Migraine Diet: Foods To Eat And Avoid

Say goodbye to those throbbing headaches with a well-planned dietary approach. The migraine diet is designed to identify and eliminate potential trigger foods and include migraine-friendly foods in your diet. Processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners are some common trigger foods that are avoided. The diet instead incorporates omega-3 fats and fiber-rich foods and promotes adequate hydration. In this article, we further discuss the migraine diet by sharing with you the list of food types to include, possible triggers, a sample diet plan, and more. Continue reading.

At A Glance: Migraine Diet

• Principle: Identifying and eliminating specific food groups that trigger migraine
• Purpose: To manage and prevent migraine headaches
• Who It Is For: Individuals who experience migraine headaches.
• Duration: Depends on individual needs
• Who Should Avoid: People with eating disorders
• Cons: May cause nutrient deficiencies.

What Is A Migraine Diet?

A migraine diet is designed to identify and eliminate specific foods and beverages that are known to trigger and worsen migraine symptoms like intense headaches, sensitivity to light or sound, and fatigue. Though triggers vary among individuals, caffeine, alcohol, processed meats, MSG, and aged cheeses are some common foods that trigger migraine headaches (1). Consulting your healthcare professional for a personalized diet plan is recommended.

Did You Know?

Among US adults, self-reported migraines and severe headaches are quite common and impact 1 in 5 women and 1 out of every 6 Americans (2).

Adequate hydration, consistent meal schedules, and proper sleep can help with migraine management. A food diary can help you identify problem foods and eliminate them from your diet.

Nutrition has a major role to play in migraine control. Learn more in the next section about the link between diet and migraine.

What Is The Role Of Diet In Managing Migraine?

The connection between nutrition and migraine is complex and is still not entirely understood. However, certain foods rich in magnesium, fiber, and omega-3 fats may effectively help manage a few symptoms of migraine (3).

Though there is limited scientific evidence, the following dietary modifications may possibly help improve migraines (1), (4):

• The Ketogenic Diet: This low-carb diet burns fat instead of carbs and alters brain metabolismⁱ  A set of complex chemical reactions that occur in the brain and support cognitive functions, including mood regulation. . This may counteract neural inflammation and reduce migraine frequency (5).
• Low‐Fat Diet: Intake of a low-fat diet was found to reduce the severity and incidence of migraine headaches (6).
• The DASH Diet: The Dietary Approach To Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet suggests the intake of foods with low sodium content to lower blood pressure levels. Although more research is needed in this area, there may be a possible link between elevated blood pressure and headache, particularly migraine (7). Another study found that the diet is associated with lower headache severity and duration in women who have migraine (8).
• The High-Folic Acid Diet: Folate aids in the conversion of homocysteineⁱ  An amino acid your body makes, the high levels of which can cause heart disease and stroke. into methionineⁱ  An essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in metabolism and is found in fish, meat, and dairy products. . High homocysteine levels in the blood are associated with an increased risk of migraine (9).
• The Modified Atkins Diet: This low-carb diet is similar to the Keto diet. It helps induce ketosisⁱ  A metabolic state that occurs when the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose reserves. that may help reduce migraine headaches (10). However, further research is needed in this regard.
• The H3-L6 (High Omega-3/Low Omega-6) Diet: Omega-3 fats are known for their anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation. This may play a role in minimizing migraine headaches (11).

While these diets seem to have certain benefits, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before getting started on any of them.

Did You Know?

The ancient Egyptians were the first to document some of the earliest instances of severe headaches. In the year 400 B.C., Hippocrates made reference to the aura that can precede a migraine.

While migraine attacks can be quite uncomfortable, they occur in phases. Understanding them is another step you can take towards recovery. Learn more in the next section.

What Does A Migraine Attack Feel Like?

Migraine attacks vary from person to person. However, they are typically characterized by intense headaches and other symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound. Migraine attacks can occur in four phases (12):

• The Prodromal Phase: It precedes the headache phase by up to 72 hours and is accompanied by irritability, changes in mood, fatigue, food cravings, stiff neck, repeated yawning, and phonophobia (sensitivity to sound).
• The Aura Phase: It consists of fully reversible neurological symptoms that last between 5 and 60 minutes. These symptoms are typically related to sensory and motor functions.
• The Headache: It is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, phonophobia, and photophobia (sensitivity to light), and lasts up to 4 to 72 hours.
• The Postdrome Phase: Also known as the migraine hangover phase, it can last for hours to even days. Typically, the headache subsides by this phase, but is accompanied by tiredness, stiffness in the neck, and difficulty concentrating.

One approach to dealing with migraines is properly planning your meals according to your requirements. The following sample diet plan can give you an idea.

