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Nutrition triggers migraine headache: A cross-sectional study in southern Iran about the nutrition habits in migraine patients
Migraine is considered the second most disabling condition globally, often associated with other ailments such as Bell’s palsy, hearing loss, and paralysis of the cerebral nerves. This study by Akhondtabar, Negahi & Satarzadeh (2024) aimed to assess the impact of dietary triggers on migraine attacks for the first time in Hormozgan province, Iran. Participants were randomly selected from migraine patients visiting the Shahid Mohammadi Hospital in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran. Both demographic information and details on migraine patients’ eating habits were gathered through a two-part questionnaire. This included questions about six types of drinks, 11 types of food, and fasting practices. The study included 200 participants, with 66.5% women and 33.5% men, aged between 13 and 66 years (average age 31.42 years). Fasting was identified as the most significant trigger for worsening headaches, followed by coffee, alcoholic drinks, and high-fat foods. Non-alcoholic carbonated and soft drinks had the least impact. Nuts and walnuts, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, were among the least irritating foods, while citrus fruits showed no significant difference. The authors suggest that migraine patients should avoid fasting, maintain stable blood sugar levels, and limit the consumption of alcohol and caffeine. Further research is needed to clarify how alcohol and caffeine specifically affect migraines. [NPID: Migraine, nutrition, headache, fasting, diet]
Year: 2024
