The fact that migraines can be triggered by certain foods or drinks has long been accepted. However, what is not as well-known is the wide-range of foods implicated; often including products normally thought to be "good for us". This article looks at a small number of the studies suggesting that milk is one such trigger.
Migraine sufferers should probably avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea or artificially sweetened drinks such as diet cola, as these are amongst dozens of foods which provoke a reaction in migraine sufferers. To add to this potential minefield, even milk is a high risk food, ranking near the top of the allergy list, and according to a study published in the Lancet in 1979, has been linked to migraines(1)
The best way to learn what foods are causing allergic reactions is to go on a strict diet using only a few foods that are at the bottom of the reactive spectrum (such as lamb or pears). After a period of five days, suspected triggers can be introduced one per day, and any adverse effects can be noted. Obviously, quite apart from the inconvenience and misery of such a restricted regime, it would be extremely unwise to continue the "few foods" diet for longer than five days as serious nutrient deficiencies would arise.
A study of migraines and non-seasonal asthma was done on a group of 48 patients in 1983. The patients were put on a diet which strictly precluded any cows' milk protein. All patients showed laboratory evidence of lactase deficiency, and out of the 48, 33 showed marked improvement following the omission of cows' milk from the diet(2). Lactase(3) is an enzyme that breaks down the milk sugar lactose into glucose and galactose. Persons with a deficiency of lactase in the gut can develop abdominal cramping and diarrhea after ingesting milk products. It appears that migraine could be added to these better-known side-effects.
There are multiple reports of people having severe migraines which ended abruptly when milk was cut from the diet. One faction claims that it is the hormones used in dairy production, and encourages a move to all organic products.
Another faction feels that it is not the milk itself that is causing the problem, but the freshness of the product and the amount of bacteria it contains. This is possibly borne out by a study done on milk intolerance and microbe-containing dairy foods, as it links back into the lactase deficiency(4).
An antibacterial milk product was patented for use by patients with menstrual migraines, supporting the idea that for many, the bacteria in the milk is actually the trigger. This development combined with the previously mentioned lactase deficiency might make an antibacterial milk solution a sensible approach(5).
One particular case study within the patent application(5) reports that a patient with severe menstrual symptoms including debilitating migraine, took two 500 mg capsules of the supplement twice daily over four months, resulting a cessation of migraines and a noticeable decrease of other symptoms. When she discontinued use of the product her symptoms returned, and they reduced again when she restarted using it.
This is a supplement marketed to decrease joint pain and stiffness, but it is claimed that it can address all types of pain, including headaches. It is not suitable for use prior to, or during, pregnancy, or by those who are lactose (milk sugar) intolerant. Understandably, I cannot endorse this product personally, without first trying it. However, as it is an inexpensive product to purchase, and available in health shops, readers benefit from a trial, but must remember the previous warnings.
The fact remains, milk is a trigger for some migraine sufferers, and, by eliminating it from an intolerant person's diet, relief can be almost immediate, only returning with the reintroduction of dairy products to their diet. With so many other dietary sources of calcium available, a trial period of excluding dairy products is a very effective exercise.
References:
(1) Grant ECG; Food, Allergies and Migraine; Lancet, May 5 1979;966-969
(2) Isr J Med Sci. 1983 Sep ;19 (P,S,G,E,B) D Ratner, E Shoshani, B Dubnov
(3) http://www.medterms.com/
(4) Savaiano DA, Levitt MD --J Dairy Sci 1987 Feb;70(2):397-406
(5) US Patent 6770280 Treatment of menorrhagia, hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and menstrual migraines by the administration of an antibacterial milk product
Research by Grace-Alexander
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