Migraine & Diet

Migraine is a condition marked by recurrent moderate to severe headache with throbbing pain that usually lasts from hours to days. It typically begins on one side of the head but may spread to both sides and is frequently accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Some causative factors of migraine may include stress and tiredness. It is the second most common reason behind cerebral pains and it usually affects around 15-20% of the general population worldwide. With the widespread use of over-the-counter medicines nowadays, the pattern of the disease has evolved and the medicine used, only temporarily subsides the symptoms, while the root cause of the underlying pathology remains untouched.

Ardhavabhedaka can be scientifically correlated with migraine, due to its cardinal features of a “half-sided headache”. According to Ayurvedic Samhita, all the three Dosha (Regulatory functional factors of the body) are involved in the manifestation of Ardhavabhedaka, with the predominance of Vata (Doṣha responsible for movement and cognition) or Vata-Kapha Dosha (Kapha Doṣha responsible for regulating body fluids and keeping the body constituents cohesive). Management of these Dosha (Regulatory functional factors of the body) can be done through Panchakarma in ayurveda. Recently, these ayurvedic therapies have been gaining popularity in the holistic treatment of Ardhavabhedaka (migraine).

Urdhvajatrugata Roga (disorders above the clavicle) and their management have a special mention in Ayurvedic texts, as Shira (head) is considered the prime seat of knowledge and the controller of the entire body, as such it is referred to as the Uttamanga (superlative organ). Acharya Sushruta has explained 11 types of Shiroroga (diseases of the head), with one of them being Ardhavabhedaka (migraine), which presents as a paroxysmal unilateral headache associated with vertigo and pain of varying intensity. Nasa (nose) is considered as the gateway of the Shira (head), and Nasya Karma (Medication through the nasal route) is specifically indicated to clear away the diseases located in the head, since the medication is administered through the nostrils. Also, biopurificatory therapy Virechana has a very important role in tackling this condition, prior to starting Nasya and other treatment modalities.

Lifestyle modifications play a humongous role in triggering this condition. An organized and lifestyle style can save your health and money. Timely and mindful eating patterns, timely sleep and wake-up habits, proper exercise can go a long way in keeping you painless.

Diet for migraine

Certain diet changes may reduce the frequency of migraine or lessen their symptoms. Eating a healthy balanced diet can help to prevent migraine. The diet should include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Food to eat:

Fresh fruits and vegetables like carrot, Sweet potato, Yellow and red bell peppers, Zucchini, Spinach, Cauliflower, Avocado, Banana, Apple, etc.

Whole grains like Red rice, Whole wheat, Quinoa, Barley, etc.

Seeds like flax seeds, Sunflower seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, etc.

Nuts like walnut

Fish like Sardine, Mackerel, Salmon, tuna, etc.

Chicken

Olive oil

Food to avoid:

  Food that triggers can vary from person to person. Some common food that should be avoided include:

• Processed food
• Alcohol (especially beer and red wine)
• Aerated drinks

Food additives such as MSG and artificial sweeteners.

• Chocolate
• Caffeine

Citrus fruit

Organ meat

Processed meat like hot dogs, sausages, bacon, etc.

Aged cheese

Note:

• Stay hydrated
• Do not skip meals.
• Caffeine is recommended only to be consumed immediately at the time of having a headache to ease the pain otherwise should be avoided under normal circumstances.