Chronic Migraine Sufferers and Diet

I have been suffering from chronic migraines for the past 4 years. They started out of nowhere and have not gone away since they started. So I live with it 24/7/365. I've seen several doctors during that time and I've found medication that helps me to live an almost relatively normal life on a daily basis. When the migraines first started, I could barely pick myself up out of bed or do any sort of physical activity. I've realized over time, that after I got them under control with the medication, that exercise seems to help. I'm seeing a new doctor now and he's put me on a new diet. It's honestly very close to the Paleo diet in some ways. I can't eat anything that comes from a can or a box that has preservatives. Everything I eat has to be fixed fresh. I have to limit lean red meat, pastas, rice, and dairy. The main things that I can have are eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, oatmeal, fruits, and veggies. I am not supposed to eat cheese, store bought breads, or drink anything other than water (no flavored or sparkling waters). I also am not supposed to eat out at restaurants due to the fact that you don't always know how they prepare your food. I will admit, I've made most of these changes, but I don't follow them all to a "T." I do like to eat out at restaurants, so I try to limit that to once a week or less. I also can't always stay away from using an ingredient in a box. I try my best, but sometimes some of my dishes that I cook call for things that I can't find a substitute for. Also- sometimes, I do enjoy having a simple bowl of granola/cereal from a box when I'm on the run and don't have time to cook. Sometimes my foods become boring and repetitive due to the fact that so many things are limited.

I'm looking for anyone that has the same condition that I have. Would love to add you as a friend so that we can help one another, offer encouragement, and mutual support throughout this constant battle. Would also love any recipe/food ideas to mix things up a bit!

Replies

  • First off, not a doctor, but just my experience....

    I used to weigh 325 and get migraines weekly, if not more often. Lots of pretty flashing lights followed by hours and hours of evil. Ugh. Tried bunches of different medications, food/diets, etc

    Well, over 2 years, I got down to about 180, and I've had 1 migraine in the past 6 months. The only other change was I added a magnesium supplement as I needed it for running/endurance training. In general, I eat healthier, but still eat the same foods as before on occasion. I didn't lose the weight planning on getting rid of the migraines, but it certainly has been a very nice plus!

    Also, take a look at magnesium. There has been a few small studies on migraine sufferers and low magnesium levels....

    So, maybe there is some hope for ya.
  • lrichelle
    lrichelle Posts: 54 Member
    So sorry to hear that. I use to suffer from chronic migraines, they were awful! I saw several doctors, the last being a naturopathic doctor who did a food allergy test. After eliminating the "allergic" foods, it didn't really change the frequency of the migraines, so food is not a trigger for me. I never did identify any particular "triggers". I have a prescription to treat the migraine when it comes on but the best thing I have found is taking magnesium. My doctor advised taking 500mg every day (I take mine at night). I now only get migraines once every few months. It's gotten so much better! Good luck with your new diet.
  • DanceFittDiva
    DanceFittDiva Posts: 83 Member
    Thanks to you both... I will try a magnesium supplement. No one has suggested that before.
  • Fit2BeFly
    Fit2BeFly Posts: 185 Member
    Thanks for this info as well. I suffer from migraines 3-4 times a week. I noticed an increase when my weight start increasing. Correlation maybe?? Who knows, but will try the magnesium.
  • crista_b
    crista_b Posts: 1,192 Member
    I've suffered from chronic migraines/chronic daily headache since my senior year of high school (for the last 7 years). I've been going to a neurologist, exercising, trying different diets, tried magnesium, tried multiple different meds. Nothing really helps. I'm vegetarian and have tried to limit my gluten intake because I've heard a lot of success stories from people who cut gluten and got rid of their migraines. I also tried a supplement called "Butterbur" that seemed to kind help a little bit, but I couldn't handle the aftertaste. It made me nauseous every day so I've stopped that.

    I have noticed a bit of improvement since lowering my gluten intake though.
  • thecakelocker
    thecakelocker Posts: 407 Member
    The magnesium supplements definitely helped me. Good luck!
  • Docpremie
    Docpremie Posts: 228 Member
    Cymbalta was my cure, but I also have an occipital neuralgia with severe neck pain. The Cymbalta has taken my neck pain completely away. I have gone from a headache 5-6 days/week to one every month or 2. I take Relpax for my occasional headache, which takes it away within 30-60 minutes.