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Unlike a severe headache, a migraine is a neurological condition associated with multiple symptoms. It is estimated that one out of six Americans currently battles migraine symptoms. Women are among the highest sufferers, with approximately one out of five women experiencing a migraine within three months. (1) Currently, there is no cure for migraine sufferers; however, there are many things you can do to manage or prevent symptoms. (2)
Migraines tend to have a genetic component, making them common among family members, and can occur at any age.
Migraine symptoms can include pulsating, throbbing pain that begins with fatigue, moodiness, gastrointestinal symptoms, and a sensitivity to lights and sounds. (3,4) These symptoms are considered prodrome, meaning the first signs of an oncoming migraine episode. These symptoms typically occur a few hours up to several days before a migraine reaches its maximum level.
Neurological symptoms occur in the next phase of migraine progression. These symptoms are classified into two types: Migraine with aura and migraine without aura.
Migraine with aura: This migraine involves symptoms associated with the central nervous system. These symptoms build slowly and can occasionally end with a mild headache or additional symptoms associated with migraines.
At least one of these migraine aura symptoms are experienced:
Visual: experiencing shapes passing through the field of vision, flashes of light, or bright spots in the field of vision or losing sight temporarily.
Sensory: experiencing tingling or prickling on the face, legs, or arms.
Speech: experiencing a loss of ability to speak clearly
Migraine without aura: This type of migraine typically involves a headache for 4-72 hours. You may have bouts of nausea along with vomiting or sensitivity to light and sounds. You may also experience at least two of the following symptoms: (5)
Moderate to severe pain
A pulsating sensation
Unilateral location
Symptoms worsen with routine physical activity
After the pain from the migraine is reduced with both migraine classifications, some individuals will experience lingering migraine symptoms that are referred to as the postdromal migraine phase. (3)
Migraines and A Ketogenic Diet
When adopting a ketogenic diet you will greatly reduce your carbohydrate intake and replace those calories with healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil. By reducing carbohydrates your body begins to burn fat as fuel and you enter a state of ketosis. When in ketosis, your body can convert the fat in your liver into ketones and supply your brain with energy. (6) A well-formulated ketogenic diet is associated with several health benefits (6-8)
A typical ketogenic diet has a very low amount of carbohydrates, moderate protein, and high fat. It is usually broken down as 70% fat, 20% protein, and 10% carbs. (9)
Following a ketogenic diet can be difficult and very stringent. By following a ketogenic diet, you will remove all grains. The key to success on a keto diet is being prepared.
Tips for success on a ketogenic diet:
Prepackage nut butter with low carb veggies such as celery with peanut butter or cheese with cucumbers
Prepare salmon, chicken, tofu on the weekend and have on hand ready for quick meals and snacks. Pair with low-carb vegetables to fill up on fiber, so you feel full longer.
Salmon is a great source of protein, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. This fatty fish is associated with many health benefits including reducing inflammation and improving how the cells of your arteries function. (12)
A recent study found that diets rich in omega-3 fatty fish were associated with a reduction in the frequency and severity of headaches in individuals that suffer from migraines. (13)
Dark green leafy vegetables were credited for significantly reducing migraine frequency and severity in a recently published case study. (14) After three months, the patient had a 50% reduction in the frequency of headaches after consuming a nutrient-dense diet rich in dark green leafy vegetables. (14)
Antiepileptic drugs are currently used to prevent migraines. Topiramate is one of the drugs commonly used by migraine sufferers. There are several major dietary interactions for this drug. One major dietary interaction is wine. Wine can increase the sedative effect of topiramate and increase its adverse effects. (15)
If you consume wine while taking this type of medication it is advised that you consult with your prescribing doctor for advice on wine consumption.
Beneficial Supplements to consider:
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a botanical that grows naturally in Europe, North America, and South America. Feverfew can be used as a supplement to prevent migraines and possibly reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. (16-20)
Dosage:
Tincture 1/4 (by mouth - three times a day) (21)
Feverfew is safe for most individuals. Some experience mild adverse effects involving inflammation of the tongue or mucosa of the mouth. (22)
Contraindicated for pregnancy due to its role in stimulating blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. (21)
Magnesium is a vital mineral that our body uses to perform a variety of functions. Several studies on magnesium supplementation have shown its beneficial impact on reducing the severity and frequency of migraine symptoms. (23-25)
Dosage: (21)
300-600 milligrams daily in divided doses
The form of magnesium is important. Magnesium glycinate is a form that is readily absorbed into your tissues. Some forms of magnesium can cause loose stools.
If magnesium or feverfew is a therapy you would like to consult with your doctor or a nutritionist to formulate the best plan for you.
Alternative Therapies To Consider: Acupunture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that utilizes thin needles and inserts them into various pressure points on the body. Acupuncture was endorsed as a beneficial treatment for pain by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1979.
Several studies suggest acupuncture is associated with relief experienced by individuals with chronic headache pain. (26, 27)
The benefits attributed to acupuncture therapy include headache prevention, fewer side effects, and financial savings.
A randomized clinical trial followed 249 individuals who suffered migraine headaches without aura for 24 weeks. The trial outcome showed acupuncture had a significant impact on long-term migraine prevention. (27)
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