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Monday 23 November 2020

Migraine and Cluster Headaches : Is a keto diet helpful ?


Is a keto diet helpful for migraines and cluster headaches?

If you suffer from migraines or cluster headaches, you’ll likely agree that few things on earth can make you feel more miserable. Could following a ketogenic diet possibly provide relief? Emerging scientific evidence suggests that, possibly by reducing inflammation in the brain, keto eating may benefit those with migraines or cluster headaches. Indeed, some people have reported that their headaches dramatically improved after switching to a keto diet.

In this guide, we’ll discuss why a ketogenic diet may be helpful for migraines and cluster headaches, and provide practical advice for getting the best results.

What are migraines?
Migraines are severe headaches that are usually accompanied by nausea, dizziness, and sensitivity to light and noise. They are more common in women and can be triggered by hormonal changes, certain foods, stress, and other factors. Medications provide relief for some but often come with side effects.

Keto for migraines

Why a ketogenic diet might help
Migraines appear to involve inflammation, chemical imbalances, and impaired energy metabolism in the brain. Some researchers theorize that ketogenic diets may provide migraine relief by reducing inflammation and imparting other beneficial effects on the brain.

Scientific evidence supporting keto diets for migraines
In small studies, ketogenic diets have been found to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, leading to decreased use of medication, in several participants. However, improvement didn’t occur in everyone. More studies, especially clinical trials, are needed.

Anecdotal evidence supporting keto diets for migraines
much more to read here

What are cluster headaches?
Cluster headaches cause severe one-sided head pain several times a day for a few days, weeks, or months. In chronic cluster headaches, attacks can last for a year or longer. Triggers include alcohol, chemicals, stress, and weather changes. Acute and preventive treatments may help some but not all people with cluster headaches.

Keto for cluster headaches

Why a ketogenic diet might help
Ketogenic diets can potentially reduce inflammation, and small studies suggest they may be beneficial for people with migraines. Because migraine and cluster headaches share some similarities, a keto approach may potentially provide relief for people with cluster headaches.

Scientific evidence supporting keto for cluster headaches

Limited research suggests that keto diets may help reduce or possibly resolve cluster headaches in people with drug-resistant cluster headaches. However, much more study is needed.

Anecdotal evidence supporting keto for cluster headaches
more to read here

Getting started
How can you follow the keto diet and get the best results for migraines? Here are a few pointers:
Keep carbs very low
Learn more about the keto diet
Take steps to avoid the “keto flu”
Get enough magnesium
Discuss medications with your doctor
more to read here

Key takeaways
If you suffer from migraines or cluster headaches, a keto diet may potentially help improve your symptoms.

Based on published studies and personal reports, some people have experienced dramatic reductions in headache frequency, severity, and medication usage simply by changing their diet.

However, there are no guarantees. As with epilepsy and other neurological conditions, it’s likely that not everyone who follows a keto diet for migraine or cluster headaches will improve.

On the other hand, a keto diet is a healthy way of eating that can provide other benefits. And if following a keto lifestyle might lead to fewer migraine or cluster headaches and improve your quality of life, it seems worthwhile to give it a try.


The above is a snippet from Franziska's article, read it in full with all research/other links here 

Have you any thoughts on the above article? Do you, or someone you know, 'suffer' with migraine or cluster headaches. Please share any thoughts or tips you may have in the comments.


Dear reader, a variety of articles, and recipe ideas, are within this blog, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

26 comments:

Jo said...

It's definitely something worth looking at if you suffer from these type of headaches. Luckily, it's not something I have.

Tom said...

problems that I have never had!

JFM said...

Very good post!
I do not get many headaches/migraines but I know a few who do and know how they suffer .☕

Valerie-Jael said...

Headaches can be very disturbing, good when diet can help. Valerie

Christine said...

Thanks for sharing, good information!

Elephant's Child said...

Having suffered with cluster migraines for many years any help is welcome. And yes, it was a dietary change (not keto related) which finally brought mine under control.

Shari Burke said...

Diet can indeed play a role in reducing/eliminating migraines. I used to get one every 10-14 days or so. Then I cut red meat out of my diet and that took care of the problem quite quickly.

Bill said...

Rarely do I get headaches and I like that.

sandy said...

I'm beginning to like the idea of a keto diet. The article is very helpful.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Good information in case this ever happens to me. Thanks, Jan.

Anne (cornucopia) said...

Good information to learn. I'm glad they're doing studies, to learn these helpful things. Migraines are awful to get.

DVArtist said...

Thanks Jan. I have had migraines since I was little. I know the foods that help me and don't help me. LOL This is good info.

carol l mckenna said...

Very informative post ~ wishing those that experience these find a treatment that works ~

Live each moment with love,

A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)

Susan Kane said...

If this info is effective, hopefully all who are following the Keto diet will have relief!

Margaret D said...

Interesting and thankfully no migranes of the head, only migranes of the eyes once in awhile.

NanaDiana said...

I have a friend that suffers with horrible migraines. Hers is food related and she is very careful what she ingests
Have a wonderful night- Diana

Rose said...

I am thankful I don't suffer with headaches as a rule, and if I do have one, it does not last long. Still this is interesting...

Galina l. said...

I started keto due to migraines.

Joyful said...

There is so much to learn about food and how it affects us.

Dennis Yannakos said...

This article is definitely worth a read! Thank you for sharing!

Bob Bushell said...

Great info for people that occurs, lucky for me, I don't get them. But, I do get suffered friends, and I will send it on them.

DUTA said...

Diet helps to almost anything; however, it's individual. One has to try things and see the reaction of one's body to the trial.

Debbie said...

i had migraines, real migraines, for years. now i take a heart medication daily and the migrants are gone. of cours the medication is off label for migraines, but my neurologist was right, it really works!!!

Sami said...

I'm one of the lucky people who never gets headaches.
Thanks for the article though Jan. Keep safe

Snowbird said...

Thankfully I don't get many headaches. Interesting article.xxx

Teresa said...

Siempre muy interesante tus reportajes. Besos.