Plant-based Diet for Migraineurs: Does it Work?

December 19, 2021

Plant-based Diet, migraine and neck pain

Many people, especially those who experience chronic episodes several times a month, prefer tapping into natural remedies for migraine and neck pain. After all, these options are more sustainable and lessen the chances of developing additional problems such as rebound headaches. Most recently, The Guardian, a UK-based news site, published a story about a man who claims to have eliminated migraines by switching to a plant-based diet. But does it really work? What does migraine research say about it? Let’s take a deeper dive into a plant-based diet and how it might or might not help with migraineurs.

 

The Claim: Dark Leafy Veggies Can Make Migraines Disappear

The success story of the 60-year-old man who suffered for 12.5 years because of migraine is inspiring. That’s why after the story got published in the BMJ journal, news sites like The Guardian immediately shared the news of hope and healing to people suffering from migraines worldwide. 

Six months before seeking medical assistance, the patient’s migraines attacks worsen. Worried about how things might progress in the next few months, he thought of asking for help.  Right away, his physician recommended following the Low Inflammatory Foods Everyday (LIFE) diet. It’s a special diet consisting of dark green veggies and whole plant foods. 

Two months into the process, his headaches improved. His migraine episodes only happened once a month, from experiencing 18 to 24 attacks a month. This has encouraged him to skip his abortive migraine medications and prevention drugs. Three months after, his migraine episodes disappeared. According to the published report in the BMJ journal, the patient has been living migraine-free for about 7.5 years.

His bloodwork reveals that the LIFE diet he followed increased the amount of beta-carotene serum in his system. The researchers suggest that this might be the reason why his condition improved. So, future researchers might use these findings to unlock the secrets to lasting migraine relief.

 

The Truth on Plant-based Diet for Migraine and Neck Pain Relief 

Now that you know the patient's success story, let’s try to understand the significance of the findings and how it correlates with other studies. 

For years, plant-based diets have been getting significant attention from health buffs. That’s because studies reveal that they can provide many benefits, including: 

  • Lower risk for diabetes and kidney problems
  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Reduced risk for degenerative conditions like dementia
  • Better gut health
  • Better athletic performance
  • Reduced pain levels, especially when you have arthritis and chronic neck pain because of disc degeneration

Plant-based Diet, migraine and neck pain

 

 

 

 

 

Besides these well-known advantages, researchers note plant-based diet also comes in handy for migraineurs because of several factors. To help you understand how plant products help with migraine episodes works, here are some quick facts: 

  • A plant-based diet appears to reduce estrogen levels in the body, which may be helpful for women who frequently experience menstrual or hormonal migraine.
  • A 2014 study shows that a nutritional approach makes an excellent addition to a patient’s migraine and neck pain care plan.
  • Inflammation can trigger the onset of a migraine attack. That’s why doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to curb the symptoms.
  • A vegan or plant-based diet often excludes migraine triggers like cured meats, aged cheese, and cultured dairy products. 
  • Experts claim that a plant-rich diet can help reduce pain during a migraine episode.
  • According to a case study, antioxidants show promising potential in relieving headaches. The high levels of beta carotene – a well-known antioxidant – in the patient’s blood might be the reason why he got better. 

 

Migraine-fighting Veggies You Must Add to Your Diet

The evidence speaks volumes – a plant-based diet can indeed help people cope with migraine episodes.  If you’re keen on getting rid of migraine episodes once and for all, it might be helpful to try switching to a plant-rich meal plan. We recommend talking to your doctor or dietician to determine if it’s the right fit for you. 

Alternatively, you can include certain vegetables and other plant-based products in your everyday meals to help improve your symptoms. This is a good compromise, especially if you don’t intend to become a strict vegan. Here are some of the best migraine-fighting whole food and plant-based products that you should add to your meals: 

  • Spinach – This dark green veggie contains ample amounts of B vitamins and magnesium – two helpful nutrients for people with migraines. 
  • Sweet potato – Besides providing you with enough complex carbs to last the day, sweet potatoes are also rich in antioxidants (Vitamin A and C), B vitamins, and potassium.
  • Cucumber – Hydration is crucial for anyone who frequently experiences migraine. That’s why many people looking for holistic remedies for migraine and neck pain drink enough water and consume food products with high water content like cucumbers, cantaloupes, and watermelons.

 

Try One of the Best Natural Remedies for Migraine and Neck Pain

The evidence says it all – a plant-based diet can indeed help migraineurs experience relief. We highly recommend considering this diet or including low-inflammatory plant products in your meals. Besides this approach, we also suggest exploring other remedies for migraine and neck pain, like upper cervical chiropractic care. 

Upper cervical care offers a different level of healing for people diagnosed with chronic migraines. It uses a holistic approach by fixing postural imbalances in the cervical spine. Case studies published over the years show that changes in the cervical spine, such as the misalignment of the topmost neck bones, can trigger a laundry list of problems, including migraine attacks and neck pain. 

Thankfully, with the skills of an upper cervical chiropractor, you can fix the source of the problem and ensure that your nervous system can heal, recover and function normally. 

Do you want to explore C1 and C2 bone correction for migraine and neck pain relief? Find the nearest upper cervical chiropractic practice and get your neck bones examined for cervical subluxation today!

 

Find An Upper Cervical Doctor in Your Areato schedule a consultation today.

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