A recent study in the journal Nutrients explored the impact of three ketogenic diets (KD) on migraine symptoms, revealing a potential link between KD and reduced migraine frequency and intensity. Preliminary results indicated that all three diets were associated with decreased migraine occurrences, and participants reported lower fatigue levels.
Migraines, known for their debilitating effects on the central nervous system, can lead to various symptoms affecting the autonomic, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems. The study focused on chronic and high-frequency episodic migraine sufferers, acknowledging the far-reaching impact of migraines on daily life, including work productivity and social activities.
Ketogenic diets, initially designed for childhood epilepsy, involve reducing carbohydrate intake while maintaining caloric requirements through lipid consumption. The study, conducted in Udine, Italy, enrolled 76 participants diagnosed with chronic or high-frequency migraines who sought alternative treatments. Participants adhered to KD protocols tailored to their body mass index (BMI).
Results revealed a significant reduction in migraine frequency and intensity, as well as decreased fatigue levels. The study encompassed three KD variants: 2:1 KD, low-glycemic-index diet (LGID), and very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD), each tailored to participants' BMIs.
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Participants experienced reduced migraine days, lower attack intensities, and improved scores on migraine-related questionnaires. Notably, the study found a positive association between reduced fatigue and improvements in migraine-related scores. Adverse effects, such as mild digestive issues, were reported, but blood tests showed no severe side effects.
While these findings suggest the potential effectiveness of KD in preventing migraines and reducing fatigue, the study acknowledges the need for larger-scale, double-blinded studies to validate these results. Despite limitations, this pilot study offers promising insights into alternative treatments for chronic and frequent migraines.
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