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    Home » Heal Your Headache (HYH) » Protein Powder and Migraine: Which One is Best?

    Published: Jan 20, 2020 · Modified: May 24, 2023 by Alicia This post may contain affiliate links.

    Protein Powder and Migraine: Which One is Best?

    Migraine Friendly Protein Powders

    Those who start a migraine diet are often surprised to find their meal replacements and protein shakes have to go out the window. What makes these protein powders a potential migraine trigger? And what is the best protein powder for migraine sufferers? Well, the answer is kind of tricky.

    Some people will tell you protein powder is filled with MSG and that’s not entirely accurate. What makes this so confusing is migraine brains tend of be sensitive to glutamate in general, whether it is MSG (which is processed) or naturally occurring glutamate, like in mushrooms.

    Even if a protein powder doesn’t contain sugar substitutes or additives and is in a natural form, some people might find they still have issues with migraine attacks.

    A mason jar with chia seeds next to sunflower seed butter and hemp seeds.
    Jump to:
    • Whey Protein and Migraines
    • What About Collagen Powder?
    • Pea Protein and Migraine
    • Protein Powder Alternatives for Migraine Diets
    • Homemade Hemp Milk
    • Protein Amounts in Seeds
    • Protein Powders for Migraine Sufferers
    • Other Options for Protein
    • High Protein Recipes

    Whey Protein and Migraines

    For people following a migraine diet like Heal Your Headache, there are certain forms of glutamate that should be avoided during the elimination period. Often these names come with “protein” or “isolate” at the end of them.

    For instance, you’ll see these in many common protein powders and diet shakes:

    • Whey Protein
    • Soy Protein Isolate
    • Hydrolyzed Protein

    Whey protein can actually trigger migraine attacks in some people. This is because the processed versions of these items are high in glutamate and act similar to MSG in the brain of someone who is sensitive, like people with certain neurological disorders.

    Sensitivity to glutamate can vary from person to person. Some find they are able to tolerate natural items higher in glutamate, like mushrooms or tomatoes, but not anything processed, like protein isolates.

    Others find they’re sensitive to almost everything higher in glutamate. If you find yourself reacting to foods naturally high in glutamate, you may even have an issue with some of the items below. Reading labels and checking glutamic acid content can help.

    What About Collagen Powder?

    There are some forms of protein that fall into a bit of a grey area with migraine diets, like collagen powder.

    A few years ago, I used Vital Proteins collagen powder daily because it was extremely trendy and I had heard amazing things about it helping with joints and skin. When I checked the ingredients, all seemed to be ok. All it contained was collagen powder in the ingredients.

    I didn’t noticed that it triggered my symptoms initially, but this was also in my process of eliminating foods so I was still dizzy everyday. As I learned more about the migraine and glutamate connection, I took note of the amino acid panel on the back of the collagen peptides label and realized it contained a high amount of glutamic acid - around 2,200 mg. At that point, I realized it was probably best for me test out eliminating this item from my diet to see if it helped.

    Now I did this combined with other treatments, but I noticed my migraine threshold increased after I stopped using collagen peptides. I no longer had that mild dizziness after starting each morning with it in my smoothie.

    If you’re in a state of chronic migraine or get attacks frequently, I recommend avoiding collagen peptides unless it’s prescribed by a physician. It’s always something you can re-introduce at a later date to see if you have any sort of reaction.

    Pea Protein and Migraine

    Pea protein is found in a lot of protein powders as well as some milk alternatives, like Ripple. If you’re just starting a migraine diet, it should be eliminated in the initial phase.

    While shelled peas are allowed on a migraine diet (except pods, like snow peas), peas are naturally higher in glutamate like mushrooms, walnuts, malted barley, and aged cheese and meat.

    They’re also on the higher end of tyramine levels. Again, if you find yourself sensitive to these fresh foods at the very basic level, having a processed version could be what lowers your threshold enough for attacks to occur. This is especially important if you’re consuming daily!

    Hemp seeds in a bowl with pepitas.

    Protein Powder Alternatives for Migraine Diets

    We know that managing blood sugar fluctuations can play a major factor when it comes to migraine. Avoiding spikes and drops can help us to avoid triggering an attack.

