Extract: Research on the Role of Food in Migraine Headaches Studies implicating food in the pathogenesis of migraines date back to the 1920’s when researchers began to examine and manipulate the diets of individuals suffering from migraines. In order to determine which foods might initiate a migraine, a method consisting of “elimination diets” was utilized. A similar study of 104 adults, 38.5% showed a 50% or greater reduction in headaches on the elimination diet (3). Berg and Braham (1994) confirmed these results in an equivalent study; 34.6% of the adults and 82.2% of the children reported a 50% or greater reduction in migraine attacks.