3-Day Sample Migraine Diet Plan

Day 1

• Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs, 1 whole-grain toast, 1 cup of chamomile tea
• Lunch: 2 cups of spinach and strawberry salad with 3 oz. grilled chicken, 1 glass of water
• Snack: ¼ cup of mixed nuts, 6 oz. Greek yogurt
• Dinner: 1 cup of roasted Brussels sprouts, 4-6 oz. baked salmon

Day 2

• Breakfast: 1 sesame bagel with cream cheese, 1 glass of water
• Lunch: 4-6 oz. grilled shrimp with 1 cup of broccoli, ½ cup of brown rice, 1 glass of water
• Snack: 1 cup of baby carrots, 1 glass of water
• Dinner: 4-6 oz. grilled chicken with 2 cups of sautéed spinach

Day 3

• Breakfast: 1 cup of smoothie with spinach, 1 oz. almonds, ½ cup of grapes
• Lunch: 1 cup of quinoa and chickpea salad, 1 pear, 1 glass of water
• Snack: 2 celery sticks with 2 tablespoons of almond butter, 1 glass of water
• Dinner: 4-6 oz. grilled chicken breast with ½ cup of brown rice, 1 cup of asparagus

This is a sample 3-day migraine diet plan that you can try. Apart from this, you also must know what foods can trigger migraines – so that you can avoid them altogether. Learn more in the next section.

What Foods Can Trigger A Migraine?

Migraine is a multidimensional disorder that is influenced by several factors. The right diet, along with medical compliance, plays a major role in migraine management. Foods may not always trigger headaches directly. In some cases, missing meals, hunger, and food cravings may also cause them (12).

Migraines are often linked with metabolism. Hence, an elimination diet strategy may help treat them. Here are some dietary ingredients that may trigger headaches (3):

• Vegetables (tomatoes, olives, onions, and lima beans)
• Fruits (avocados, red plums, and figs)
• Dairy Products (aged cheese, yogurt, and sour cream)
• Snacks/Desserts (ice cream, chocolates, nuts, and peanut butter)
• Alcoholic Beverages (red wine and malted beers)
• Caffeine (coffee and other caffeinated drinks)
• Artificial Sweeteners (Aspartame and sucralose)
• Nitrite-rich Foods (Aged or processed meats, pickled fish or meat, and hot dogs)
• Tyramine-rich foods (some kinds of fresh baked foods and aged cheeses)
• Histamine-containing Foods (Dried fruits and fermented foods)
• Phenylethylamine-rich Foods (Citrus fruits, soy foods, chocolate, and vinegar)
• Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) (used in instant noodles, hot dogs, deli meats, ann sausages)
• Gluten-rich Foods (wheat-based bread, pasta, cakes, and cookies)

These are some foods that can trigger migraine headaches. Avoiding these is one part of the equation. The other part is incorporating those foods in your diet that can help alleviate the condition. Learn more about them in detail in the next section.

Best Foods And Drinks For Migraines

There is no scientific data suggesting a standard list of foods that can help prevent migraines. However, some foods rich in specific nutrients may help deal with the symptoms and reduce migraine frequency. These include:

• Magnesium-rich Foods: Include leafy greens, almonds, whole grains, and tuna fish. Using magnesium salts or supplementing magnesium may also help reduce the frequency of migraines (13).
• Fiber-rich Foods: Consume fruits, vegetables, and legumes. In some individuals, increasing daily fiber intake by just 10 grams was found to possibly reduce migraine prevalence by 11% (4).
• Omega-3 Fats: Include omega-3-rich foods like fish, seeds, and legumes in your diet. Omega-3 fats inhibit the inflammatory action of cytokines with their anti-inflammatory properties and may help relieve migraine pain (14).
• Green Tea: Anecdotal evidence suggests that moderate intake of green tea may provide relief from migraines due to the presence of antioxidants.
• Water: Dehydration is one of the most common triggers of migraine headaches. Stay hydrated throughout the day.

Rather than focusing on what to eat when nauseous or experiencing other migraine symptoms after the fact, make it a habit to include these foods in your daily diet. Over time, they may help control the symptoms. In addition, consistent meal schedules and proper sleep may help control migraine. Skipping meals may lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels and may trigger migraines in some people.

Note: If you are experiencing migraine headaches, keeping a food journal is a great way to identify potential triggers and reduce exposure to them.

The severity of migraine headaches varies from person to person, and it is essential to know when to seek medical advice. Know more in the next section.

When To See A Doctor

Seek medical attention if you have frequent and severe headaches. Also, consult your healthcare provider if you are looking to make dietary changes to alleviate migraine headaches.

Infographic: Foods That Trigger Migraine

The migraine diet focuses on identifying and avoiding trigger foods to prevent and manage migraine headaches. While triggers can vary from person to person, we have created a list of common foods and drinks that you may avoid when you are on this diet. Check out the infographic below for more information.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to see results from a migraine diet?

In general, it may take at least a few weeks to months to see results from a migraine diet. The results depend on the type of dietary changes you make to your diet, your sensitivity to foods, and medical conditions, if any.

What are some common mistakes people make when following a migraine diet?

Not drinking enough water, not carefully reading product labels for ingredients, skipping meals, and eliminating too many foods at a time are some common mistakes people make when following a migraine diet.

Can children and teenagers follow a migraine diet safely?

Yes. Children and teenagers can safely follow a migraine diet. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to understand their nutritional needs before they start the diet.

Illustration: Migraine Diet: Foods To Eat And Avoid

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Struggling with migraines? Dive into this informative video on the ketogenic diet’s potential to alleviate those painful episodes. Discover the diet’s impact on migraines and regain control of your well-being.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Mary SabatRDN, LD

     

Mary Sabat is a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer with over 30 years of experience. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Delaware and a master’s degree in Human Nutrition (with an emphasis on Exercise Science) from Rutger’s University.

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Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

 

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

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Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

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Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science.

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