Plant-based diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, known for their anti-inflammatory properties due to high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Chronic inflammation is linked to migraine; therefore, reducing inflammation may help manage migraine symptoms. These diets provide nutrients such as magnesium, riboflavin, and coenzyme Q10, which have been shown to reduce migraine frequency and severity. Plant-based diets may promote a healthy gut microbiome, influencing brain health through the gut–brain axis. Gut bacteria imbalances and dysbiosis have been linked to migraine.
Clinical studies indicate that plant-based diets may reduce migraine frequency and intensity. According to the current literature, a low-fat, plant-based diet reduced migraine pain in a small group of participants. The beneficial effects of plant-based foods are proposed to be multi-dimensional. These diets typically reduce the intake of processed foods, red meat, and dairy, which can be pro-inflammatory and trigger migraine. A high nitrate intake from vegetables like spinach and beets can influence blood flow and may alter migraine occurrence, necessitating further research. Understanding the biological mechanisms through which a plant-based diet impacts migraine pathophysiology is encouraged, including the roles of the gut–brain axis, inflammation, and vascular health.
There are limited data on the long-term effects of a plant-based diet in individuals with migraine, necessitating longitudinal studies to understand sustained benefits. Further research is needed to identify the specific components of plant-based diets most effective in preventing or reducing migraine. The effectiveness of plant-based diets for migraine may vary due to genetic factors, gut microbiota composition, and individual food sensitivities. Comparative studies between plant-based and other dietary interventions, like ketogenic or elimination diets, are necessary to determine the relative efficacy in managing migraine. More randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes are essential for providing robust evidence.
