Food and Diets: A Nutritionist’s Take On How They Affect Migraine
You are currently watching a preview of this interview. Unlock the full version by upgrading to an Access Pass bundle! Get FREE access to 8 expert interviews from Day 1 and Day 2 when you register today!
Key Questions
- Which foods are well-established migraine triggers?
- Why do many research publications get food triggers wrong?
- How much attention should we pay to food triggers?
- Why can it be counterproductive to try to identify our food triggers?
- How accurately do people with migraine identify their food triggers?
- Is it worthwhile to purchase a kit to test for our food sensitivities?
- Why don’t we know a lot about food sensitivities?
- What has recent research revealed about omega-3 and omega-6 fats and migraine?
- Which foods are high in omega-3 fats, and which foods are high in omega-6 fats?
- Should we take omega-3 supplements?
- Is there any evidence that taking probiotics helps migraine?
- How important is gut health for a healthy brain?
- Is there good evidence that a ketogenic diet helps with migraine?
- Does dietary gluten contribute to migraine?
- Should we avoid dairy products?
- Does a vegan diet help with migraine?
- Would an intermittent fasting diet help with migraine?
- What should we do if we have both IBS and migraine?
- How long do we need to follow a new diet to see whether it helps with migraine?
Interview Notes
Find more about Margaret Slavin, PhD, RDN and her work here:
Treatments Mentioned
- Balancing dietary omega-3 and omega-6 fats
- Behavioral practices
- Diet
- Exercise
- Fish oil supplements
- Ketogenic diet
- Probiotics
Please note: The Migraine World Summit’s aim is to bring you a variety of perspectives and expertise, independent of bias or judgment. Alternative theories presented in this video have not been medically reviewed. Views expressed in this interview do not necessarily represent the views of the Migraine World Summit. Please always consult your health care professional and do your own research before making changes to your treatment plan.
Margaret Slavin, PhD, RDN
Associate Professor of Nutrition & Food Science
University of Maryland, College Park
Dr. Margaret Slavin is an associate professor of nutrition and food science at the University of Maryland, College Park, and a registered dietitian recognized for her pioneering work at the intersection of nutrition, food science, and neurological health.
Her research explores how diet influences migraine and other brain-related conditions, focusing on the bidirectional relationship between nutrition and migraine, the gut microbiome, and food bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and other polyphenols. Dr. Slavin’s studies range from clinical interventions to molecular and population-level analyses, offering a comprehensive view of how diet affects migraine outcomes and overall well-being.
A widely published researcher and educator, Dr. Slavin’s work is helping to advance evidence-based dietary strategies for people living with migraine and deepen scientific understanding of how food impacts brain health.
Go Beyond the Free Summit Interviews
- Full-length expert interviews beyond the 30-minute edits
- Revisit any 2026 session anytime
- Transcripts and audio downloads included
- Review insights before medical appointments
Related Talks for: Day 5 (2022)
Long-Term Effects of New Migraine Medications
Robert P. Cowan, MD, FAAN, FAHS
Strategies to Boost Brain Health
Krystal L. Culler, DBH, MA
New Daily Persistent Headache: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
David Dodick, MD
The Association of Migraine Disorders (AMD) is devoted to expanding the understanding of migraine disease and its true scope. Migraine is a full body condition with a broad spectrum of symptoms, AMD is focused on including many medical specialties in the management of this disease.
Watch videos in silence or read along with the expert interview. Simply turn on CC in video controls in the lower right corner of the video. Note: closed captions are not available on preview videos or extended editions.
