Hey Migraine Mentees 👋 

Today’s newsletter takes 4 minutes and 27 seconds to read, but if you’ve only got 60 seconds, here’s what you need to know:

• Migraine medications are a game changer for many, but not for all…

• Specific migraine medications carry risks of causing nutrient deficiencies…

• Write down all of your symptoms and double check your medication side effects to see if there’s a chance your medication is causing additional symptoms…

• Medications work best in the presence of a healthy diet, lifestyle, and adequate sleep…

👀 You’re going to be an expert in managing your medications after today’s reading.

Let’s get into it!

🧠 The Migraine Mentors

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In This Week’s Edition…

• 🥡 Weekly Take-Out

  • Meme of The Week - 🌟 Your Aura Lights Up My Life…

• 📸 Weekly TikToks

  • Migraine Medications and Inflammation

  • Nutrient Depletions and Migraine Medication

• 🔈️ The Migraine Mentors Minicast - Podcast Series

  • Why Managing Your Medication Matters

• 📜 This Week’s Top Article

  • Are Your Migraine Medications Causing Your Symptoms?

• 🍴 Migraine-Friendly Recipe of the Week

  • Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl

🥡 WEEKLY TAKE-OUT

Meme of The Week

🥡 WEEKLY TIKTOKS

Migraine Medications and Inflammation

@drerikreis

#migraine #migrainerelief #pain #vestibularmigraine #brain #headache #headaches #migraines #chronicinflammation #chronicsymptoms #chronici... See more

Nutrient Depletions & Migraine Medication

@headache_whisperer

#migraine #migrainerelief #headache #migraines #medication

🗞️ MIGRAINE MINICAST

Why Managing Your Medications Matters

💊 Medications often seem like the first line of defense—but did you know that relying on them too heavily can actually worsen migraine symptoms over time?

While prescriptions can be crucial for relief, excessive use of certain migraine drugs like SSRI’s and CGRP-agonists may lead to more frequent or intense attacks, creating a vicious cycle that’s hard to break…

🎧️ In this week’s episode, we uncover the hidden risks of medication overuse, explain how it can escalate migraine severity, and outline practical ways to manage attacks without becoming too dependent on prescriptions.

You’ll also learn about more holistic, research-backed approaches that can help you navigate migraines with greater balance and confidence.

👇️ Click the link below to check it out! 👇️ 

📜 TOP ARTICLE

Are Your Migraine Medications Causing Your Symptoms?

As someone struggling to manage migraine symptoms, it’s frustrating to run into road blocks with medications that were supposed to help, but didn’t…

You’re not alone on this journey!

While certain medications can help manage symptoms, they often address only part of the problem… And they’re not addressing the root causes of your migraine attacks.

Interestingly, many migraine medication drugs also influence nutrient absorption, potentially worsening migraine symptoms, along with other symptoms commonly associated with chronic pain.

We wanted to highlight five common migraine medications and discuss the deficiencies they may cause…

So here we go!

1. NSAIDs (Aspirin) & Vitamin C/Iron

   • Key Point: Research shows aspirin can reduce vitamin C absorption, which may also affect iron uptake. Since vitamin C supports tissue repair and immunity, low levels could leave you more vulnerable to migraine triggers.

2. Valproate (Depakote) & Carnitine

   • Key Point: Studies indicate valproate depletes carnitine, a key player in mitochondrial energy production. Healthy mitochondria are vital for managing migraines, so depleted energy reserves can contribute to more frequent or intense attacks.

3. ACE Inhibitors & Zinc

   • Key Point: ACE inhibitors may lower zinc levels in the blood while increasing how much is excreted. Zinc is crucial for immune function and tissue repair—deficiencies can compromise your body’s resilience to migraine triggers.

4. Diuretics & Bone Density

   • Key Point: Loop diuretics (LDs) may disrupt calcium balance, potentially raising the risk of bone-related issues. Though thiazide diuretics (TDs) appear less harmful, maintaining proper mineral levels remains important for overall health and stress management.

5. Antidepressants & Vitamin D/Calcium

   • Key Point: Certain antidepressants have been linked to potential vitamin D and calcium deficiencies, though more research is needed. These nutrients help regulate cellular functions tied to migraine management.

🤔 What Should You Do?

• Monitor Nutrients: Regular blood tests can catch deficiencies early.

• Eat Smart: Include nutrient-dense foods—leafy greens, lean proteins, quality fats, nuts, seeds—to help offset losses.

• Stay Hydrated: Water + electrolytes is often a winning combination for making sure hydration levels stay elevated and nutrients are available for use.

• Keep Healthy Habits: Proper sleep, getting daily physical activity, managing stress, and keeping healthy relationships is crucial for success.

• Consult Professionals: Before changing medications or adding supplements, discuss your options with your healthcare provider.

Migraines are complex, and medication alone may not be the full solution… So if you’re still struggling with symptoms, it might be time to look for other options!

By understanding how nutrient deficiencies can develop, you’ll be better equipped to pursue a balanced, comprehensive approach to finding treatment and long-term relief.

🍴MIGRAINE-FRIENDLY RECIPE

Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl

🥣 Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth

• 1 medium zucchini, diced

• 1 bell pepper (any variety), diced

• 2 medium carrots, sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste (adjust according to tolerance)

• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) for garnishing

📖 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Cook the Quinoa

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for a few minutes.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

   • On a baking sheet, spread the diced zucchini, bell pepper, and sliced carrots. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper (to taste). Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.

4. Roast the Vegetables

   • Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, tossing halfway through for even roasting.

5. Assemble the Bowl

   • In a serving bowl, create a bed of cooked quinoa. Top with the roasted vegetables. Drizzle a little more olive oil if desired and garnish with freshly chopped herbs.

6. Serve

   • Serve warm and enjoy!

💪 Why This Recipe is Migraine-Friendly, Histamine-Friendly, and Low Glycemic

1. Quinoa

   • Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling base for the dish. It is also low in histamines.

2. Fresh Vegetables

   • Zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots are low-histamine vegetables that are less likely to trigger migraines. They are also fresh, free from preservatives, and packed with vitamins and minerals.

3. Olive Oil

   • Extra virgin olive oil is low in histamines and is a healthy fat that can help to reduce inflammation. It's often recommended in anti-inflammatory diets.

4. No Dairy or Processed Ingredients

   • The recipe avoids common migraine triggers often found in processed foods, such as aged cheeses, preservatives, and additives. It stays clean and simple.