Hey Migraine Mentees 👋 

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

• Aspirin helps with pain, but frequent use has inherent tradeoffs…

• It can lower vitamin C status and raise GI bleeding → iron loss risks…

• SSRIs + aspirin/NSAIDs put you at a higher risk for bleeding, so it’s always best to run these medications by your prescriber…

• If you’re taking Aspirin regularly, load up on vitamin C-containing foods (peppers, citrus, kiwi, berries) and pair Vitamin-C with iron (beans + peppers, spinach + citrus)…

• Red flags to look out for are black stools, persistent GI pain, easy bruising, or new ear ringing…

• Aspirin can help manage pain, but the best form of care is prevention through healthy habits like nutrition, sleep, movement, and stress management…

📕 If you’ve seen our newsletter be a bit thinner around the holiday season, you’re not hallucinating!

We’re intentionally taking time away from our crazy lives to reset, charge the batteries, and spend time with family before the new year starts up again.

🌟 We will be back up with our regular podcasts and updates next week. So enjoy the downtime if you can, and let’s make 2026 a year to remember!

🧠 The Migraine Mentors

First time reading?! Sign up HERE.

👉️ In This Week’s Edition…

• 🥡 Weekly “Take-Meme-Out”

  • The Most Interesting Condition Known To (Wo)Man…

• 🗒️ Read This Now!

  • The Dark Side to Aspirin

• 🍴 Migraine-Friendly Recipe of the Week

  • Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

⌛️ Still stuck in the holiday slump? Not a problem!

🧬 As you saw last week, we’ve put together a full-stack supplement combination that will help you buffer the stressors of the holidays/new year and help you make it through to 2026without flaring up your migraine symptoms.

❤️‍🩹 This supplement stack packs a 1-2 punch by supporting your adrenals and stress responses while also making sure to control inflammation, optimize sleep, and help you recover from whatever the holidays sent your way.

👉️ Click the link below to sign up for our Full Script account to access our holiday stack. Once you sign up, we will write a “script” that will allow you to purchase the products and be on your merry way!

🥡 WEEKLY TAKE-OUT

Meme of The Week…

🗒️ READ THIS NOW!

The Dark Side of Aspirin

If you find yourself consistently reaching for Aspirin when a migraine rolls in, this one’s for you!

Aspirin is one of the most widely used OTC medications in the world. It’s accessible, fast-acting, and for many of you who struggle with chronic migraines (and pain), a reliable way to try and find pain relief.

But there’s a darker side to frequent aspirin use that’s worth knowing about, especially if you’re dealing with recurring chronic migraines…

Aspirin has a storied past, from ancient willow-bark remedies to being a modern pharmacy staple, and it’s still among the most widely used drugs today.

🧬 Why Does Aspirin Work for Migraine?

Chronic migraine is closely linked with inflammation and oxidative stress. And as we’ve discussed, managing those inflammatory pathways through lifestyle, diet/nutrition, sleep, exercise, and meds can shift your threshold for attacks.

Your habits and lifestyle choices have a massive impact on your migraines…

💊 Aspirin = Pain Relief

When used appropriately, Aspirin can quickly reduce pain and the inflammatory signaling pathways that commonly amplify and trigger migraine symptoms.

That’s the part most of us know about… And why most people use it.

But there are always tradeoffs in medicine, and Aspirin is no different…

⚠️ The Tradeoffs of Aspirin

• Vitamin C Depletion

  • Classic studies and modern reviews suggest high-dose, ongoing salicylate (Aspirin) exposure can depress Vitamin C status in tissues. That matters because Vitamin C is a frontline antioxidant and immune supporter!

• GI Bleeding → Potential Iron Loss → Iron Deficiency

  • Long-term use of Aspirin (even at lower doses) increases gastrointestinal bleeding risk and can contribute to iron deficiency, which can in turn be both an energy and brain-health issue that overlaps with migraine burden in many women (especially women who are still menstruating).

• Ears Ringing (Tinnitus)?

  • High or sustained salicylate exposure can trigger tinnitus and hearing shifts, which can be easy to miss if you’re focused on head pain and migraine symptoms.

• SSRI + Aspirin Contra-Indications

  • Combining SSRIs with Aspirin/OTC NSAIDs raises bleeding risk. And since depression and migraine often go hand in hand, it’s essential to be aware of the complications that can occur with taking these medications together.

🪜 How to Dose Aspirin Use Appropriately

🥝 Replete > Deplete

Eat Vitamin C–rich foods daily (bell peppers, citrus, kiwi, strawberries, cruciferous veggies, etc.). Food-first is ideal, although supplements can help when intake or absorption is limited.

The upper limit for adults is 2,000 mg/day; Know that more isn’t always better…

🥗 Pair Iron + Vitamin C

Vitamin C boosts non-heme iron absorption (from plants) and supports overall iron uptake, which is smart if bleeding risk or heavy periods are always on your radar.

Practical pairings include food groups like: beans + red peppers, spinach + citrus, and iron supplements + orange or kiwi.

💊 Watch Your Medication Combinations!

If you take SSRIs/SNRIs, anticoagulants, or antiplatelet medications, ask your clinician about safer acute pain-management options to avoid potential GI bleeding.

🏋️ Let Your Habits Guide The Way

Day-to-day healthy habits are THE most efficient way to manage and treat your migraines, which will inherently lead to a lower need for Aspirin and other medications. Your choices matter!

🧯 Safety Notes

• Persistent GI pain, black stools, easy bruising, or ringing in the ears are red flags and warrant medical care and a review of your med list.

• Don’t ever stop a prescribed medication without medical guidance!

• If you’re taking Vitamin C supplements: Stay ≤ 2,000 mg/day (adults) and be cautious if you have a history of hemochromatosis or kidney stones.

❤️‍🔥 The TLDR - Be Careful!

Aspirin and OTC medications can play a pivotal part in your migraine plan, but know that they shouldn’t be the whole plan (or the only plan!). If you’re gonna use it, it’s always best to be informed and understand the consequences of your actions.

You know where we stand on diet, sleep, stress management, exercise, and modifiable lifestyle choices… So it’s up to you to choose how you want to live your life!

We’re here to help you along the way…

🧠 The Migraine Mentors

🍴MIGRAINE-FRIENDLY RECIPE

✨ Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake

📖 Ingredients (1–2 servings)

• Pumpkin puree (100% pure, unsweetened)

• Unsweetened almond milk

• Vanilla protein powder (migraine-friendly)

• Pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon + nutmeg)

• Ice cubes

• Optional - pinch of sea salt; extra cinnamon on top

✅ How to Make It

1. Add pumpkin puree, almond milk, protein powder, and pumpkin pie spice to a blender.

2. Add a handful of ice and blend until smooth. For a thicker texture, add more pumpkin or a few extra ice cubes.

3. Pour into a glass and serve immediately.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re unsure about protein powders, use a short‑ingredient list option without artificial flavors, sweeteners, or emulsifiers you don’t tolerate.