• Allergic reactions
• Bright lights
• Loud noises
• Odors or perfumes
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Smoking or exposure to smoke
• Skipping meals
• Alcohol
• Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills, hormone fluctuations during the menopause transition
• Tension headaches
• Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG) or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami)
• Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods.
• Physical or emotional stress

It seems that toxins and nutritional deficiencies are major causes of migraines. 

Some foods and food additives can trigger the start of the migraine. The most notable trigger is a common food additive, monosodium glutamate (MSG). It is often found in oriental foods, but you can find it (or one of its derivatives) in almost every packaged of processed food. It can also be generated in food by cooking. This is particularly likely when cooking meats slowly in the presence of salt (stew, slow cooker meals, pot roast, etc.) The process releases glutamate, which bonds with sodium to form the triggering agent – monosodium glutamate.

Small amounts of MSG can get a migraine started. If you make every effort to avoid all sources of MSG you will likely find that the incidence of migraines will decline. Check labels carefully. It is surprising that such a widely used additive can be so harmful. One food scientist explained that “only” about 0.5% of the population has health problems associated with MSG.

An excellent natural migraine remedy, then, is avoiding substances that can trigger the migraine.