Connection between gluten intake and migraine headaches through dietary factors
In a recent development, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three new drugs for the prevention of migraines in adults - erenumab (Aimovig), lasmiditan (Reyvow), and ubrogepant (Ubrelvy). While these drugs offer a new approach to managing migraines, the question of dietary triggers, particularly gluten, remains a topic of interest for many.
For individuals with celiac disease, gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can have a significant impact on their health. This autoimmune disorder causes the immune system to attack the small intestine when someone with celiac disease consumes food containing gluten. In a 2019 study, it was found that 32.5% of people with celiac disease experienced migraine without aura, while 15.4% experienced migraine with aura. A gluten-free diet is a primary treatment for celiac disease, and some studies suggest that it may reduce migraine headache frequency in people with the condition.
However, the relationship between gluten and migraines in people without celiac disease or diagnosed gluten sensitivity is not well understood. While some people report gluten-triggered headaches or migraines, often labeled as "gluten headaches," the scientific support for gluten causing migraines in the general population without these conditions is limited and inconclusive.
Migraine triggers are complex and can include factors such as stress, alcohol, caffeine, weather changes, hormonal changes, allergies, sleep patterns, chronic pain conditions, medication overuse, and specific foods. For those without celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it's important to identify other potential triggers.
Some small studies suggest that personalized elimination diets can reduce migraine frequency. However, it's crucial to consult a dietitian before trying an elimination diet to avoid weight loss or nutritional deficiencies. Removing multiple foods from the diet unnecessarily can have risks and it is best to seek help from a doctor or dietitian if specific foods seem to be linked with migraine episodes.
It's worth noting that the American Migraine Foundation states that there is no one dietary change or plan that will work for everyone in managing migraines. The relationship between gluten and migraines appears significant mainly in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, but for those without these diagnoses, the evidence is insufficient to establish gluten as a cause of migraines.
In conclusion, while the FDA's approval of new migraine drugs offers a promising new approach to managing migraines, understanding the role of dietary triggers, particularly gluten, remains an important aspect of managing migraines for some individuals. For those with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is a primary treatment, but for others, the evidence is insufficient to recommend a gluten-free diet as a preventative measure. Personal monitoring and consultations with healthcare professionals remain key in identifying and managing migraine triggers.
[1] Celiac Disease Foundation. (2021). Celiac Disease and Migraines. Retrieved from https://www.celiac.org/live-gluten-free/gluten-ingestion-and-health/celiac-disease-and-migraines/
[2] American Migraine Foundation. (2021). Gluten and Migraines: What's the Connection? Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/gluten-and-migraines-whats-the-connection/
[3] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity
[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gluten sensitivity. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gluten-sensitivity/symptoms-causes/syc-20356245
- The FDA's approval of new drugs for migraines offers a new approach, but the question of dietary triggers, such as gluten, remains significant for many.
- For individuals with celiac disease, consuming food containing gluten can cause the immune system to attack the small intestine.
- In a study, 32.5% of people with celiac disease experienced migraine without aura, while 15.4% experienced migraine with aura.
- However, the relationship between gluten and migraines in people without celiac disease or diagnosed gluten sensitivity is not well understood.
- Migraine triggers can include stress, alcohol, caffeine, weather changes, hormonal changes, allergies, sleep patterns, chronic pain conditions, medication overuse, specific foods, and more.
- Some small studies suggest that personalized elimination diets can reduce migraine frequency, but it's crucial to consult a dietitian before trying one.
- The American Migraine Foundation states that there's no one dietary change or plan that works for everyone in managing migraines.
- For those with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is a primary treatment, but for others, the evidence is insufficient to recommend it as a preventative measure.
- Personal monitoring and consultations with healthcare professionals remain key in identifying and managing migraine triggers, including gluten and other potential dietary triggers. [Sources: Celiac Disease Foundation, American Migraine Foundation, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Mayo Clinic]
