Migraines and Milk

Image source: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/b1/2c/0f/b12c0f299d2ac825eb480ecafd8836c1.jpg

There are dozens of food allergies linked to migraines, including caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea or artificially sweetened drinks like diet cola, but even the best organic substances can cause problems to a sensitive person. Milk is a high risk food that ranks near the top of the allergy list, and according to a study published in the Lancet in 1979 it has been linked to reactive 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).

In a note-worthy twist, an antibacterial milk product was patented for use in patients with menstrual migraines, supporting the idea that for many the bacteria content of milk is actually a trigger. This development combined with the previously mentioned lactase deficiency might make an antibacterial milk solution a sensible approach(5).

One interesting 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 product twice a day for four months and reported a cessation of migraines and a sharp decrease in 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. Not having tried the supplement myself I can't personally endorse it, but as it's an inexpensive product, available in health-food stores, readers may like to try it, bearing in mind the contra-indications previously mentioned.

The consensus remains that milk is a trigger for some migraine sufferers, and often if it is eliminated from the diet, relief is almost immediate and the headaches will not return unless triggered by re-introduction of dairy products. As there are many other dietary sources of calcium, a trial period of excluding dairy products is a very worth-while 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

Share this post