Eating more folic acid-rich foods, such as spinach and kale, can make migraines less frequent, headache reports.
Researchers at Queensland University of Technology in Australia looked at the effects of folate consumed in vegetables, not supplements, in a group of 141 women suffering from migraine with aura. The influence of the diet was studied before the obligation to enrich flour with folic acid was introduced in Australia.
Researchers observed that women whose diets were more high in folic acid suffered from migraines less frequently. Previous studies have shown a similar relationship with supplements containing folic acid – taking them has been associated with relief of migraine symptoms.
Folic acid is especially important for pregnant women as it reduces the risk of nervous system defects in children and prevents spina bifida.
Our research suggests that this compound may also improve the quality of life of migraine sufferers. Longer observations will help verify the impact of fortified products on this ailment – comments the author of the research, Prof. Lyn Griffiths. (PAP)