Migraines are more than just headaches.
For many, they’re debilitating attacks that disrupt daily life, bringing unbearable pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.
If you suffer from frequent migraines, you know the desperate search for relief. But what if the answer wasn’t in a pill, but on your plate?
A groundbreaking study from Italy suggests that a low-carb, high-fat diet—better known as the ketogenic diet—could dramatically reduce migraine frequency.
Within just one month, participants on the diet saw their migraines drop significantly. In fact, some went from suffering headaches several times a week to barely once a month.
This is big news for the nearly one billion people worldwide who suffer from migraines.
Unlike traditional treatments, which often come with side effects and inconsistent results, this dietary change appears to offer a more natural and effective alternative.
How the Keto Diet Affects Migraines
The ketogenic diet works by switching the body’s primary energy source from glucose (carbs) to ketone bodies (fats).
This shift reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, and other metabolic factors that contribute to migraines.
“Our hypothesis is that the combination of ketone bodies and changed glucose response could lead to the outstanding therapeutic effect we have observed in our patients,” said Cherubino di Lorenzo, the lead researcher from the University of Rome, in an interview with ResearchGate.
The Science Behind the Study
The Italian research team studied 96 women who suffered from migraines and were already working with dieticians to lose weight.
They split the participants into two groups:
- Group 1 followed a strict very-low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) for one month, then transitioned to a standard low-calorie diet.
- Group 2 remained on a standard low-calorie diet for the entire six-month period.
Both groups experienced some migraine relief, but those who followed the ketogenic diet saw the most dramatic improvements.
- Before starting, participants in the keto group averaged 5.11 migraine days per month.
- After one month on keto, their migraines dropped to just 0.91 days per month.
- When they switched back to a standard diet, their migraines increased again, but remained lower than before the study.
Challenging the Conventional Wisdom on Migraines
For years, migraine treatment has focused on prescription medications, trigger avoidance, and lifestyle changes.
But the idea that a diet—one originally designed for epilepsy treatment—could be the answer is a major shift in thinking.
Experts have long known that the brain’s energy metabolism plays a role in migraines.
The keto diet forces the body to rely on ketones for fuel, which are more stable and less likely to cause inflammation than glucose.
This could explain why it works so well for migraine sufferers.
Additionally, ketones reduce oxidative stress (caused by free radicals) and limit sterile inflammation, both of which have been linked to migraine attacks.
Essentially, keto rewires the brain’s energy system, making it more resilient to the factors that trigger migraines.
Why Haven’t Doctors Been Prescribing Keto for Migraines?
Despite these promising results, most neurologists aren’t recommending the ketogenic diet as a migraine treatment—at least, not yet.
One reason is that dietary interventions are notoriously difficult to implement.
Unlike taking a pill, sticking to a strict low-carb, high-fat diet requires significant lifestyle adjustments.
Additionally, side effects such as fatigue, nausea, and “keto flu” can make the transition challenging for some patients.
There’s also the need for more research. While the Italian study is compelling, scientists want to understand the exact mechanisms behind keto’s impact on migraines.
“We have hypothesized that several interacting mechanisms may be at work in the clinical and neurophysiological actions of the ketogenic diet,” the researchers explained in the European Journal of Neurology.
Keto and Brain Health
This isn’t the first time the ketogenic diet has been linked to brain health.
Originally developed to treat epilepsy in children, keto has also shown potential in reducing symptoms of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and even depression.
The brain thrives on ketones.
Unlike glucose, which can cause energy spikes and crashes, ketones provide a steady, efficient energy source.
This stability could explain why the diet helps with neurological conditions—including migraines.
Should You Try Keto for Migraines?
If you suffer from migraines, especially if you’re overweight, trying a ketogenic diet might be worth considering.
However, it’s important to consult with a doctor before making drastic dietary changes.
Here’s a simple three-step plan to get started:
- Ease Into It – Start by gradually reducing your carb intake over a week instead of going full keto overnight.
- Track Your Progress – Keep a migraine journal to monitor changes in headache frequency and severity.
- Stay Hydrated & Supplement – The keto diet can deplete electrolytes, so make sure to drink plenty of water and consider adding magnesium or potassium supplements.
A Natural Solution That Could Change Lives
For the millions suffering from migraines, the idea that something as simple as changing your diet could offer real relief is exciting.
While more studies are needed, the evidence so far is promising.
As Dr. Di Lorenzo and his team continue their research, one thing is clear: the link between diet and migraines is stronger than we ever imagined.
And for those desperate for relief, the ketogenic diet may just be the game-changer they’ve been waiting for.
