MIGRAINES / Blood glucose related???

evertongirl
evertongirl Posts: 120 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Does anyone have advice for reducing migraines - I know I get them from MSG and try to stay away from that by trying to avoid anything with additives, I do everything else I can think of - very limited wine / chocolate / cheese, lots of water, exercise regularly and try to eat regularly, but im now starting to wonder if they are related to blood glucose level as I often get them when I run without eating for awhile before the run.

Someone suggested i should stick to a high protein, very low carb diet and eat 6 times a day - anyone have ideas or information on this. And if so, ideas on how to add more protein into the day bearing in mind i have kids and work full time and travel a lot so dont have time for a lot of complicated food preparation (short easy prep is fine, Im happy with that)??

Advice on when / what to eat before and after running would be good too.

thanks

Replies

  • evertongirl
    evertongirl Posts: 120 Member
    Really - no one on MFP has nutritional advice on this?
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    I know it is frustrating but this is not a place to get advice on such a serious issue.
    http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120/DSECTION=causes
  • AnninStPaul
    AnninStPaul Posts: 1,372 Member
    I would say consistency is a huge help , regardless of migraine issues, just so that you feel better. I had tooo many carbs and not enough (any) fruit/veg for breakfast and lunch yesterday, and my energy level after lunch was a joke.

    For my migraines, I cut out artificial sweeteners (including HFCS) and went on continuous birth control (no withdrawal week) to even out my hormone levels. Which means I don't drink soda and do drink more water. My physician recommended the continuous BC to put my ovaries on hiatus. Your physician can prescribe regular BC (can use a generic, no need to pay up for Seasonale) with no placebos in the pack.

    Many people find that red wine and/or chocolate trigger theirs; my skip level at work avoids both to avoid migraines.
  • princessdracos
    princessdracos Posts: 125 Member
    I feel your pain :frown: Migraines are so frustrating to deal with! I have no idea about them being blood sugar related because my low sugar headaches are not migraines. They're awful, but they're different. I take Elavil as a migraine preventative because many of mine are hormonal, but I have food triggers as well. The worst food trigger I have is bananas. Yes, bananas. When I first started eating better, I decided to eat them again because, "Hey, I'm taking a preventative!" That was stupid of me, and I pretty much kept a migraine. Since eliminating them again (over a month ago), I've only had one migraine.

    Long story short, I'm not sure if it could be related to glucose levels. Also, look at the foods you're eating on a normal basis. You may have a weird trigger food like I do. Good luck finding the answer!
  • arewethereyet
    arewethereyet Posts: 18,702 Member
    I have done a lot of research and have not read anything directly related to blood glucose. I have read a lot on carbs and migraines. Funny, but with all the doctors I have seen, not one has discussed diet with me. Hmm. I am going to Cleveland Clinic next week, let's see if I learn anything new.

    I would say test it. I found out bananas were a trigger by eating for a week, suffering a migraine, then stopping them.

    Nitrates and MSG same thing.

    Mine are chronic, and 1-2 a week over the past year. Jan, Feb and March, I had ongoing migraines. Holy moly-no fun. Now that I am moving more, they are reducing (knock on wood)

    IMHO there are many triggers, and no cure. Something us migraineurs must come to terms with.
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