Leena Watts
The ketogenic diet has gained attention as a potential treatment for migraine prevention, with some evidence suggesting it may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. This very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet is known for its weight loss benefits, but its impact on migraines may go beyond that. While some people have found success in reducing migraine symptoms through the keto diet, others have reported no improvement or even negative effects. The keto diet is not without risks, and it is important to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, especially for those with certain pre-existing conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Potential benefits | Weight loss, lowered insulin resistance, reduced high blood pressure, reduced cholesterol, reduced triglycerides, reduced inflammation, reduced migraine frequency and severity |
| Potential drawbacks and side effects | Hunger, fatigue, constipation, headaches, "brain fog", low blood pressure, kidney stones, nutrient deficiencies, increased risk of heart disease, social isolation, disordered eating |
| Sample foods | Avocados, spinach, kale, almonds, chicken, fish, beef, pork, eggs, grass-fed meat, full-fat dairy products, nuts, broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, zucchini |
| Sample ratios | 2:1 ketogenic ratio, 1.5:1 ketogenic ratio, 1:1 ketogenic ratio, 0.5:1 ketogenic ratio, 3:1 ketogenic ratio, 4:1 ketogenic ratio |
| Sample studies | Retrospective observational study on 23 migraine patients; Di Lorenzo's 2019 study in the Nutrients Journal on 35 obese people with migraines |
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What You'll Learn
Potential benefits of the keto diet
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a very low-carb, high-fat way of eating. It involves getting about 70 to 80 percent of daily calories from fats, with smaller percentages from protein and carbohydrates. The keto diet has been linked to several health benefits, including weight loss and migraine prevention.
Weight loss
The keto diet is well-known for its ability to promote weight loss. Research suggests that the keto diet is effective for weight loss, which is significant as being overweight or obese is associated with chronic migraine. In a retrospective observational study on 23 migraine patients, a reduction in weight and BMI was observed after three months of following the keto diet.
Migraine prevention
There is some evidence that the keto diet may help reduce the frequency and severity of migraine attacks. A study published in the Nutrients Journal in 2019 compared two low-calorie diets in a group of 35 obese people with migraines. The participants followed a low-calorie non-ketogenic diet for one month, no diet for one month, and then a ketogenic diet for one month. The keto diet month led to a greater decrease in headache days compared to the non-ketogenic diet month. Additionally, 75% of participants had a 50% response during the keto diet month, compared to only 8% during the non-ketogenic diet month.
Reduced inflammation
Adopting a ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, and inflammation is a key factor in migraines. Ketones, which are produced when the body burns fat for fuel, are said to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Lowered insulin resistance
The keto diet has been linked to lowered insulin resistance, which can be beneficial for overall health and may also impact migraine frequency and severity.
Other potential benefits
The keto diet has also been associated with a reduction in high blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Additionally, it may help promote other good habits and a mindful approach to managing migraines. However, it is important to note that the keto diet may not work for everyone and can be difficult to adhere to. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially a restrictive diet like the keto diet.
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Risks and side effects
While the ketogenic diet is a promising tool for managing migraines, it is not without its risks and side effects.
Firstly, the keto diet can be challenging to follow long-term and may cause changes to bowel habits, including constipation. A significant number of patients in one study also experienced migraines during the study period, which could be attributed to low hydration, a common issue when starting a keto diet.
Secondly, the keto diet can cause "keto flu" symptoms in the initial stages, with fatigue being the most frequently reported side effect, along with "brain fog." Other possible side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, and headaches, which ironically overlap with migraine symptoms.
Thirdly, the keto diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, especially if not carefully planned. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before starting, as the diet may not be suitable for those with certain conditions, such as diabetes, or issues involving the pancreas, liver, thyroid, or gallbladder.
Additionally, the keto diet can cause electrolyte imbalances and low blood sugar, which can trigger migraines. There is also a risk of developing kidney stones, low blood pressure, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Lastly, strict diets like keto could potentially lead to social isolation or disordered eating patterns. Therefore, it is essential to proceed with caution and seek professional guidance when considering the keto diet for migraine management.
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Nutritional considerations
The ketogenic diet is thought to help reduce migraine frequency and severity by reducing inflammation in the body. This is achieved by increasing the consumption of healthy fats and reducing carbohydrates, which are believed to be migraine triggers. Natural sources of animal protein, such as chicken, fish, beef, and pork, are recommended, along with leafy green vegetables. Avocados, spinach, kale, and almonds are also suggested as they are high in magnesium, which can help prevent migraine attacks.
