Do you think a sudden radical change of diet (for the better) could bring on a migraine?

[StarInTheHeavens]

Two days ago I decided to clean up my diet and ditch the cake/sugar/choc/crisps etc after indulging over christmas, and I've been hit by a migraine lasting 1.5 days which is unusual for me. My diet is now all healthy stuff, fruit, veg, lean protein etc. I've also had an uncommon thirst these last two days too. How likely is it the diet change caused the migraine?

I've experienced this when trying to clean up my diet in the past - I wouldn't say it's a full on migraine, more rather a persistent headache. I assume it's due to sugar withdrawal.

Yes definitely. It’s probably withdrawal from sugar and caffeine - both addictive substances. If that’s the reason, it will pass in 3 days if you can hold out til then and then you’ll feel bloody fantastic!

100% possible it's the diet change.

I've had terrible migraines on holiday due to caffeine withdrawal.

Have a look at ketosis.
Going into ketosis gives me the worst head pain which lasts weeks and responds to nothing. I have to take a less violent approach to dieting as a result.

See also caffeine withdrawal. Maybe sugar withdrawal as well.

Yes, I have to start a diet with an emergency red bull or coca cola in the house, full sugar ones, and plenty of triptans and painkillers. Always happens! I used to joke it was an allergic reaction to healthy living, but found that the sugar caffeine thing wore off after a few days and then my migraines improved.

Are you having any salt? Sometimes with healthy eating the mistake is not enough salt, which you never have to add to processed foods because it's already added. It's not very much, but a pinch of salt might help if you aren't having any from diet now

Yes. Sugar is one of the most addictive substances and withdrawal symptoms are no joke. Im not a Dr but I would bet that it's almost entirely the reason.

Also it could be that some of the foods you swapped to are migraine triggers? Citrus is quite a common trigger food.

Definitely can cause headache, it's like withdrawal for your body so it'll protest for a while. I had this when i started eating low carb for a while. Should lessen after a few days. Just make sure you're drinking plenty of water & you're not going too long without eating so you don't get blood sugar drops till your body gets used to it. Having strong flavours will help with any cravings so eat plenty of spices or add lots of herbs to your food

Low carb gives me migraines so it's possible

This is me. Debilitated by healthier changes in my diet migraine wise.

I was so sick of my headache yesterday (paracetamol does not touch them) I craved and had 2 packets of crisps, a sugary bowl of cereal and a twix. The headache has that been blighting me since January the 1st went within an hour. I get I am going to get sugar withdrawal but A) I haven’t even cut out carbs just the junk and B) it’s been over a fucking week now.

Its infuriating when you’re trying to be healthy and you feel awful for it.

I have not given up caffeine and I am not dehydrating. 9 days of a bad headache which was relieved with a load of shite food. I couldn’t even concentrate at work. I wasn’t hungry either eating more than enough fruit, lean protein, whole meal carbs, etc etc. I have lost weight though but feeling rubbish headache wise.

Yes definitely, I get headaches when I cut carbs.