Probiotics can help - or hurt - migraines

We always hear about how great probiotics are. But many different bacteria are considered probiotic, and some can help migraines and some can hurt. I've been doing a lot of research and wanted to share, in the hope that this can help others, because it sure has helped me.

There are 2 main species of probiotic: bifidobacteria and lactobacillus.

Lactobacillus - This is most common in pills and yogurt. The problem with lactobacillus bacteria is that many of them produce a form of lactic acid (D lactic acid) that is hard for the body to clear, and if it builds up it can lead to headaches, even in people who don't get migraines. Some lactobacillus bacteria - especially L. Rhamnosus - also increase glutamate - a neurotransmitter that can also trigger migraines in susceptible people. Many lactobacillus bacteria also produce histamine which can be a problem for people with migraines.

Bifidobacteria - This species is present in us at birth, but declines as we age. Studies link it to improved serotonin in the brain and reduced levels of anxiety and depression. Studies also link it to lower inflammation and lower levels of TNF, as well as lower levels of COX2.

I know - it sounds crazy to link bacteria in your gut to migraines. But a lot of valid studies are being done showing a clear connection between bacteria in the gut and the rest of our health, both physical and mental.

I did a lot of research this year and decided to stop all yogurt and try a bifidobacteria supplement. Honestly, I am a true skeptic and I did not expect much. But I keep a journal (and have for years) so I would be able to tell.

And the result shocked me. There was a noticeable drop, not only in the number of migraine days and in the severity of the ones I did get, but also - they did not last as long.

But - It is not easy to find supplements with only bifidobacteria. After a lot of searching, I found only two online. Both contain strains of bifidobacteria - B. Infantis, B. Breve, B. Longum, B. Bifidum - that have been linked in studies to improved symptoms in people with depression and/or anxiety. If you want to try this, the two I found are - Bifidus Mood Boost by Lifted Naturals (this is the one I took) and Seeking Health Bifidobacterium Vegetarian. Both are on amazon, not cheap, but a lot less than I have spent over the years on migraine surgery and medications from preventives to triptans to botox.

A few cautions - this may not work for everyone. Also, it may take a few weeks before the effects kick in. And - if you are not used to probiotics - start slowly (use a sprinkle from the capsule, not the whole thing and work up to it) and take at night, as bifidobacteria (like any probiotic) can definitely get you "moving" the next morning if you catch my drift!

I hope this helps someone as much as it has helped me.