Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about how dietary modifications, like removing processed food, can improve headache frequency and severity in those with migraines. Processed foods contain many omega-6 fatty-acid containing oils for preservation. These oils are filled with linoleic acid at a much higher quantity than we would ever get from real food. Omega-6 linoleic acid promotes chronic inflammation and later metabolites contribute to pain transmission in a neuron. The study discussed shows how decreasing the intake of these foods and increasing omega-3 fatty acid foods (from fatty fish) can improve headaches in those with migraines. They demonstrate that these fatty acids that we eat will represent the fatty acids in our cells and therefore affect our physiology. Check out the video for more in depth information on how processed oils in foods can be detrimental to migraine sufferers!
Ramsden C E, Zamora D, Faurot K R, MacIntosh B, Horowitz M, Keyes G S et al. Dietary alteration of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids for headache reduction in adults with migraine: randomized controlled trial BMJ 2021; 374 :n1448
