Migralex Blog

Skipped meals, hypoglycemia, and headaches

The importance of eating regularly cannot be overemphasized, as skipping meals can trigger headaches.  

Skipped meals and fasting were reported headache triggers in up to 57% of people in clinic and population-based studies.  While the mechanism by which fasting and skipping meals triggers headaches is unknown, several theories have been proposed. Changes in serotonin and norepinephrine in brainstem pathways could precipitate headache onset, as could the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. Hypoglycemia could potentially bring on a headache. 

In one study three-quarters of participants with headaches demonstrated 5-hour glucose tolerance tests consistent with reactive hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia that occurs after a carbohydrate-rich meal).  Micronutrients involved in glucose regulation include chromium, biotin, magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamin E, and L-carnitine.  It is possible that a deficiency of one or more of these nutrients may contribute to poor glucose metabolism. (Adopted from “Food triggers and nutrient therapies” by Drs. C. Sun-Edelstein and A. Mauskop)

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