You may be here because you read my December 18th 2023 post on Facebook...
My post got way more attention than I imagined. Turns out, MANY people in my life also suffer from migraines. I had no idea! I received a bunch of DMs, texts, and comments, all asking about what I started doing in November to help make my migraines go away (3 months migraine free at the time of this post!). As a wellness consultant for more than a decade, I believe it's important to educate on the benefits of proper supplementation as much as possible. This whole thing was "kind of" funny, too, because even though I've been consulting and selling products in the wellness world for such a long time, I still fell victim to chronic stress and its unruly aftermath. So much, in fact, that I was oblivious to what was happening in my own body. I've helped loads of friends, family, and clients find support to their ailments, all while I was neglecting my own needs. It's crazy how that happens sometimes. Who can relate? Once I knocked myself back into gear I was so pissed it took this long.
Before I give you my exact regimen (as promised), I want to throw some info your way so you know the WHYs behind the WHATs.
Migraines can be a real pain in the head, literally! If you're one of the unlucky ones (like me) who experience hormonal migraines, you know how debilitating they can be. But fear not, because I've got some vitamin and supplement superheroes that can come to your rescue.
Picture this: You're stressed out beyond belief and overwhelmed from all of life's happenings. Suddenly, a throbbing headache starts to creep in, and you know it's going to be a long day (or long few days). Sound familiar? Well, my friend, you're not alone. Stress and migraines often go hand in hand, and there's a sneaky culprit behind it all - depleted B vitamins. In this blog post, we'll explore the causes of hormonal migraines and introduce you to some natural remedies that can help you bid farewell to those pesky headaches. We'll also dive into the fascinating connection between stress, migraines, and those elusive B vitamins.
Let's get into it.
What Causes Hormonal Migraines?
Hormonal migraines are often triggered by fluctuations in estrogen levels, which commonly occur during a woman's menstrual cycle, pregnancy, or menopause. These hormonal changes can create some chaos in your body, leading to throbbing headaches, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. But fret not, because there are ways to combat these migraines and find relief.
Stress: A Killer
Did you know that chronic stress can wreak havoc on your body, including depleting your precious B vitamins? It's true! When stress becomes a regular part of your life, your body goes into overdrive, using up more B vitamins than usual. And guess what? B vitamins are ESSENTIAL for maintaining a healthy nervous system and brain function. So, when they start to dwindle, migraines can come knocking on your door.
This is exactly what happened to me. Hormones + chronic stress = Jaxx is not ok.
For me, I had been taking an isotonically formulated activated B complex supplement daily for years... until one day I simply forgot to reorder it. Then, I kept forgetting to reorder it for about a year. Don't ask me how this happened because I won't know how to answer you. Life kind of just "lifes" sometimes. Throw into the mix that it was an extremely stressful couple of years and BOOM. Enter stage left... debilitating migraines that last 1-3 excruciating days every month.
Moving right along...
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) - The Migraine Fighter:
Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin, is a true superhero when it comes to fighting migraines. This essential vitamin plays a crucial role in energy production and maintaining healthy brain function. Studies have shown that a daily dose of 400 mg of riboflavin can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. B vitamins are little powerhouses. They play a crucial role in supporting your body's stress response and overall well-being. They help convert food into energy, regulate mood, and keep your nervous system in tip-top shape. But when stress comes knocking, your body starts using up these B vitamins faster than you can say "migraine." And that's when the trouble begins. So, stock up on foods like almonds, spinach, and eggs, and add in a riboflavin supplement to keep those migraines at bay. I'll be including a robust list of the exact supplements I take (with links) toward the end of this novel.
So, how exactly do depleted B vitamins lead to migraines? Well, it's a domino effect. When your body is low on B vitamins, it can disrupt the production of serotonin and dopamine, two neurotransmitters that play a vital role in regulating mood and pain perception. This imbalance can trigger migraines and make them more frequent and intense. It's like a vicious cycle - stress depletes B vitamins, which leads to migraines, which in turn, causes more stress. Talk about a headache-inducing loop!
Magnesium - The Relaxation Guru:
When it comes to migraines, magnesium is your best friend. This mighty mineral helps relax blood vessels and calm the nervous system, reducing the severity and frequency of migraines. Foods like dark chocolate, avocados, and nuts are rich in magnesium. However, if you're not getting enough through your diet (which you're likely not if you live in the US), a magnesium supplement can be a game-changer in your migraine battle. The one I take will be included in that list I mentioned.
