Debunking the Chocolate Myth: Migraine and Chocolate Relationship
Here is some good news for those of you who have been avoiding chocolate due to the fear of triggering migraine. Recent research suggests that chocolate might not be the culprit after all, and it might even offer some surprising benefits!
Numerous studies have delved into the connection between chocolate consumption and migraine. Contrary to popular belief, the evidence linking chocolate as a consistent trigger for migraine attacks is weak. One study involving over a hundred migraine patients found that only a small minority identified chocolate as a trigger. These findings challenge the notion that chocolate is a universal migraine trigger.
It's possible that the belief that chocolate is a trigger for certain symptoms may be influenced by the timing of chocolate cravings during the menstrual cycle or fluctuations in blood sugar levels due to the sugar content in chocolate.
In fact, some research even suggests that chocolate might provide certain advantages when it comes to migraine. While individual responses can differ, chocolate contains substances that could potentially benefit migraine sufferers. For example, dark chocolate is rich in magnesium, which has been linked to reducing the frequency and severity of migraines in some individuals. Additionally, the pleasure-inducing compounds in chocolate, such as serotonin and endorphins, may offer psychological relief and help manage the stress that often accompanies migraine.
In my opinion, I would avoid that family-size block of ordinary milk chocolate and instead go for raw, refined-sugar-free versions for maximum benefit. Or make your own - below is my recipe for migraine-friendly homemade chocolate.
Even better, building your overall health and resilience so you are less vulnerable to migraine triggers means you can have your (chocolate) cake and eat it too. (How? By working with a naturopath who understands migraine (ahem) and can look at what the root causes of migraine are for you.)
So, if you've been avoiding chocolate, it might be time to reconsider! The evidence suggests it's not the villain it was once thought to be. Indulging in a small treat now and then might just be a source of pleasure without the fear of triggering a migraine. So go ahead and savour that delicious piece of chocolate guilt-free!
(A little caveat here - if you are on a low histamine diet for your migraine treatment, you may want to avoid chocolate and cacao until histamine tolerance is a little more under control.)
Anti-inflammatory Chocolate
60 ml melted coconut oil or 60 grams melted cacao butter
2 tbsp naked ginger pieces
1 tbsp sunflower seeds or pepitas
1/4 cup desiccated or shredded coconut or coconut flakes
2-3 tbsp raw cacao powder or Dutch-processed cocoa
1-2 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
Other options… add turmeric powder or cinnamon to taste. Looks pretty sprinkled with freeze-dried raspberries or a strip of dehydrated citrus.
Instructions
Mix it all up with a spoon in a bowl. Dollop onto a tray lined with baking paper (or fill silicone moulds). Sprinkle with extra toppings if you like. Freeze for 15 minutes, or fridge for 30 minutes. That's it!
Recipe adapted from one by the amazing Alexx Stuart at Low Tox Life.