According to new research, people who suffer from migraine headaches may be able to reduce the frequency of their migraines by eating a Mediterranean diet that includes lots of oily fish.
A neurological disorder, a migraine is described as an intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head. While people often use painkillers and medication to alleviate their pain, there is currently no cure for the condition.
ALSO WATCH Headache: Recognise the different kinds and their warning signs!
The research, published in the British Medical Journal, found that Omega 3 fatty acids (found in oily fish and certain nuts and seeds) are a big part of the Mediterranean diet and they offer pain-reducing effects. Whereas compounds in Omega-6 fatty acids (found in refined oils), which are often avoided in this diet, have a pain-amplifying effect.
The scientists discovered that increasing the levels of pain-reducing Omega 3s in the diet significantly reduced the frequency of people’s migraines by 1.3 headache hours a day and two headache days a month. While a diet high in Omega 3s and low in Omega 6 further reduced migraines by 1.7 headache hours a day and four headache days a month.
The study was conducted on 182 patients, mostly women, so this approach may or may not benefit children and men in the same way. Additionally, the diet did not help cut the severity of the pain but shortened the duration of each episode.
Lastly, since the study primarily relied on fatty fish like salmon to increase Omega 3 levels, it remains unclear whether plant-based or any other sources of the micronutrient would offer the same benefits.
WATCH MORE National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month: here is all you need to know!