Jalebi-milk combo is not a migraine remedy; excess sugar levels can complicate condition

An Instagram video has gone viral with the claim that eating Jalebi (a popular Indian sweet made from flour) with milk in the morning cures all types of headaches, including severe pain from migraine.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found the claim to be false. Ingredients used to prepare Jalebi can trigger headaches.

Dr M Lakshmi Lavanya, a consultant neurologist at Kamineni Hospitals in LB Nagar, said, “Eating Rabri Jalebi or any such snack early in the morning as a cure for headache is not mentioned in scientific literature. Regular healthy food habits are needed to mitigate pain from migraine attacks.”

The main ingredients in Rabri Jalebi are thickened milk, wheat flour and sugar. Some recipes include colouring agents, which combined with excess fermented flour, can trigger migraine attacks.

Jalebis contain a high amount of sugar, which can create a spike in blood sugar levels and lead to diabetes, obesity and cholesterol.

“Continuous consumption of sugar in large quantities can also lead to hyperglycemia which can affect blood vessels in the brain. Lifestyle adjustments, stress management, daily exercise, identifying and avoiding triggers, along with regular consultations with a neuro physician can help individuals suffering from migraine,” Dr Lakshmi Lavanya added.

In some cases, people with migraines can experience headaches due to a craving for sugar or chocolates, which can also increase blood sugar levels.

Dietary do’s for migraine

Regular meals with nutritionally balanced ingredients like green leafy vegetables, fruits, fresh dairy products, and healthy drinks with protein can help fight migraine.

Dietary don’ts for migraine

It is advisable to avoid aged cheese, frozen or salty food items, food additives, alcohol and nuts like walnuts and peanuts and caffeine for a certain group of people. Dr Lakshmi Lavanya added, “It is better to know your disease, adjust, adapt and follow a healthy lifestyle to help cure migraine issues instead of following such remedies.”