Migraine Diet

While there is no "diet for migraines," per se, eating a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet can improve a person's overall well-being and may help lead to a reduction in symptoms. People who believe that certain foods may be triggering their migraines are advised to keep a diary for several months, documenting food intake and other factors surrounding their headaches. Diet may be an issue if symptoms seem to diminish after removing these foods for several weeks.

Migraines

Is There a Migraine Diet?

There is no cure for migraines; however, treatments are available. People may wonder if there is a special "diet for migraines" or if there are foods to avoid to decrease the chances of getting a migraine?

The short answer to these questions is that there is no special migraine diet for most people. Migraine sufferers, just like people without migraines, should eat a well-balanced, heart-healthy diet. Also, only a small number of people seem to have migraines that are somehow triggered by food.

The Well-Balanced Diet for Migraines

Regardless of whether or not you have migraines, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet and control your weight. A well-balanced diet can help you feel better and can also help decrease your chances of developing heart disease or certain types of cancer.

Following are some suggestions for eating a well-balanced diet:

Eat heart-healthy foods, such as:

Fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Be aware that for some people, milk products, such as yogurt, may trigger a migraine.
Lean meats, poultry, fish, and eggs. Nuts and beans are also heart-healthy -- though in some people, they may trigger migraines.

Limit foods with saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium (salt), and added sugars.
Get regular physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week.
Limit your intake of alcohol. Red wine and beer trigger migraines in some people.

(Migraine Diet Continued: Page 2)