Hydration & Meal Regularity

Summary:
Ensuring regular fluid intake and consistent meal timing may prevent migraine attacks triggered by dehydration or low blood sugar.

Biological Plausibility

Both dehydration and fasting can trigger migraines via hypothalamic activation and altered metabolic homeostasis. These are among the most commonly reported and reproducible triggers.

Evidence

Small interventional studies support benefit, and observational data reinforce the association. Widely recommended in clinical guidelines.

Effect Size

Likely modest on its own (≈1 fewer day/month), but synergistic with other strategies.

⚠️ Risk

None.

Cost

$

Scores

• Benefit: 1
• Burden: 1
• Ratio: 1.0

Clinical Takeaways

• Simple, foundational strategy with no downside.
• May reduce susceptibility to other triggers.
• Especially important for patients with erratic schedules or metabolic fluctuations.

Key References

• Spigt M, et al. *A randomized trial on the effects of regular water intake in migraine.* Fam Pract. 2012.
• Martin VT, et al. *The role of diet in the prevention of migraine headaches: a systematic review.* Cephalalgia. 2016.