    While smoothies are extremely easy to consume, especially on high pain days, the amount of sugar in the fruit alone can cause a spike in blood sugar. Therefore it’s recommended to pair consumption with a good amount of protein and fat to balance out any fluctuations.

    You’ll notice I like to add sunflower seed butter, cottage cheese, and hemp seeds to a lot of my smoothie recipes. This is exactly why I do it!

    Homemade hemp milk in a mason jar on a white table with hemp seeds around it

    Homemade Hemp Milk

    Even making your own hemp milk can increase the amount of protein to your smoothies. I set out to create my own hemp milk and I never realized how easy it actually is. This works great if you own a high speed blender like a Vitamix.
    My recipe for hemp milk is:
    • ½ cup shelled, raw hemp seeds
    • 3 cups filtered water
    • 1tsp lucuma powder and vanilla to sweeten

    Blend on high for about a minute and chill. No need to strain!

    Protein Amounts in Seeds

    There’s really no rule that says you have to get protein from a powder and if you’re mixing in with smoothies, chia pudding, or overnight oats, the below are great ways to make them more substantial.

    • Sunflower seeds contain 6-7grams protein per ¼ cup.
    • Hemp seeds contain 11g protein per 2-3 tablespoons.
    • Chia seeds contain 4 grams protein per 1 ounce serving.
    • Flax seeds contain about 2 grams protein per tablespoon.
    • Buckwheat contains 6 grams per cup.

    Also don't miss my vegetarian protein chart for amounts from vegetables, beans, and more.

    Protein Powders for Migraine Sufferers

    The below seem to be the best protein powders for migraine sufferers. 

    • Pumpkin - My personal favorite! This Sprout Living brand offers 20 grams of protein with a serving. Some complain about it being gritty, and it can if you don't add enough fruit and liquid to balance it. To counteract this, either cut down on the amount used (like one scoop instead of two), or add more ingredients to the smoothie.
    • Rice - I used to recommend rice protein to people, upon investigation for this article it does seem like the ones available have a really high amount of glutamic acid as well. Although rice is migraine diet friendly, it may be safer to choose other options available.
    • Hemp - This is the lowest in glutamic acid and also tyrosine, the amino acid which tyramine is derived. If you’re highly sensitive to glutamate, this will be your best bet for a protein powder.
    • Sunflower Seed - Another one from Sprout Living, this contains 15 grams of protein.

    Finally, my recommendations can only go so far. It does take a little bit of trial and error to find out what works best with your body, but hopefully this gives you some ideas for added protein!

    Other Options for Protein

    A lot of us get really hung up on protein powders because they're an easy and fast way to get it in, but they're not the only way.

    • Cottage cheese contains 25 grams per cup and is great in a breakfast bowl.
    • Adding ground meat (turkey, beef, or chicken) to eggs can up the protein content.
    • Egg whites are a great way to add extra protein without extra fat.

    High Protein Recipes

    These high protein breakfast recipes are made with and without protein powders for a delicious way to start the day.

    • A berry smoothie with mixed berries on top.
      Berry Protein Smoothie
    • Ground beef, eggs, and green onion in a white bowl with a fork.
      Beef Protein Bowl
    • A bowl of fluffy, white whipped cottage cheese.
      Whipped Cottage Cheese
    • A gold spoon in coconut overnight oats.
      Coconut Overnight Oats
    « How to Discover Migraine Food Triggers
    Copycat Chick fil A Sauce (Paleo) »

    About Alicia

    Alicia is a vestibular migraine advocate and the bestselling author of The Dizzy Cook: Managing Migraine with More Than 90 Comforting Recipes and Lifestyle Tips. Her articles and recipes have been featured by Healthline, Parade, mindbodygreen, Today, Good Morning Texas, the Vestibular Disorders Association, and the American Migraine Foundation. Read More

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kay says

      October 22, 2023 at 10:26 pm

      Hi Alicia.
      Firstly let me say what an amazing person you are sharing all the information on vestibular headaches. I appreciate it so much. I’m about to purchase your recipe book.
      I have recently been diagnosed and am about to start the migraine diet. I have celiac disease ( diagnosed 2 years ago) and now have to tweak things to adhere to the new way of eating. Is canned wild caught Alaskan salmon ok to eat. It’s not smoked or cured. Also not sure about rocket?

