Diet and migraine: what is proven?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to present the latest research findings about diet and migraine, what can be used in the clinic now, and what needs further investigation.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent findings highlight that dietary triggers exist for migraine, for example, coffee and alcohol, according to a new systematic review. Elimination diets must be personalized to delineate a balanced diet with acceptable quality and pattern. A piece of average-quality evidence shows that the ketogenic diet (KD) and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) are effective in reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine headaches in adult patients. The gut microbiome is altered in patients with migraine, and further research will identify the benefits of pre and probiotic use for migraine. Advanced digital technology in continuous monitoring can provide educational content based on patients' needs, help patients adhere to dietary plans, and strengthen personalized care. The complex interaction of lifestyle factors, the influence of age and sex, and patients' needs in various life phases are essential in formulating dietary plans.

SUMMARY: The diet-migraine interaction is a dynamic bidirectional phenomenon that requires careful monitoring, review, and justification of dietary choices to yield the optimal outcome while minimizing potential risks.