However, it is important to note that the ketogenic diet may not work for everyone and can be difficult to adhere to. Some people have reported that it made their migraines worse, and it can be challenging to maintain weight loss on this diet. Additionally, severely limiting carbohydrates can have side effects such as hunger, fatigue, constipation, headaches, and "brain fog". The diet also carries risks such as low blood pressure, kidney stones, nutrient deficiencies, and an increased risk of heart disease.
Due to these potential risks, it is highly recommended that individuals consult with a healthcare professional before starting the ketogenic diet. It is not suitable for those with conditions involving the pancreas, liver, thyroid, or gallbladder. The ketogenic diet is a subject of ongoing research in neuroscience and migraine care, and more studies are needed to fully understand its effectiveness in preventing migraines.
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Weight loss and migraine
The ketogenic diet is a very low-carb, high-fat way of eating that has been associated with weight loss and other health benefits, including potentially preventing migraines. The diet involves getting about 70 to 80 percent of daily calories from fat and smaller percentages of calories from protein and carbohydrates. While there is some evidence that the ketogenic diet may help reduce migraine frequency and severity, it is not a guaranteed solution and may even worsen migraines in some individuals.
Some studies have shown that the ketogenic diet can lead to a reduction in monthly headache days and medication intake. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of the diet may not be solely due to weight loss but also to other mechanisms specific to the ketogenic diet, such as its impact on metabolism. Additionally, the ketogenic diet can be difficult to adhere to and may not be suitable for everyone.
While weight loss may be beneficial for migraine management, it is important to note that extreme weight loss methods such as starvation are not recommended. Instead, a balanced approach that focuses on improving diet and increasing physical activity is suggested. Behavioural weight loss programs have been shown to produce consistent weight losses of 8-10 kg at 6 months, which can help reduce the risk of diabetes and improve cardiovascular disease risk factors.
In conclusion, weight loss may play a role in managing migraines, especially in obese individuals. The ketogenic diet has been suggested as a potential dietary intervention for migraines, but it may not work for everyone, and more research is needed. A comprehensive approach that includes dietary changes, weight management, and regular physical activity may be beneficial for reducing migraine frequency and severity.
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Research and studies
The ketogenic diet is a current focus of research in neuroscience and migraine care. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in preventing migraines.
In a retrospective observational study, 23 migraine patients were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months of following a ketogenic diet from neurological and nutritional perspectives. The study observed a reduction in monthly headache days, days of acute medication intake, weight, BMI, and fat mass. These findings suggest that the ketogenic diet may be effective in reducing migraine frequency and severity.
Another study compared the effects of a ketogenic diet and a low-calorie non-ketogenic diet on migraine prevention. The ketogenic diet group showed a greater decrease in headache days and a higher response rate compared to the non-ketogenic diet group. This study suggests that the benefits of the ketogenic diet may be related to ketosis rather than weight loss.
A proof-of-concept study in overweight migraine patients found that a very low-calorie ketogenic diet for 1 month followed by a progressive carbohydrate reintroduction resulted in a marked reduction in headache days. However, transitioning to a standard low-calorie diet led to a worsening of symptoms, highlighting the potential efficacy of ketosis in migraine management.
Additionally, a retrospective single-center real-life study evaluated the efficacy of a 2:1 ketogenic diet in treating chronic and high-frequency episodic migraines. The study collected data on migraine frequency, intensity, and various anthropometric measurements. The results showed a significant reduction in all variables, including migraine days, intensity, BMI, weight, and fat mass.
While there is some evidence suggesting the potential benefits of the ketogenic diet in migraine prevention, it is important to note that this diet may not work for everyone and can be difficult to adhere to. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between the ketogenic diet and migraine improvement.
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Frequently asked questions
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a very low-carb, high-fat way of eating. It involves getting about 70 to 80 percent of daily calories from fats, smaller percentages from protein, and a low percentage from carbohydrates.
The ketogenic diet is said to reduce inflammation in the body, and inflammation is at the core of migraines. The diet also stabilizes the electrical activity of the brain. In addition, the diet may help with weight loss, and there is a relation between migraine and excess weight.
Foods such as eggs, grass-fed meat, full-fat dairy products, nuts, avocados, spinach, kale, almonds, chicken, fish, beef, pork, and low-carb vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Yes, potential risks include low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies, and an increased risk of heart disease. The diet is also not safe for individuals with conditions involving their pancreas, liver, thyroid, or gallbladder.
