Veterans with Gulf War Illness have reported substantial relief from migraine symptoms after adopting a low-glutamate diet, according to new research from scientists at Georgetown University and American University. This study, presented on November 16, 2023, at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego, reveals that the dietary changes are also linked to noticeable alterations in brain structure.
The research indicates that participants who adhered to a low-glutamate diet experienced a significant reduction in migraine frequency. Brain scans revealed decreased cortical thickness among these individuals, marking a groundbreaking link between dietary changes and measurable brain modifications. This offers hope for veterans enduring chronic neurological symptoms since the 1990–1991 Gulf War.
Gulf War Illness affects over a quarter of veterans from the conflict, manifesting in various debilitating symptoms, including migraines. The condition is believed to stem from exposure to neurotoxic substances during the war. Glutamate, a substance prevalent in processed foods and found naturally in items such as tomatoes and mushrooms, is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system and is known to influence pain perception.
The study evolved from a collaboration with Kathleen Holton, Ph.D., MPH, a nutritional neuroscientist at American University, who has pioneered research on the low-glutamate diet as a strategy for managing neurological conditions. This diet is currently being evaluated in a multi-site clinical trial designed to confirm its efficacy for veterans with Gulf War Illness.
Dr. Ashley VanMeter, the study’s senior author and a professor of neurology at Georgetown University School of Medicine, expressed enthusiasm about the findings. “This shows that the brain itself is responding and changing. This isn’t a psychological reaction. These are actual changes in the brain related to the diet,” she stated.
The study began with brain scans comparing cortical thickness between veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness and healthy individuals. Notably, the veterans exhibited a significantly thicker right visual cortex, which correlated with a higher incidence of reported migraines. Subsequent analysis revealed that after one month on the low-glutamate diet, cortical thickness decreased significantly, along with a dramatic reduction in migraine occurrences.
More than half of the Gulf War veterans reported migraines prior to the diet, but this figure fell to under 20% after one month of dietary changes. “This was a very significant drop,” VanMeter noted.
Holton emphasized that the findings could suggest a broader application for alleviating migraine symptoms beyond the veteran population. “This speaks to the fact that diet can not only make us sick, but can also acutely treat our symptoms,” she said.
Additional symptoms, including widespread pain, fatigue, mood disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction, also showed improvement among participants following the low-glutamate diet. The research team is preparing to publish further findings from their ongoing investigations, which may explore the role of the blood-brain barrier in glutamate sensitivity.
The study raises intriguing possibilities for the treatment of migraines more generally. Thickening of the visual cortex is commonly observed in migraine sufferers, particularly those experiencing aura, or visual disturbances. This prompts questions about the potential benefits of a low-glutamate diet for a wider audience of individuals affected by migraines.
“This is a very doable diet,” VanMeter added, emphasizing its simplicity and affordability. “It’s a healthy diet that offers a low-cost treatment option for those facing chronic and debilitating conditions.”
As research continues, the implications of this study extend beyond the immediate treatment of Gulf War Illness, suggesting that dietary modifications could play a significant role in managing neurological health for diverse populations.
