This Guardian article (19 July 2026) https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/jul/19/banging-headache-mysteries-migraine-treatments claims that foods get blamed by mistake, which prompted this response from the Food Intolerance Network:
Dear Editor
While this migraine article claims that the coming migraine brain activation causes the food cravings that are often blamed for causing the migraine (“victim-blaming”), it fails to account for the great success that people find in avoiding those very foods that are craved so as to avoid migraines.
Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH) Allergy Unit showed that headaches and migraines can be associated with certain food chemicals and that avoiding those chemicals is effective. According to their research* based on 30,000-40,000 patients over the years, the percentage of people with headaches or migraines who are likely to be affected by the following food chemicals is approximately:
- 70% by MSG (E621), preservatives, natural salicylates
- 55% by colours (artificial and annatto E160b), natural amines
- 35% by synthetic antioxidants (e.g. BHA 320)
Taking migraines alone, the 22,000 member Food Intolerance Network has found similar results, with MSG E621 and the ribonucleotide boosters E635 at the top, then natural amines in chocolate, cheese, avocado, wines, etc. Naturally occurring salicylates in most fruit and vegetables are a common cause which, if controlled, can reduce or stop migraine attacks. Preservatives such as sulphites E220, sorbates E202 and nitrates E249 are also commonly fingered.
The process for discovering triggers requires a systematic elimination and challenge protocol devised by RPAH and is available from hundreds of dietitians in Australia and New Zealand. The Network has collected a great many reports of the success of this approach but unfortunately many doctors are unaware of how to refer patients for this protocol.
Dr Howard Dengate BSc (Food Sci, UNSW), PhD (Plant Sci, Lincoln), Cert Plant-based Nutrition (eCornell) is a food scientist who has helped run the 22,000 member Food Intolerance Network for the last 25 years.
*Loblay RH and Swain AR, 'Food intolerance'. In: Wahlqvist ML and Truswell AS editors. Recent Advances in Clinical Nutrition. 1986 London: John Libbey, 169-177.
Readers' report:
‘I had severe migraines all my life. Then I came to a talk eight years ago – as a stall worker, not to learn anything. During the evening, I realised that my migraines were due to amines in my favourite foods - chocolate, cheese, avocado and cheesecake. Now I avoid those and I don’t have migraines any more’. [1073]
'Your books, dvd, etc were recommended by a local pediatrician after we spent a night in hospital with our 3 year old who was suffering from a migraine - no migraines since we eliminated oranges and chocolate. We also do our best to eliminate, where possible all the numbers, especially the flavour enhancers'. - Michael, NSW [1091]
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