Migraine and Keto

(eileen.zollinger) #1

I started Keto about 4 months ago in an attempt to get better control over chronic migraines. I have had chronic and intractable migraines for 18 years that were non responsive to preventive or rescue meds. Prior to Keto, I did an elimination diet for 19 months where I identified several food triggers and improved my condition…but having read several studies about epilepsy and the ketogenic diet and one with migraine and the ketogentic diet, I decided to give it a try.

I am currently having the same level of control that I did on the elimination diet, 2-4 migraines a month, when it used to be every day. I feel more energetic and I no longer have the brain fog that was common on the other diet. I have also lost 30 pounds and am looking forward to dropping at least another 10. I feel like I am adapting to the diet and will continue to get better with fewer migraines. Does anyone have experience with chronic migraine and the ketogenic diet? Do the migraines continue to improve the longer you are on the diet? (I hope this wasn’t somewhere else, I did a search, but I’m still new to the forum way of doing things0. :blush:

(Jocelyn) #2

I get migraines. Trying Leto as of a couple of weeks ago. So far, zero migraines. I’ll keep you posted. I used to have about 4/month.

#3

I didn’t have really bad ones, just some light sensitive ones every once in a while. Now, the only headaches I get are from when I don’t get enough electrolytes.

(Jason Webb) #4

Same here, had severe light sensitivity migraines. Best thing I could manage pre keto was to pop some meds and crawl into a dark hole and wait it out.

Went Keto back in June and have had zero since. Aside from the other benefits that Keto has brought me, this alone will keep me on the path.

(Jake P) #5

I get migraines a few times a year, but I have headaches all the time. I have been keto for just over a month and have not had any headaches. Also I have some arthritis in my knees, these cold Utah winters usually have me in pain but I have experienced no pain.

(I eat butter by the spoon) #6

I’ve been Keto since August this year. I have only had1-2 migraines since then. Drastically improved.

(Tracy Mason) #7

I used to get 1-2 a week. I have probably had about 3 since starting Keto in July. The last two were triggered by a tight neck muscle. My sinus issues also lessened significantly since starting Keto :blush:

(eileen.zollinger) #8

I think I’m frustrated by the fact that I have not had the miracle cure from Keto that so many others have. I am very disciplined and don’t cheat at all. Every time I get a migraine, I wonder what I’m doing wrong. I know it’s a disease that doesn’t play by any rules, especially mine which has triggered two migrainous strokes (I had all of the post stroke work ups and have no risk factors at all). The last two migraines have been triggered by an asthma attack and subsequent albuterol use (might have kicked me out of ketosis?) and wrapping christmas presents at a weird angle (which triggered a nasty muscle spasm in my neck which is where many of them start.) I won’t give up on Keto for sure. I feel too good. I just wondered if I could be doing something differently…maybe I just need to lower my carbs even more…Generally around 20-25.

(eileen.zollinger) #9

This has some potential for what I need to look into…Thanks!!:relieved:

(eileen.zollinger) #10

Were you episodic or chronic (more than 15 days a month)? I’m trying to figure out some thoughts on the differences between the two and how diet affects them. Thanks! :slight_smile:

(eileen.zollinger) #11

That’s fantastic! I’m hoping that I will continue to improve the longer I continue with this woe. Did you notice that you improved as you went along with keto?

(eileen.zollinger) #12

Light, noise sensitive, tinnitus, nausea, vertigo, speech and language issues…it’s more fun than a hot bowl of bacon fat spilled right down the front of you! And the fact that it lasts for 2-3 days (most rescue meds are out for me because of the strokes) is even better. Woohoo!! I’m really grateful that I’m down to just a few a month. But that can add up to up to 8-10 days down with prodrome and postdrome added in. Were you episodic or chronic (more than 15 days a month), I’m trying to figure out how diet affects the two different groups. Thanks!

(I eat butter by the spoon) #13

Until my early20s I never even had headaches. Then one day I got a migraine with vertigo and they became chronic. Since 2010, with the help of my neurologist they’ve become more episodic. Since keto I haven’t even thought about them, which has been nice.

Have you had cranial sacral therapy?

(eileen.zollinger) #14

I see my headache specialist tomorrow and I will talk with him about that. I think I had that a long time ago when I was 17 and had jaw surgery. I had a massage recently where she worked inside my mouth (is this anything like cranial sacral therapy?) and it triggered some major TMJ issues. It’s possible that if I kept up with that, it might get better, but the three day migraine it triggered was brutal. And the TMJ flare lasted for about 6 weeks. I couldn’t tell if it was one of those times to press on or give up, so I erred on the side of caution and backed off. I always feel like I’m on the edge of tripping back into chronic…I don’t want to go back to that life. I like being able to participate in my family’s daily life. It’s awesome. I won’t give that up without a serious fight. :smiling_imp:

Anybody else's jaw clicking or popping late into intermittent fast?
(Julie Pegler) #15

very random- as I RARELY get migraines but according to the self help guru Louise Hay if you masturbate before the migraine gets bad- it stops them! HA HA HA!

(eileen.zollinger) #16

@Julie Does she have a study to back that up? :joy:

(Julie Pegler) #17

BAHWAHAAAA. Also I have tried it for a normal headache. It totes works dude. :stuck_out_tongue:

(I eat butter by the spoon) #18

I have TMJ issues too which I’ve been told relate to my migraines. The massage in mouth is TMJ.

The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, as well as the attached bones. These membranes extend from the bones of the skull, face and mouth (which make up the cranium) and down the spine to the sacrum or tailbone area.

The craniosacral therapy is gentle touches on your neck and head. There’s no scientific evidence for it but for some it works. It was part of an overall approach by my osteopathic physiotherapist. I believe my imbalances were a big contributor to the migraines and other issues I was having

(I want abs... olutely all the bacon) #19

I believe it takes time for your body to cycle everything out of your system, speaking purely from experience. I suffered with chronic migraines from my early 20s to early 40s. They went to episodic when I went low carb in my 30s, stupidly I cycled on & off LC. Each time I went back on LC it took a month+ for the migraines to start decreasing and several for them to be absent. My migraines were non-existent when I was 0 carb for 18 months, and then 90% gone when I went gluten-free in my mid-40s. Since I went keto in July (49 years old then) I’ve had only 3 migraines in July/August that lasted 1-2 days max. I was able to manage them with OTC and not a prescription cocktail that leaves me with a hangover.

(I want abs... olutely all the bacon) #20

Wow, I didn’t know all of this, it makes total sense with my pregnancy experience. When I was pregnant with headaches my massage therapist would do light massage on my head and neck/shoulders and it worked! Was much more $$ than the drugs, but I couldn’t take them and without the massage I wanted to rip my head off!