Veterans suffering from Gulf War Illness have reported significant relief from migraine symptoms after adhering to a low-glutamate diet, according to new research presented by scientists from Georgetown University and American University. This innovative dietary approach has revealed measurable changes in brain structure, specifically a reduction in cortical thickness, providing new insights into the condition and its potential treatments.
The study was presented on November 16, 2023, during the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego. The findings suggest that a low-cost dietary intervention may help veterans who have experienced chronic neurological symptoms since the 1990-1991 Gulf War. Researchers noted that cortical thickening has been previously linked to migraines, indicating that this diet might extend its benefits to a broader population beyond veterans.
Understanding Gulf War Illness and Glutamate
Gulf War Illness is a chronic condition affecting over a quarter of the veterans who served in the first Gulf War. It manifests through various debilitating symptoms, including migraines, and is believed to stem from exposure to neurotoxic chemicals during the conflict. Glutamate, a common flavor-enhancing additive in processed foods, is the most abundant excitatory neurotransmitter in the nervous system. It plays a crucial role in pain mediation and is found in high levels in processed foods as well as in natural sources like tomatoes and mushrooms.
This research emerged from a collaboration with Kathleen Holton, Ph.D., MPH, a nutritional neuroscientist at American University. Holton developed the low-glutamate diet and has been investigating its potential for managing neurological conditions. Currently, this dietary approach is undergoing evaluation in a large multi-site clinical trial to confirm its effectiveness for Gulf War Illness patients.
Study Details and Key Findings
In the study, researchers conducted brain scans to assess cortical thickness differences between veterans with Gulf War Illness and a control group of healthy individuals. They found that those suffering from Gulf War Illness exhibited a significantly thicker right visual cortex, correlating with a higher incidence of migraines. Following a month on the low-glutamate diet, patients showed a marked reduction in cortical thickness and reported a substantial decrease in migraine frequency.
More than half of the Gulf War veterans experienced migraines prior to the diet, but this number dropped to under 20% after just one month. “It was a very significant drop,” said Ashley VanMeter, Ph.D., professor of neurology at Georgetown University School of Medicine. The study also noted improvements in other symptoms, including widespread pain, fatigue, mood disturbances, and cognitive dysfunction.
Potential for Broader Impact and Next Steps
The findings raise intriguing possibilities for the wider population of migraine sufferers. Thickening of the visual cortex is common among those with migraines, particularly those experiencing visual disturbances. This suggests that a low-glutamate diet could serve as an alternative treatment option, potentially reducing reliance on medication.
“This is a very doable diet,” VanMeter emphasized. “It’s a healthy diet, it’s not that hard to follow, and it’s a very low-cost way of treating what for some individuals is a chronic and debilitating condition.”
Holton highlighted the research’s implications for understanding the impact of ultra-processed foods on health, stating, “This speaks to the fact that diet can not only make us sick, but can also acutely treat our symptoms.”
Further research is underway to explore the link between glutamate sensitivity and potential weakening of the blood-brain barrier. The team plans to publish additional findings from their ongoing studies, which may broaden the understanding of dietary influences on chronic conditions like Gulf War Illness and migraines.
