The Mediterranean Diet and Migraine
By: Brooklyn A. Bradley, BS; Medically edited by Dr. Deena Kuruvilla, MD
The Mediterranean diet consists of traditional eating habits in the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Spain, France, Monaco, Italy, and Greece [1]. The Mediterranean diet has a lot of different forms, as the eating styles vary among these bordering countries. In addition, the culture, ethnic background, religion, economy, geography, and agricultural production contribute to the differences between these countries and the various forms of the Mediterranean diet [1]. Most often, the Mediterranean diet is discussed in terms of its importance in heart health. Today, we will discuss the Mediterranean diet’s,migraine healthand overall well-being.
The primary components of the Mediterranean diet are fruits, vegetables, breads, grains, potatoes, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil [1]. Olive oil is considered the primary fat source, and dairy products and eggs are recommended to be consumed in low amounts [2]. The goal is to replace unhealthy fats with healthy ones; for example, olive oil and fatty fish (high in omega-3). Wine is recommended to be consumed in moderation [2]. Some examples of fatty fish are mackerel, herring, sardines, albacore tuna, and salmon. These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help fight inflammation in the body [2]. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to decrease triglycerides (fats), reduce blood clotting, and decrease the risk of stroke and heart failure [2].
In general, some types of foods have cardioprotective effects, which means they have the capacity to protect against cardiovascular disease [3]. When discussing the cardioprotective effects of food, the goal is improved cardiovascular health and reduced cardiovascular morbidity (having disease) and mortality (death). Some other factors of improved cardiovascular health include reduced blood pressure, reduced inflammation, improvement in exercise capacity, and improvement in lipid levels in the blood [3]. Inflammation and oxidation are often linked to headache as well.
A study was conducted in 2021 to see if there was a link between adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headache [4]. It included 262 migraine patients and their dietary intakes were assessed. The researchers found that the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower headache frequency and duration. In addition, it was significantly associated with a lower migraine headache index score (MHIS), which is calculated by multiplying frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine attacks [4]. Thus, this study suggests that adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with lower headache frequency and duration [4], Another study conducted in 2021 researched the association between diet quality, Mediterranean dietary patterns, and migraine characteristics [5]. The subjects of the study were individuals between the ages of 18-64 and were being seen at a headache outpatient clinic. The study found that individuals who adhered less to the Mediterranean diet, had more severe disability and more severe and frequent migraine attacks. Those who adhered more strongly to the Mediterranean diet and ate more vegetables, fruits, legumes, and oil seeds (staples of the Mediterranean diet), were associated with lower migraine attack severity [5].
In conclusion, the Mediterranean diet may have a relationship with migraine. A person’s diet quality is important for health in general, and can be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Studies in the last 2 years have shown that there is a relationship between the Mediterranean diet and migraine, and its capacity to alleviate the symptoms of migraine [4,5].
References:
- What is the Mediterranean Diet? In: www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/mediterranean-diet. Accessed 28 Sep 2022
- Mediterranean diet for heart health. In: Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-20047801. Accessed 28 Sep 2022
- Widmer RJ, Flammer AJ, Lerman LO, Lerman A (2015) The Mediterranean diet, its components, and cardiovascular disease. Am J Med 128:229–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2014.10.014
- Arab A, Khorvash F, Karimi E, et al (2021) Associations between adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern and frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headache: A cross-sectional study. Nutritional Neuroscience 0:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2021.2009162
- Bakırhan H, Yıldıran H, Uyar Cankay T (2021) Associations between diet quality, DASH and Mediterranean dietary patterns and migraine characteristics. Nutr Neurosci 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/1028415X.2021.1963065