Hey Migraine Mentees 👋 

Today’s newsletter takes another 5 minutes to read, but if you’ve only got 60 seconds, here’s what you need to know:

• Many migraine medications have unwanted side effects. Many also deplete nutrients which are commonly misinterpreted as side effects

• Triptans commonly deplete magnesium and alter serotonin function. This supports the need for Mg supplementation

• CGRP medications deplete calcium and magnesium. Both can mimic medication side effects

• Certain abortive meds can deplete CoQ-10 and Vitamin B2. Fatigue is a common symptom of both medication side effects and nutrient depletions.

• Make sure to check your meds for nutrient depletions. These often get mistaken for side effects and they’re easy to treat with supplementation.

We hope this week’s newsletter can make that dream a reality for you!

🧠 The Migraine Mentors

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In This Week’s Edition…

• 🥡 Weekly Take-Out

  • Meme of The Week - Postdrome Incoming!!

• 📸 Weekly TikToks

  • Self Love and Acceptance

  • Vagal Nerve Stimulation

• 🔈️ The Migraine Mentors Minicast - Podcast Series

  • Case Study: Vestibular Migraine and Medication Side Effects

• 📜 This Week’s Top Article

  • Debunking Side Effects vs. Nutrient Depletions

• 🍴 Migraine-Friendly Recipe of the Week

  • Vegetable Soup

🥡 WEEKLY TAKE-OUT

Meme of The Week

🥡 WEEKLY TIKTOKS

Vestibular Migraine

B Vitamins and Migraine

@headache_whisperer

#vestibular #migraine #dizzy #vertigo

@drerikreis

Not all B Vitamins are created equal... 🚨 If you take B Vitamins for migraine symptoms, energy, or brain health, make sure they’re methyl... See more

🗞️ MIGRAINE MINICAST

Case Study: Vestibular Migraine and Medication Side Effects

🎛️ In this week’s podcast episode, we’re diving into a case study of a woman suffering from vestibular migraines.

🧠 She would have debilitating dizziness spells during attacks, and ultimately the thing that helped the most was changing medications because 3 of them were causing a majority of her dizziness.

🎙️ Tune in to hear us break down:

• Vestibular Migraine vs. Normal Dizziness

• Medication Side Effects

• Everything We Did to Help Her Recover

👇️ Click the link below to check it out! 👇️ 

📜 TOP ARTICLE

Nutrient Depletion and Medication Side Effects

If you’ve ever taken any form of medication for migraine, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered some sort of side effect 💊 

Some of the medications even have headache listed as a side effects for a conditions technically classified as a headache 🤔 

What isn’t talked about is nutrient depletions from medication use. Some of the symptoms of nutrient deficiency can actually mimic common side effects listed on the medication website 🖥️ 

Knowing this information is crucial because you can sometimes reduce some of the unpleasant symptoms from medication simply by supplementing based on known nutrient depletions 🍎 

Take a look at the list below and see if you have any of the symptoms that align with nutrient depletions.

1. Triptans (e.g., Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan)

• Common Side Effects:

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

  • Nausea

  • Dry mouth

  • Chest tightness or pressure

• Nutrient Depletion:

  • Magnesium:

    • Symptoms of Depletion:

      • Muscle cramps or spasms

      • Fatigue or weakness

      • Anxiety or irritability

      • Nausea or vomiting

      • Irregular heartbeat

  • Serotonin:

    • While not a nutrient, triptans affect serotonin levels, which can influence mood and sleep patterns. It also affects how your body blocks out pain.

2. CGRP Inhibitors (e.g., Erenumab, Fremanezumab, Galcanezumab)

• Common Side Effects:

  • Injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)

  • Constipation

  • Muscle spasms

  • Fatigue

  • Possible allergic reactions

• Nutrient Depletion:

  • Calcium:

    • Symptoms of Depletion:

      • Muscle cramps or spasms

      • Numbness or tingling in fingers and toes

      • Fatigue

      • Osteoporosis (with long-term deficiency)

      • Abnormal heart rhythms

  • Magnesium:

    • Symptoms of Depletion:

      • Muscle cramps or spasms

      • Fatigue or weakness

      • Anxiety or irritability

      • Nausea or vomiting

      • Irregular heartbeat

3. Preventive Medications (e.g., Beta-Blockers like Propranolol)

• Common Side Effects:

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness

  • Weight gain

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Cold hands and feet

• Nutrient Depletion:

  • Coenzyme Q10:

    • Symptoms of Depletion:

      • Fatigue or low energy

      • Muscle weakness

      • Increased susceptibility to infections

      • Cognitive decline or memory issues

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):

    • Symptoms of Depletion:

      • Cracked lips or sores at the corners of the mouth

      • Sore throat

      • Red, inflamed tongue

      • Fatigue or weakness

      • Eye fatigue or sensitivity to light

Summary

These medications can effectively manage migraine symptoms but may also lead to side effects and nutrient depletions. Make sure you supplement based on the known risks for depletion to minimize side effects of medications.

As you’ve seen, at The Migraine Mentors, we’re here to help you decode the patterns, find the root causes, and take back control of your health.

💡 Want help figuring out your next step?

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And as always—hit reply and tell us what you want covered next!

🧠 The Migraine Mentors

🍴MIGRAINE-FRIENDLY RECIPE

Vegetable Soup

🥣 Ingredients

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 onion, diced (optional, as some people may have sensitivity)

- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, as some can be sensitive)

- 2 carrots, sliced

- 1 zucchini, diced

- 2 cups kale, chopped (or any leafy green, like kale)

- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (check for low-histamine options)

- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or other fresh herbs like basil or parsley)

- Salt and pepper to taste (be cautious with salt, as some people may be sensitive)

-Slowly add kale

- Optional: 1 cup of green beans, chopped, or any other seasonal vegetable that is well-tolerated

Instructions:

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Sauté Vegetables: If using, add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

3. Add Carrots and Zucchini: Stir in the sliced carrots and diced zucchini. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Add the thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Why This Recipe is Migraine and Histamine Friendly:

1. Fresh Ingredients: The soup uses fresh vegetables that are low in histamine, which is important for individuals with histamine intolerance. Vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and kale are generally considered safe and nutritious.

2. Low-Histamine Vegetables: The selected vegetables are often well-tolerated by those with histamine issues. For example:

   - Carrots: Low in histamine and often recommended for sensitive individuals.

   - Zucchini: A mild vegetable that is also low in histamine.

3. Simplicity: The recipe keeps the ingredient list simple and avoids common migraine triggers like aged cheeses, processed meats, and certain spices that can provoke symptoms.

4. Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs (like thyme, basil, or parsley) add flavor without the need for artificial flavorings or preservatives that could trigger a migraine.

5. Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a healthy fat and is often considered safe for those with migraines, providing beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.

6. Hydration: The broth-based soup helps maintain hydration, which is crucial for migraine prevention.