Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease with a genetic basis involving intolerance to gluten - a mixture of plant proteins, glutenin and gliadin found in the endosperm of cereals. Approximately 1.4 per cent of the population struggles with coeliac disease, but as many as 2.4 per cent are affected by migraine.

The correlation between celiac disease and migraine lies in the gut-brain axis, which connects the gut to the nervous system, the researchers say. Analyses from last year showed that a gluten-free diet reduces the frequency of migraine headaches in people with celiac disease. More recent studies, however, are not as conclusive, as the gluten-free diet has only been proven to improve in some people.

It is possible that people suffer from gluten intolerance without even knowing it. If there are any symptoms suggesting an effect of any product on the frequency of migraine complaints, it is worth seeing a doctor.

Specialists perform blood tests to help diagnose celiac disease. However, a proper diagnosis is possible when the patient is not already on a gluten-free diet. Other ways to test for gluten intolerance include genetic testing and capsule endoscopy, among others.

However, research is at too early a stage to be able to conclusively state that this is a true thesis. It is also unclear whether a gluten-free diet has any effect on the occurrence of migraine in people who tolerate gluten.