As another way of attempting to minimize the number of migraine days I have each month, I have recently begun researching whether there are any changes to my diet that can be made. ‘Keto’ is a phrase that keeps popping up on the internet.
A ‘keto’ diet, or ketogenic diet, is a low-carb, high-fat diet.
Preliminary research has made me decide I will NOT adopt this form of diet.
On the upside, the ‘can do’ list of foods, such as drinks with electrolytes, and high-magnesium foods including almonds, avocados, and dark leafy greens are on my ‘craving’ list of foods for when I’m feeling migraine-prone. Some of the recipes look very appetizing, and it suggests that losing weight is one of the benefits (which I could do with after gaining weight from my migraine medications).
On the other hand, I’m deeply concerned about a diet that uses phrases such as ‘drastically reduce carbohydrate intake’, ‘starve the body of glucose’, ‘side effects include headaches and brain fog’, ‘experts are divided whether the benefits outweigh the risks’, and most tellingly, ‘this diet is controversial and potentially dangerous if you take medications.’
Preliminary research is raising a lot of red flags for me as a migraineur. I’ve decided I won’t be adopting Keto or making any dietary changes until I check in with my doctors to determine what’s right for me. As always, I remind you too not to make any radical changes to your diet or lifestyle without checking with your doctors first.
Here’s some of the links that explained Keto to me (and made me nervous):
The Connection Between Keto and Migraines – Konscious Keto
The Keto Diet and Migraine: 8 Things You Need to Know | Everyday Health
7 Warning Signs You Should Stop the Keto Diet — Eat This Not That
A Keto Diet for Beginners: The #1 Ketogenic Guide – Diet Doctor
500+ Easy Keto Recipes – Makes Keto Diet Simple – Diet Doctor
*
(I’d be curious if others have a different take on this subject).
Regards and take care, Linda.
*
PS – update: on a recent podcast, the Keto diet was referred to as ‘the diet you marry rather than date’ – that is, you have to be committed and expect to stay with it for a while.
PPS – the Keto diet was also referred to in the Migraine World Summit in regard to metabolism and migraines.
The Mindful Migraine 
Leave a comment