions are high in tyramine, though, and can cause migraines. Tomatoes, on the other hand, are rich in histamines, which are known to make migraines worse. Consider instead filling your plate with green, yellow and orange vegetables instead.

4. Some things don’t get better with age

Aged cheeses are believed to make migraines worse. Be sure to limit intake and make sure that dishes you are served do not have aged cheese in the dish. Once again, tyramine is to blame for making matters worse. The older a cheese the more tyramine it has. Make sure to purchase fresh cheese from your markets and to alert your dinner host or restaurant server of your sensitivity to aged cheeses.

5. Keep it fresh

Fresh, organic food and drinks are known to have numerous health benefits that far outweigh the nutritional value of their heavily-processed counterparts. They are great for migraines too. Preservatives like nitrates, MSG, and artificial sweeteners, have been reported to make migraines worse. Instead, focus your diet on natural, unrefined dietary choices to mitigate the impact of migraines.