Dark Chocolate & Migraine: Do or Don’t?

Some still think chocolate is a migraine trigger because they notice they eat more chocolate just before an attack. However, there are several reasons why dark chocolate is actually good for migraine sufferers, and the increased craving for chocolate may be an attempt by your body to replenish deficiencies that lead to an attack.

Magnesium

One of the benefits of dark chocolate for migraine sufferers is its magnesium content. With migraine, there is first a vasoconstriction, and then a vasodilation as a reaction. It is at the moment of this dilation that we experience pain. So, your blood vessels first cramp and then, as a kind of rebound effect, relax too much. Certain forms of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate, can help the blood vessels relax, so they are less likely to cramp.

Other forms of magnesium, such as magnesium bisglycinate, inhibit the activity of glutamate in the brain, making it easier for your neurons to calm down.

However, it is important to note that dark chocolate probably mainly contains magnesium oxide, which is less well absorbed by the body. This means that although the urge is understandable, consuming chocolate alone is not enough to adequately replenish a magnesium deficiency with the right forms....

Potassium

In addition, cocoa also contains potassium, a mineral that plays a crucial role in neuronal activity. While sodium activates the signal in the neuron, potassium brings the neuron back to rest. When your brain is overactive (which is typical for migraine sufferers), it consumes extra sodium and potassium. Sodium and potassium must be in balance ("homeostasis") to ensure the transmission of stimuli in your brain. But you would have to eat half a kilo of chocolate to come close to the daily requirement for a 'normal' person (as in "not a migraine sufferer").

Endorphins

Another interesting aspect of cocoa is phenylethylamine (PEA), a substance that supports the spam filter (the "PAG") in our brain. With chronic pain, the PAG often does not (or no longer) do its job sufficiently, causing too many stimuli to be experienced as danger or pain (e.g., a strong perfume scent), and your brain becomes overactive in order to be alert to the "imminent danger."

Although the exact amount of PEA in chocolate is unknown, it seems unlikely that the amount in chocolate is sufficient to correct a disturbed spam filter....

Digestion

Dark chocolate supports digestion by triggering the pancreas to release digestive juices. This allows us to absorb more nutrients and provide ourselves with more of the necessary energy, minerals, and vitamins, which supports energy production in our brains. However, chocolate alone will not make the difference between sufficient and insufficient energy for your brain cells.

Sugar or Sweeteners

Eating too much sugar results in insulin resistance. This causes severe peaks and dips in energy for your brain. So, if you eat milk chocolate or white chocolate, you consume a lot of sugar, which we cannot recommend.

Chocolate with sweeteners can also disrupt your glucose levels, which can disrupt the energy supply to your brain. Moreover, some sweeteners such as aspartame are neurotoxic.

Lead and Cadmium

Cocoa can also contain traces of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, which are neurotoxic. Fortunately, chocolate also contains zinc, which can help detoxify these heavy metals. Whether these compensate each other is a valid question....

Conclusion

So, what is the conclusion? The craving for chocolate during migraine attacks is understandable and may be a sign that the body is trying to replenish certain deficiencies. Dark chocolate certainly has benefits, but it will fall short as an anti-migraine strategy. Supplementation may be necessary to provide your busy brain with the necessary substances.

If you want to enjoy both the taste and the benefits, choose dark chocolate with at least 85% cocoa, avoid artificial sweeteners, and eat it in moderation.

If you also want to support your digestion, it is best to eat your piece of chocolate after a meal.

But above all, enjoy!