Low-Glutamate Diet Shows Promise in Easing Migraines for Veterans

Veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness have reported significant relief from migraine symptoms after adhering to a low-glutamate diet, according to research presented by scientists from Georgetown University and American University. The study, showcased on November 16, 2023, during the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego, indicates that dietary changes can lead to measurable improvements in brain structure and function.

Research shows that a substantial number of veterans affected by Gulf War Illness, a chronic condition that impacts over a quarter of those who served in the 1990–1991 conflict, experience debilitating symptoms including migraines. The findings suggest that a low-glutamate diet could serve as a cost-effective treatment option for these veterans, many of whom have struggled with chronic neurological symptoms since returning from service.

Study Insights and Brain Changes

The research involved comparing brain scans of veterans diagnosed with Gulf War Illness to those of healthy individuals. The results revealed that veterans exhibited a significantly thicker right visual cortex, a finding that correlated with a higher incidence of migraines. Following a month on the low-glutamate diet, participants showed a marked reduction in cortical thickness and a substantial decrease in migraine frequency. According to Ashley VanMeter, Ph.D., the study’s senior author and a professor of neurology at Georgetown University School of Medicine, “More than half of the Gulf War veterans had migraines before the diet, and that dropped to under 20% after following the diet for one month.”

The low-glutamate diet, developed by Kathleen Holton, Ph.D., MPH, a nutritional neuroscientist at American University, was conceived as a means to better manage neurological conditions. The diet’s efficacy in reducing migraine symptoms highlights the potential for dietary interventions in treating chronic health issues.

Implications for Broader Populations

The implications of these findings extend beyond Gulf War veterans. The research suggests that a low-glutamate diet could potentially provide relief to a larger population suffering from migraines. VanMeter noted that visual cortex thickening is common among migraine sufferers, particularly those who experience aura or visual disturbances. “This is a very doable diet,” she remarked. “It’s a healthy diet, it’s not that hard to follow, and it’s a very low-cost way of treating what for some individuals is a chronic and debilitating condition.”

The study also observed improvements in other symptoms associated with Gulf War Illness, including reductions in widespread pain, fatigue, mood disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction. The researchers plan to publish further findings from their ongoing study, which will explore the role of dietary glutamate in driving excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress in the brain.

Holton emphasized the broader implications of the research, stating, “This speaks to the fact that diet can not only make us sick, but can also acutely treat our symptoms.” As the research progresses, scientists aim to investigate whether the weakening of the blood-brain barrier contributes to glutamate sensitivity in affected individuals.

The study marks a significant step forward in understanding how dietary changes can impact neurological health, particularly for veterans grappling with the long-term effects of Gulf War Illness. The potential for such a dietary approach to enhance quality of life for many individuals underscores the importance of continued research in this area.