What drink to avoid in migraine? A guide to common triggers

October 25, 2025 •

4 min read

Affecting around 12% of the population, migraines are a debilitating neurological condition with a wide range of triggers, including certain beverages. Understanding what drink to avoid in migraine can be a powerful tool for managing symptoms and reducing the frequency of attacks.

Quick Summary

Key drinks to avoid for migraines include alcohol, excessive caffeine, and artificial sweeteners. Identifying personal triggers by keeping a headache diary is crucial for effective management and prevention, as sensitivities vary greatly among individuals.

Key Points

Avoid Red Wine and Beer: Alcohol, particularly red wine, is a common trigger due to histamines and tyramine, which can cause dehydration and fluctuate blood pressure.
Limit Caffeine Intake: While moderate caffeine can help, excessive amounts (over 200mg/day) can trigger migraines, and sudden withdrawal is also a known cause.
Skip Artificial Sweeteners: Found in diet sodas and other products, artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are potential triggers for some sensitive individuals.
Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a major trigger for headaches. Consistent water intake is one of the simplest and most effective preventative measures.
Use a Migraine Diary: Because triggers are personal, tracking your food and drink intake alongside your symptoms in a diary is essential for identifying your unique sensitivities.
Sip Cold Drinks Slowly: Consuming very cold beverages too quickly can cause a 'brain freeze' that may precede a migraine attack.

Understanding Your Migraine Triggers

Migraine triggers are highly individual, and a substance that causes an attack for one person may not affect another at all. However, many people with migraines share similar sensitivities, particularly concerning what they eat and drink. A variety of factors can contribute to an attack, such as environmental changes, stress, hormonal fluctuations, and, importantly, certain beverages. Keeping a detailed diary of your diet and symptoms can be one of the most effective ways to identify your personal triggers and understand your body's specific reactions.

Common Drinks to Avoid in Migraine

Alcohol: A Frequent Migraine Culprit

Alcohol is a frequently reported migraine trigger, affecting up to a third of migraineurs. While any type can cause an issue, red wine is most often cited as a common culprit. The reasons for alcohol-induced migraines are complex and may include:

Dehydration: Alcohol is a diuretic, which can lead to dehydration and trigger headaches.
Histamines and Sulfites: Red wine, in particular, contains naturally occurring histamines and added sulfites, which can cause problems for sensitive individuals.
Tyramine: Found in fermented drinks like wine and some beers, tyramine can affect blood vessels and trigger an attack in susceptible people.
Serotonin Levels: Alcohol consumption can cause fluctuations in the brain's serotonin levels, a chemical linked to migraine. Some people may experience an immediate headache within hours, while others get a delayed or "hangover" headache the next day.

The Caffeine Conundrum

The relationship between caffeine and migraine is complicated. It can act as both a trigger and a treatment. For some, a small amount of caffeine can help relieve headache pain, which is why it is included in many over-the-counter pain relievers. However, excessive or inconsistent caffeine consumption can be a major problem. Drinking more than two servings (around 200mg) per day increases the risk of an attack for many people. Furthermore, sudden caffeine withdrawal is a well-known trigger for headaches as the brain adjusts to the change in blood flow. Experts recommend keeping your caffeine intake consistent and, if you plan to quit, tapering off gradually over several weeks to avoid withdrawal headaches.

Beware of Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin are commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free energy drinks, and other beverages. For some individuals, these can trigger a migraine. The exact mechanism is not fully understood but may involve effects on neurotransmitters or blood flow. Since sensitivities vary, the best approach is to monitor your reaction by keeping a diary. If you suspect a link, trying an elimination diet under medical guidance is recommended.

Beyond the Usual Suspects: Other Beverage Triggers

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): While the science is debated, many people self-report MSG as a trigger. It is a flavor enhancer found in some powdered mixes and soups.
Nitrates and Nitrites: Most commonly associated with processed meats, these can also be found in some processed drink mixes and can cause migraines in susceptible individuals. Research suggests oral bacteria may play a role in converting these substances.
Very Cold Drinks: The rapid consumption of very cold beverages or food can cause a “brain freeze,” which is a painful headache that can sometimes precede a migraine in susceptible individuals.
Citrus Juices: For a small percentage of people, citrus fruits and juices can act as a trigger.
Tannin-Rich Drinks: Tannins found in some wines and teas have been suggested as a potential trigger.
Skipping Meals and Dehydration: While not a specific drink to avoid, skipping meals can cause blood sugar fluctuations, and dehydration is a very common trigger. Staying consistently hydrated with water is vital for migraine prevention.

How to Identify Your Personal Triggers

Identifying your unique triggers is a detective-like process that requires careful observation. Start by maintaining a meticulous headache or migraine diary. For several weeks, track your food and beverage consumption, exercise, sleep patterns, stress levels, and any symptoms or auras you experience. Pay close attention to what you consumed in the 24 hours leading up to an attack. If you suspect a specific beverage, eliminate it for a trial period, then reintroduce it to observe any changes in your migraine frequency or severity. This systematic approach, preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional, can help pinpoint your individual sensitivities without drastically restricting your diet unnecessarily.

Table: Common Migraine Trigger Drinks vs. Safer Alternatives


Potential Trigger Drink	Safer Alternative
Red Wine (Histamines, Tyramine)	Vodka with a migraine-safe mixer (contains fewer congeners)
Coffee (Excessive Caffeine)	Decaffeinated coffee or herbal tea (ensure Swiss water process for decaf)
Diet Soda (Artificial Sweeteners)	Water, herbal tea, or flavored water with natural ingredients
Beer (Tyramine)	Clear spirits like gin or vodka, if tolerated
Energy Drinks (High Caffeine, Additives)	Water, natural fruit juices (non-citrus)
Extremely Cold Drinks	Sip slowly to avoid 'brain freeze' triggers

Conclusion: Making Informed Beverage Choices

While there is no single 'bad' drink for everyone, certain beverages are commonly reported as migraine triggers. For many, alcohol (especially red wine), excessive caffeine, and artificial sweeteners are the main culprits. It is crucial to remember that what triggers a migraine is a highly individual matter. By keeping a detailed diary, you can identify your specific sensitivities and make informed beverage choices that support your well-being. Coupled with other lifestyle adjustments like proper sleep and stress management, controlling your intake of potential trigger drinks can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of your migraine attacks.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition. For more resources and to find a specialist, you can visit the American Migraine Foundation's website: https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not for everyone, but red wine is a frequently reported trigger. It contains histamines and tyramine, which are compounds known to affect blood vessels and can cause an attack in susceptible people. Monitoring your personal reaction is key.

It depends on your sensitivity. Moderate, consistent caffeine consumption (typically less than 200mg per day) may be tolerated or even beneficial for some. However, excessive or irregular intake can trigger a migraine, as can sudden withdrawal.

For some individuals, yes. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame found in diet drinks are potential triggers, but the effect is highly personal. If you suspect a link, an elimination diet can help confirm your sensitivity.

Dehydration is a common and often overlooked trigger. Not drinking enough water can lead to headaches, and in those prone to migraines, it can easily trigger an attack. Consistent hydration is a crucial part of prevention.

Many people anecdotally report MSG as a trigger, though scientific evidence has been inconsistent. It is found in many packaged foods and seasonings. If you are sensitive, avoiding foods with MSG may be beneficial.

Some individuals report sensitivity to citrus fruits and juices. As with other triggers, personal tracking is the most reliable method for determining if a specific type of juice affects you.

Water is the safest option and is critical for hydration. Herbal teas (caffeine-free) and some naturally sweetened fruit juices (non-citrus) are often well-tolerated alternatives.