Migraines and Atkins Diet?
 

Just curious if there are any migraine sufferers out there who found a decrease in them once on the Atkins diet? Or an increase?

Thanks!

I haven't noticed any change, really. I hadn't had any in years, then got a run of them, but I wouldn't link them to the diet, since it was months into Atkins for me, and I was under major stress at the time.

I've averaged two or three of nasty migraines per year long before doing Atkins. Had one in the 4th week of diet that I finally knocked down with Imitrix (boy, I'm glad they developed that stuff, even if it does cost a fortune!) I'm just into my 11th Atkins week now, and (not unexpectedly), nothing more.

Lots of people report headaches during the 1st week of Induction, probably caused by sugar or caffeine withdrawal...but that's not even close to a true migraine. I've never heard of any increased incidence of migraines in Atkins dieters, but I wouldn't be surprised if there were some decreases in people with triggers from specific foods. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case with me.

I have had a decrease in the frequency of migraines while following Atkins correctly. Now when I indulge in caffeine, sugar free products, ASPARTAME, or too much dairy it tends to trigger headaches for me.

Staying away from caffeine is probably one of the best things you can do as a migraine sufferer. Of course, when I take medication for it, it has caffeine, but you know. I think a lot of my migraines were triggered by blood sugar problems and food intolerances, so yeah, it's helped.

Angela, I actually find that caffeine is one of the only things that helps keep my migraines away. Excedrin is my lifesaver. If I don't take it, my neck gets really tense and that leads to migraines. I've tried going off of it, but then I just suffer every day with neck pain and migraines at least once a week.

Yeah, caffeine is weird when it comes to migraines. I either have to be completely on it or completely off it, ya know? Being off it seems a little better for me because I don't have to take my dose. If staying on the caffeine works for you, go for it! :)

Hiya
I find my migraines are triggered by low blood sugar (skipping a meal), compounded by things like stress or tiredness.
Hence, Atkins seems to be doing wonders! :) My blood sugar is much more stable, so headaches in general are much rarer for me, and it seems the chances of triggering a migraine are much reduced!

Cheers
S
(edit: I got a bastard of a migraine on day 2 of induction... Just confirmed for me the blood sugar link)