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        October 26, 2023 at 9:10 am

        Hey - yes, canned salmon would be ok! Rocket is fine. I have a rocket and pear salad!

        Reply
    2. Teri Biondo says

      September 23, 2023 at 12:28 pm

      I have a very severe form of rare migraine disorder and while trying to come up with ways to help me I came across your article . Very helpful thank you. Any additional advise you could through my way would help .

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        September 26, 2023 at 12:30 pm

        Hey Teri, I have lots of other posts on here, especially the magnesium one may be helpful. It has been very popular. If the website is tough to read, I have a youtube that you can listen to as well. A lot of similar info.

        Reply
    3. Beth Vincent says

      January 02, 2023 at 7:45 am

      Hi Alicia,

      Thank you for your work! Is there a supplemental collagen source that is safe to protect against headaches you recommend?

      Beth

      Reply
      • Alicia says

        January 05, 2023 at 4:47 pm

        Unfortunately not, but I'd speak with your doctor. They may think the benefits of collagen outweigh the potential risk of it being a personal trigger for you. Unfortunately if it is a trigger for you like it is for me, you may just need to find other supplements that can help with what you need to be taking it for.

        Reply
    4. john c says

      December 20, 2022 at 9:01 am

      How can you calculate glutamate levels in a product? is it a calculation? or will it be listed on the label of the product? thanks!

      Reply
    5. Liz says

      August 09, 2022 at 8:36 am

      Hi Alicia,
      I'm so glad I found your site. I recently started the HYH diet and want to be sure I'm not still eating any triggers. Are ultra-filtered milks (high protein, lower sugar) such as Fairlife or HEB Mootopia safe on HYH? I like them to help add protein and prevent a sugar spike but don't know if they're too processed from a glutamate perspective. They don't list any whey protein separately in their ingredients.

      Reply
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    Meet the Cook! I’m Alicia, cookbook author and recipe developer. I was diagnosed with Chronic Vestibular Migraine in 2016 - a diagnosis that changed my life. I’ve gone from bedridden to extremely active by implementing migraine diet, incorporating key supplements, and making lifestyle changes. The Dizzy Cook is a collection of my delicious recipes that everyone will love, and tips for anyone that struggles with migraine attacks.

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    Meet the Cook! I’m Alicia, cookbook author and recipe developer. I was diagnosed with Chronic Vestibular Migraine in 2016 - a diagnosis that changed my life. I’ve gone from bedridden to extremely active by implementing migraine diet, incorporating key supplements, and making lifestyle changes. The Dizzy Cook is a collection of my delicious recipes that everyone will love, and tips for anyone that struggles with migraine attacks.

    About The Dizzy Cook

    Popular Recipes

    • Boursin pasta topped with parsley tangled around a fork in a white bowl
      Creamy Boursin Pasta
    • Beef stew without wine in a gray bowl with a spoon and topped with thyme leaves
      Beef Stew Recipe without Wine
    • A scoop of lazy lasagna on a wooden spoon over a casserole dish with strings of cheese hanging off
      Lazy Lasagna
    • A grey bowl filled with chili and topped with cottage cheese and green onion with corn bread on the side
      No Tomato Chili (Texas-Style)
    • A cup with an anti inflammatory green smoothie next to a pear.
      Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie
    • Sliced flank steak cooked medium on a cutting board.
      Air Fryer Flank Steak

    Get New Posts via Email

    Subscribe for new recipes, tips, and discounts.

    Favorite Healthy Recipes

    • A bowl of soy free chicken stir fry with broccoli, squash, rice, and chicken.
      Stir Fry Without Soy Sauce
    • Ground beef, eggs, and green onion in a white bowl with a fork.
      Beef Protein Bowl
    • A filet of mediterranean halibut on a white plate with potatoes and green beans
      Mediterranean Baked Halibut
    • Pot roast in a bowl with mashed potatoes.
      Dutch Oven Pot Roast (Wine-Free)
    • Baked chicken kabobs laid out diagonally on a plate and topped with parsley
      Baked Chicken Kabobs
    • two blue bowls of chicken and rice soup with spoons
      Chicken and Brown Rice Soup

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