For the migraine sufferer, a headache can be more than an uncomfortable distraction; it can mean severe pain, nausea, lost time from work and social withdrawal. These episodes can occur with such frequency and duration as to significantly impact quality of life. The fact that many of those afflicted with migraines identify certain dietary triggers highlights the potential role of nutrition in the management of this condition.
Dietary Triggers
Dietary triggers for migraine are often discovered through trial and error on the part of the migraine sufferer. Some triggers, such as alcohol, MSG, certain cheeses and processed meats are common. The Health Services Division of the University of California, Berkeley provides an extensive list of potential triggers that include less recognized foods such as raisins, bananas, yeast bread and avocados. This resource also provides an extensive list of food and beverage items that are not known to trigger migraines.
Caffeine
Caffeine can have a dramatic effect on migraine pain. In fact, caffeine is included in a number of pain-relieving medications for this reason. Regular or excessive consumption of caffeine can lead to a dependency that can cause "rebound headaches" to occur until the next caffeine "fix." According to the American Headache Society, dependency can develop in those who consume caffeine as few as three or more times per week. For frequent migraine sufferers, the Society recommends avoidance of all caffeine until an improvement in headache frequency is seen. Caffeine may then be used therapeutically for headaches, as long as the frequency of use is twice per week or less.
Allergies
Though there is debate within the scientific community, there may be a link between food allergies and migraine. A January 7, 1986 "New York Times" article highlights a number of research studies that have shown that certain migraine patients be allergic to the foods that tend to trigger a headache response. When tests have identified allergic responses to certain foods, these patients experience significant improvement in their migraines when the suspect foods are eliminated from the diet.
Blood Sugar
The American Headache Society stresses the importance of avoiding large fluctuations in blood sugar. This means eating regular meals that contain an adequate balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. Eating high-fiber fruits and vegetables, and avoiding processed foods or sweets is a part of this strategy.
Nutritional Supplements
Dr. Kimberly Beauchamp, a naturopathic physician from Bastyr University, recommends vitamin B2, or riboflavin, to help prevent migraines. She cites a 2004 study published in the "European Journal of Neurology" in which migraine patients given 400 mg of daily riboflavin for three months experienced significant reductions in headache frequency and duration. Participants also reported decreased use of pain medications. According to Beauchamp, there are no known interactions between riboflavin and pain relievers, and riboflavin appears to be a safe and effective therapy for migraine.
