Sugar-free Migraines

In fitting with the season, I wanted to put together my thoughts on the impact of sugar on migraines.  With my own migraines, I've certainly noticed a high correlation with the amount of sugar in my diet.  Generally, I'm pretty good about not eating sweets; however, I work in an office occasionally overrun with cookies, candies, donuts, and the link.  Maybe it's the North-easterner in me, but I find it hard to say no to a Boston Cream...

Unfortunately, I notice my migraines are more likely to occur within a few days of high sugar intake: especially when there is a big change.  I also find undeniable sugar cravings during and following a migraine.  This seems to be consistent regardless of whether I've been eating a lot of sugar lately.

There are some interesting findings mentioned in the Natural Migraine Cures FAQ.  Studies have found that, for migraineurs, refined sugar spikes blood sugar levels very quickly... so quickly that standard glucose tolerance tests may miss it!  For some reason, people who suffer from migraines tend to release more insulin than normal, which in turn stimulates the release of adrenalin, which can trigger a migraine.

Additionally, as one might expect and have experienced, going without eating for three or four hours may cause low blood sugar levels--triggering a migraine.  The best course of action, according to Rodolfo Low in "Victory over Migraines", is to avoid alcohol and refined sugar altogether (only eat fresh fruit) and eat every three hours (six small meals a day).

Chromium supplements are also suggested as refined sugars deplete this element from the body, though it's helpfulness seems to be debatable.