In this blog we are going to talk about the migraine-sugar link and especially how your cravings can hurt you.
If you’ve been reading my blogs, then you know I have mentioned before that I am a “sugar addict.” Well, did you know that sugar and migraines actually have quite a correlation?
Over the years, I have become more and more careful about what I eat and drink. It has made a huge difference with my migraine patterns. When I first started on that journey, I didn’t fully realize how all that sugar overload had an effect on my migraines.
Did you know that blood sugar spikes are one of the least understood when it comes to migraine triggers?
It’s called reactive hypoglycemia, and actually, CNN Health states that this is “one of the 7 most surprising causes of migraines.” It seems that very few migraine sufferers have made the migraine-sugar connection in their own lives.
Reactive Hypoglycemia
According to Migraine Again, CNN Health’s report explains:
“Excessive amounts of simple carbohydrates, such as white sugar and pasta, can cause migraine headaches. When you eat simple carbs, your blood sugar rises. Your body then produces extra insulin to break down the sugar, which in turn causes your blood sugar levels to drop dramatically. That spike and plummet of blood sugar can lead to headaches.”
As we’ve discussed before, skipping meals is not a good option for migraine sufferers because that can cause hypoglycemia as well.
The Migraine Trust has also reported the following:
“Fasting, eating high-sugar foods, dieting too rigorously, and skipping meals can all trigger, or make people more likely to have a headache or Migraine. Even delayed or irregular meals can make a difference. This is usually due to people’s blood-glucose levels falling too low.”
I know that it is normal for us to crave sweets and other types of foods. Sweet foods actually make our brains release dopamine — the best “pleasure chemical” we produce. So the next time you have a long, drawn out migraine and really feel the urge to eating something sweet and yummy, like a delicious chocolate chip cookie! The very “fix” your brain is craving to get rid of the episodic (non-chronic) depression associated with what you’ve been going through as a result of that migraine pain is definitely not your best choice to keep that migraine at bay. Choose a healthy, non-sugary option instead.
If you want to know more about the research behind the sugar and migraines, and how it relates to insulin and blood glucose levels, check out this article by Headache and Migraine News author James Cottrill.
P.S. Have you checked out my migraine book “Conquering Migraines: Your Guide to a Life Without Pain?” This book comes with all types of migraine-friendly recipes and natural remedies—available on my Website and on Amazon. For more information or to purchase your copy >>CLICK HERE<<