Migraines are the nineteenth most common patient complaint worldwide. In the United States, 18% of women and 6% of men experience at least one migraine headache episode each year.

There is evidence that patients with migraines have a digestive disorder associated with their glucose intake. Adopting a strict ketogenic diet benefits many patients with migraines because ketones can replace glucose as the primary source of energy for the body. Adopting a strict ketogenic diet does appear to benefit patients with migraines.

Ketogenic Diet Study

A 2017 study found a ketogenic diet reduced migraine frequency by half without any serious side effects. In the study, researchers provided four female migraine patients with a specially designed ten-gram beverage. The beverage contains a specific type of ketone called B-hydroxybutyrate or bHB twice a day for four weeks. Patients also lost weight and reduced inflammation.

A larger double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is now underway to determine if a nutritional supplement that induces ketones is capable of reducing migraine headaches. A natural dietary treatment for migraines would be exciting because of the significant side effects that are currently associated with many migraine medications. Depending on the outcomes of this new study perhaps ketone-based supplementation for migraines may become a new standard treatment.

Chiropractic care often includes nutritional counseling as part of a comprehensive approach to headache care. Research shows that chiropractic spinal manipulation itself has a very positive benefit for migraine headache patients. Based on the outcome of this large-scale study, the use of ketone-based supplementation for migraines may become a new standard. If that happens, people will try out the supplements before seeking care from their primary care physician. As this becomes the new standard, continue to seek treatment for management. If you are in North Dallas and suffering from migraines contact us to start pain relief care today.