A Keto Diet for Pain Relief
Can a Keto Diet Relieve Pain?
Research has shown that caloric restriction and fasting can help alleviate pain, suggesting that pain may have a metabolic component. Interestingly, reducing glucose intake, a key aspect of the ketogenic diet, also contributes to pain relief. One possible mechanism is the role of adenosine (the "A" in ATP), a molecule directly linked to cellular energy metabolism. Fasting, ketogenic diets, and exercise all enhance adenosine signaling, which has anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits excitatory neurons—both of which can reduce pain.
Research Supporting the Keto Diet for Pain Relief
1. Animal Studies
Studies in rats have demonstrated that a ketogenic diet reduces thermal pain sensitivity. While animal models have their limitations, these findings suggest that dietary changes might influence pain pathways.
2. Clinical Trials
A trial involving over 100 overweight individuals on a ketogenic diet reported reductions in bodily pain.
Another study followed 21 older adults with knee arthritis on a low-carb ( < 20g/day) diet compared to a high-carb standard diet. After 12 weeks, participants on the low-carb diet experienced significant pain relief, improved functionality, and reduced inflammatory markers in their blood.
3. Athletic Recovery
Athletes engaging in high-intensity training while keto-adapted report reduced muscle soreness and faster recovery. These findings support the potential of a ketogenic diet to address pain caused by inflammation and oxidative stress.
Keto Diet for Migraines
Migraines are common among those with ME/CFS and fibromyalgia, affecting up to 75% of individuals. These headaches often result from brain energy deficits and oxidative stress, which drive chronic inflammation in the central nervous system. Mast cells and macrophages release inflammatory mediators that inflame meningeal tissues and nerve blood vessels, resulting in pain.
Key Findings from Research:
In a 2015 study involving 96 migraine sufferers, up to 80% experienced fewer migraines, reduced severity, and decreased reliance on medication after following a ketogenic diet for one month.
The benefits extended beyond ketosis, indicating lasting metabolic and genetic changes that help reduce headaches.
Caveat:
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is a common migraine trigger. For individuals prone to hypoglycemia, a gradual transition into a ketogenic diet is essential to minimize risks.
Why the Keto Diet May Relieve Pain
The ketogenic diet influences pain through several mechanisms:
Adenosine Signaling: Enhances anti-inflammatory effects and inhibits overactive neurons.
Reduced Oxidative Stress: Lowers inflammation and protects cells from free radical damage.
Gene Expression: Alters metabolism and supports the expression of protective enzymes, providing lasting benefits even after ketosis.
A Promising Approach to Pain Management
Traditional methods for managing chronic pain often fall short, leaving many searching for alternative solutions. The ketogenic diet is a safe and promising option for reducing pain, including body pain and migraines. While more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms, the evidence so far is compelling.
If you’ve tried a ketogenic diet for pain relief, share your experience in the comments below!
References
Barbanti, P., Fofi, L., Aurilia, C., Egeo, G., & Caprio, M. (2017). Ketogenic diet in migraine: rationale, findings and perspectives. Neurological Sciences, 38(S1), 111–115.
Gross EC, et al. (2019) Potential Protective Mechanisms of Ketone Bodies in Migraine Prevention. Nutrients. 11(4).
Masino SA & Ruskin DN. (2013) Ketogenic diets and pain. J Child Neurol. 28(8):993-1001.
Masino SA & Ruskin DN. (2012) The Nervous System and Metabolic Dysregulation: Emerging Evidence Converges on Ketogenic Diet Therapy. Front Neurosci. 6: 33.
Strath, L. J., Jones, C. D., Philip George, A., Lukens, S. L., Morrison, S. A., Soleymani, T., … Sorge, R. E. (2019). The Effect of Low-Carbohydrate and Low-Fat Diets on Pain in Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis. Pain Medicine.
Volek, J. S., Noakes, T., & Phinney, S. D. (2014). Rethinking fat as a fuel for endurance exercise. European Journal of Sport Science, 15(1), 13–20. Pain Medicine, 0(0), 2019, 1–11.