Coenzyme Q10 - The Energy Booster:
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10 for short, is a powerful antioxidant that helps boost energy production in your cells. It also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy blood vessels. Studies have shown that a daily dose of 100 mg of CoQ10 can reduce the frequency and duration of migraines. So, if you're tired of those energy-draining migraines, consider adding a CoQ10 supplement to your routine. It's also great for your heart!
Vitamin D - The Sunshine Vitamin:
Vitamin D is not only essential for strong bones but also for maintaining a healthy immune system and reducing inflammation. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to an increased risk of migraines (and various illnesses). So, soak up some sun (wear SPF), enjoy foods like fatty fish and fortified dairy products, and add a vitamin D supplement to keep those migraines away. It's important to take a vitamin D3 that has K2 in it for optimal results.
Hormonal migraines can be a real buzzkill, but with the right vitamins and supplements, you can reclaim your life and bid farewell to those throbbing headaches. I did! Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements. So, arm yourself with riboflavin, magnesium, CoQ10, and vitamin D3/K2, and let these natural remedies be your migraine-fighting sidekicks. Say goodbye to migraines and hello to a headache-free life!
Now that we have better idea of the culprits behind those stress and/or hormone induced migraines, it's time to fight back and replenish your vitamins arsenal. Here is my daily regimen, as it pertains to migraine prevention. I do take more than these, but to keep it as simple as possible for you, I'm only going to include what I take specifically for migraines.
Please, keep in mind that isotonic vitamins and supplements are like the superheroes of the supplement world. They swoop in, save the day, and leave you feeling like a million bucks. Why are they so great, you ask? Let me break it down for you.
Isotonic formulas mimic the body's natural fluids (blood, sweat, tears), making it easier for your body to absorb all those essential nutrients. It's like giving your body a VIP pass to the nutrient party. On the other hand, regular pill or tablet supplements can be a bit antiquated, not to mention, hard to swallow. They don't have that same isotonic magic. Instead, our body has to break them down and dissolve them before they can be absorbed, IF they can be absorbed at all. The only solutions that work better than an isotonic one is through IV. If you want to get really into it, ask the nurses in your life what a "bed pan bullet" is. Sorry in advance.
On to my regimen, as promised...
Every morning, the very first thing I ingest is a cocktail of Activated B Complex, Digestive Enzymes, OPC-3, and Magnesium. I do 1 capful of each mixed with 8 oz of water. This creates an isotonic solution and my body will absorb about 95% of it. After about 5-10 minutes, I take 2 Bymygra capsules with water.
Later that morning or afternoon, I'll take a cap of Vitamin D3/K2, CoQ10, and OPC-3 with 6 oz of water (again, making it isotonic) after I eat something. Vitamin D3/K2 and CoQ10 absorb best when taken with food. Even though OPC-3 is best absorbed on an empty stomach, I'll still get a lot of its benefits.
Before bed, I'll take another cap of Magnesium with 2oz of water. Not only is magnesium great for migraine prevention, but it's also generally amazing for winding down before sleep.
The formula I follow is listed clearly on each of the bottles. Basically, for every 1 capful of powder you add 2oz of water. You can take these separately or mix them all together in a tall glass. They all taste different so depending on what you mix together, you'll have a flavor explosion on your hands. Some are citrus, while others are berry. When combined, they taste like a punchy tart fruit juice and I'm not mad at it.
Here is a list of the exact supplements I take. I don't take the CoQ10 soft gels regularly, as I prefer the isotonic version, but I included them in case you wanted another option.
You may be thinking, "oh I'll just add more of X,Y, and Z foods into my diet and be good." Unfortunately that is not possible in the United States in 2024 and hasn't been for many decades. Farming in the USA has gone exponentially down hill in the last 60+ years. The spinach you would have eaten back then isn't the same spinach you're eating today, organic or not. The nutritional values have decreased in ways I won't get into here... that's a whole separate essay in itself. Feel free to google why our produce has much less nutritional value across the board (hint: expect to read about dirt). You'll then realize why everyone who breathes should be on some sort of high quality supplement. It's simply our reality.
If you'd like to schedule a free virtual wellness consult, shoot an email to jaxx@jaxxmakeup.com.
One last graphic to showcase the incredible difference between the vitamins I take vs the typical pills or tablets you get from a Rx or GNC...
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. If you experience chronic migraines or have concerns about severe vitamin deficiencies, please consult with your doctor.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using some links.