A 10 Year Systematic Review (2013 to 2022) on Effects of Diet on Migraine

Citation: Seow, SK, Dave, VS, Ong, RT, Lao, S, Ling, MHT. 2024. A 10-Year Systematic Review (2013 to 2022) on Effects of Diet on Migraine. EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports 7(2): 01-15.

Link to [abstract].

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Migraine, a type of headache characterized by moderate or severe throbbing pain on one side of the head, has sparked growing interest in relation to the role of diet. Although extensive research had been conducted throughout the years, few reviews have been done. Here, a systematic review is conducted to determine the diet, food, and dietary pattern that worsen or reduce migraine, as well as the mechanisms behind it. Using articles indexed in PubMed within the last 10 years, from 2013 to 2022, 190 articles were identified. Of which, 45 articles were included in this review. After analysis, two distinct themes emerged, namely (a) diet, food, and dietary pattern that worsen migraine, and (b) diet, food, and dietary pattern that reduce migraine. The current body of literature shows that diet assumes a critical role and exerts a notable influence in migraine. Diet that worsens migraine include pro-inflammatory diet, high-sodium diet, and high-fat diet. Food that worsens migraine include meat, milk, and dairy products, alcoholic beverages, and chocolate. Low meal frequency may also worsen migraine. On the other hand, diet that reduces migraine include ketogenic diet, Mediterranean diet, DASH diet, and MIND diet. Food that reduces migraine include fruits and vegetables, as well as cold-water fatty fish. High meal frequency may also reduce migraine. Interestingly, caffeinated beverages may worsen or reduce migraine, depending on consumption.