General Health, Neurology

Mediterranean ketogenic diet accounts for reduced pain frequency and intensity in patients with chronic migraine: A pilot study

Migraine is a chronic neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, causing severe pain and disability. Although the exact mechanisms of migraine are not fully understood, it is believed that energy deficits in the brain, possibly due to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, play a significant role. Both the Mediterranean diet (MD) and ketogenic diet (KD) have shown promise in managing neurological conditions, including migraines.

In a pilot trial, 25 individuals with chronic migraine followed a Mediterranean keto diet (MD-KD) for 8 weeks. Each patient received a personalized plan that included less than 25 grams of carbohydrates per day and a ketogenic ratio of >1.5:1. Beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were measured with a ketone meter every two days throughout the study to confirm adherence.

The researchers assessed migraine frequency and intensity, body composition, and biochemical parameters at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.

Key findings:

🔷 Migraine frequency and intensity:

• Baseline: 17.5 attacks per month, intensity 8.4/10
• After 4 weeks of the MD-KD: 5.93 attacks per month, intensity 4.9/10
• After 8 weeks of the MD-KD 3.01 attacks per month, intensity 3.6/10

🔷 Ketonemia: Beta-hydroxybutyrate levels increased to 1.23 mmol/L at 4 weeks and 1.41 mmol/L at 8 weeks, indicating continued adherence to the MD-KD.

🔷 Body composition: Participants achieved an average loss of 13.6 lbs (6.2 kg), decrease in waist circumference of 2.2 inches (5.5 cm), and decrease in body fat percentage of 8% by the end of the trial.

🔷 Biochemical parameters: Participants achieved significant reductions in insulin levels and HOMA-IR on the MD-KD.

In this trial, the Mediterranean ketogenic diet significantly reduced migraine frequency and intensity, improved body composition, and enhanced metabolic health markers in chronic migraine patients. This dietary approach may offer a promising strategy for managing migraines, potentially linked to reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. However, larger studies with control groups are needed to confirm these results and assess the long-term effects on migraine management.