Anxiety Has Left the Building, Vitamin B1 has arrived BUY NOW
  • Home
  • News
  • How Keto and Carnivore Diets May Help with Migraines and Metabolic Health
by Health By Principle

How Keto and Carnivore Diets May Help with Migraines and Metabolic Health

article-image

Understanding the Keto Diet 

The keto diet offers a range of health benefits, particularly for those looking to manage migraines, metabolic health, and overall well-being. The keto diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat eating plan that shifts the body into ketosis, a state where fat is burned for energy instead of glucose. This metabolic shift helps stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and promote weight loss while supporting mental clarity and sustained energy levels. For a full breakdown of the keto diet, check out our blog Keto Nutrition. 

By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake and relying on fat for fuel, keto helps regulate blood sugar levels and minimize insulin spikes—key triggers for migraines. Many people also experience reduced inflammation, which plays a major role in chronic pain and neurological issues. Additionally, the diet is known for enhancing mental clarity, sustaining energy levels, and promoting fat loss, making it a powerful tool for those struggling with fatigue and brain fog. 

Beyond its role in weight management, the keto diet has been studied for its impact on metabolic function, cardiovascular health, and neurological conditions like epilepsy and Alzheimer’s. Dr. Angela Stanton has explored its effects on migraines, hypothesizing that the diet’s low-carb intake plays a key role in symptom relief. Her research delves into how ketosis helps stabilize brain function and reduce migraine triggers. Keep reading for more insights from her findings. 

How the Carnivore Diet Compares 

The carnivore diet takes a different but complementary approach by eliminating all plant-based foods. This diet removes common dietary triggers such as sugar, gluten, lectins, and oxalates, which can contribute to migraines and gut irritation. Many people on the carnivore diet report reduced inflammation, improved digestion, and better mental clarity, likely due to the absence of processed foods and plant-based anti-nutrients. 

Supporters also find that relying on nutrient-dense animal products leads to consistent energy levels, reduced cravings, and easier weight management. While the transition can be drastic, the carnivore diet offers a simple, whole-food approach that eliminates many of the dietary factors linked to chronic health issues. 

A common concern among new carnivore diet followers is “I can’t take a poop on the carnivore diet!” This is typically an adjustment period due to the lack of fiber-heavy foods. Drinking more water and increasing fat intake can help with digestion. 

If you’re already following the carnivore diet and looking for meal inspiration, check out: 

  • Carnivore Desserts – Perfect if you're craving something sweet without plant-based fillers. 

  • Carnivore Soups – Bone broth-based soups with fatty cuts of meat provide essential nutrients without migraine-triggering ingredients. 

 

Keto vs. Carnivore: Finding the Right Balance 

 Both keto and carnivore fall under the category of low-carbohydrate, high-fat (LCHF) diets, which prioritize reducing carbohydrate intake while increasing healthy fats. These diets aim to: 
✔️ Stabilize blood sugar 
✔️ Lower insulin levels 
✔️ Reduce inflammation 
✔️ Support fat-burning for energy 

By eliminating processed carbs, sugars, and starches, LCHF diets help prevent energy crashes, cravings, and metabolic imbalances. Some people prefer a strict approach like keto or carnivore, while others find a balance by incorporating elements of both. 

For example, if you find it hard to live without bread, carnivore bread can be a great alternative that fits both diets. There are plenty of ways to keep your diet interesting while staying on track. 

 

Dr. Stanton’s Research on Diet and Migraines 

Research supports the idea that both keto and carnivore diets may help manage migraines by removing specific food triggers. In a webinar with Dr. Stanton, she discusses how certain foods have a direct impact on migraine occurrence and severity. 

For those living in high-stimulus environments (e.g., cities with bright lights and loud noises), migraine triggers can be hard to avoid. While relocating isn’t realistic for most, adjusting dietary habits can make a significant difference. Dr. Stanton states: 

"A diet that reduces electrolyte imbalance should help with migraines for those that live in cities." 

If you're interested in diving deeper into her research, check out her article on the hypothesis and theory behind keto and carnivore diets for migraine relief. 

 

Making a Sustainable Diet Choice 

Managing migraines can feel like a constant battle, but research—including Dr. Stanton’s work on LCHF diets—shows promising results. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as migraine triggers vary from person to person. The best approach is to experiment with different foods and track how they impact your symptoms. 

Here are some simple steps to ease into a low-carb lifestyle: 
🥩 Try one LCHF meal per day to start 
📊 Track how different foods affect your migraines 
🥑 Focus on whole, unprocessed fats for energy 
Set achievable goals instead of making drastic changes overnight 

 

Your journey will be unique, and that's okay. The key is to find a balance that works for you while keeping long-term health in mind. As always, consult healthcare professionals before making major dietary changes to ensure your approach aligns with your health needs. 

BACK TO TOP