5 reasons not to skip meals to manage your migraine attacks

5 reasons not to skip meals to manage your migraine attacks, there are many triggers that can increase the likelihood of an attack. One such trigger is skipping meals or fasting.

5 Reasons not to skip meals

1. Low blood sugar levels: glucose is the brain food, when blood sugar levels drop, the brain may not receive enough glucose, which can lead to headaches and migraines.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies: Skipping meals can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can also contribute to migraines. For example, magnesium deficiency is associated with migraines, and skipping meals can decrease magnesium levels in the body.
3. Dehydration: Not eating and drinking enough fluids can lead to dehydration, which is a common migraine trigger. Staying hydrated is important for migraine management.
4. Disrupting Medications: Many migraine medications require food to be effective. Skipping meals can interfere with the effectiveness of medications and reduce their ability to manage migraines.
5. Dizziness and Weakness: Skipping meals can lead to dizziness, weakness, and fatigue, which can make migraines worse. Eating regular, balanced meals can help maintain energy levels and reduce the severity of migraines.

How our Body reacts to skipping meals

When we skip meals or fast, our body’s glucose levels drop, which can cause a number of changes that can trigger a migraine. Glucose is the primary source of energy for the brain, and when levels drop, the brain can become more sensitive to other triggers, such as stress or certain foods. In addition, fasting can cause changes in hormone levels, which can also trigger migraines in some people.

When glucose levels drop, the body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, to try to maintain glucose levels. These hormones can cause changes in blood pressure and heart rate, which can trigger migraines in some people. In addition, the release of stress hormones can cause muscle tension, which can contribute to the development of tension headaches.

Fasting can also cause changes in levels of certain hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, which can affect glucose levels and trigger migraines. Insulin helps to regulate glucose levels by signaling cells to take up glucose from the blood. When we fast, insulin levels drop, and glucagon levels rise, which causes the liver to release glucose into the blood. This can lead to fluctuations in glucose levels, which can trigger migraines in some people.

In addition to changes in glucose and hormone levels, fasting can also cause dehydration, which can be a trigger for migraines. When we fast, we may not be getting enough fluids, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause changes in electrolyte levels, which can affect brain function and trigger migraines.

Overall, skipping meals or fasting can cause a number of changes in the body that can trigger migraines. To reduce the risk of migraines, it is important to maintain a regular eating schedule and stay hydrated. If you are prone to migraines, it may also be helpful to keep a headache diary to identify triggers and work with your healthcare provider to develop a management plan. By taking steps to reduce the risk of migraines, you can improve your quality of life and reduce the impact of this debilitating condition.