Dietary aspects of migraine trigger factors

Abstract

The significance of dietary factors as triggers for migraines is controversial, and the assessment of this topic is complex and inconclusive. In order to evaluate the published evidence on dietary triggers, a critical review of the literature was performed by conducting a search for food item descriptors linked to migraines in the PubMed and SciELO databases. Reviews and relevant references cited within the articles that resulted from the search were also included. Of the 45 studies reviewed, 16 were population studies that involved the association between migraines and eating habits or the prevalence of related dietary factors; 12 involved interventions or analyzed observational prospective cohorts; and 17 were retrospective studies. Approximately 30 dietary triggers were explored in total, although only seven of these were addressed experimentally. In the prospective studies, patients were instructed to keep a diary; two of these studies involved dietary interventions. Conclusions that are based on nonpharmacological prophylactic strategies with a scientific basis and that show an association between certain dietary factors and the triggering of migraines are limited by the lack of prospective studies with clear experimental designs. Nevertheless, the high frequency of possible specific dietary triggers validates efforts to elucidate the involvement of food-related factors in precipitating migraines.

The Relationship Between Migraine and Nutrition

“…In this case treatment can be initiated by omitting food triggers from the diet (9). Alcohol Although alcoholic beverages are known to trigger headache, the type of beverage is also important for the development of pain (8,34,35). Although not exactly known the mechanism through which alcohol triggers migraine may be associated with ethanol, biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine, phenylethylamine, or others), sulfides, phenolic flavonoids, serotonin release from thrombocytes, or dehydration (33,34).…”

“…Caffeine causes vasoconstriction and release of stimulating neurotransmitters and stimulates adenosine receptors inside the brain and vessels and blocks their inhibitors (11). A study in young adults and adolescents who had excessive amounts of tea and coffee intake showed an association between coffee consumption and migraine (8). In addition, in the 2 nd edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders 2 (item; 8.4.1) if caffeine intake in 2 weeks is equal to or more than 200 mg, abrupt cessation of caffeine may also have a triggering effect (39).…”

“…Fasting Missing a meal or fasting are common triggers of migraine in adults (8). Hypoglycemia that accompanies migraine has been suggested to induce migraine.…”

“…Typical features of migraine are headache that may last for 4-72 hours, generally unilateral, which may be moderate or severe in severity and tends to recur. Its severity generally increases with physical activity, nausea, and sensitivity against light and noise occur (7,8). A study found the most common symptoms were noise sensitivity (91.3%) and nausea (74.8%).…”

Nutrition intervention for migraine: a randomized crossover trial

“…A low-fat diet has been shown to reduce headache frequency, intensity, and duration, with subsequently lowered medication use [4]. A recent review identified 16 population studies with data on dietary precipitating factors [5]. Greater than 5% of participants identified specific food triggers in 8 of the studies.…”