You’d be surprised to know that gluten can trigger migraines in some people. Actually, migraines may be an early symptom of celiac disease in some people, though migraine is regarded as a rare complication of celiac disease.
The exact mechanism behind this connection is not yet known, but some researchers believe that it may be due to the presence of certain peptidesfound in gluten-containing grains. It is worth noting that these peptides are thought to trigger an immune response in the body, which can lead to inflammation and migraine headaches.
Moreover, some people with migraine-related disorders, such as celiac disease, may be especially sensitive to the effects of gluten. If gluten is consumed, it can trigger an inflammatory response in the body which can then lead to migraine pain.
The best way to determine if gluten is a trigger for your migraine headaches is to consult with your doctor and keep a food diary to track any changes in your symptoms. If you suspect that gluten may be causing your migraines, you can try eliminating gluten from your diet to see if it reduces symptoms.
Now that you have insight into the relationship between gluten and headaches, it is worth noting how it can be diagnosed. Keep in mind doctors don’t have tests to diagnose gluten sensitivity. In the event that you test negative for celiac disease, your medical practitioner may recommend an elimination diet.
During an elimination diet, you’ll remove possible allergens from your diet and then slowly add them back it, noting if and when your symptoms come back. This can help determine what is triggering the migraine.
It is worth noting that your medical practitioner may also recommended keeping a food and migraine journal. In this journal, you get to keep track of everything you consume and when you get a migraine. That ensures you notice trends. For instance if you often get a migraine the day after drinking white wine, then white wine may be a trigger. A journal will certainly help you see if gluten might be causing your migraines.