How to Stop a Migraine Before It Starts (3 Supplements)
In a Nutshell
Migraine sufferers have mitochondrial energy deficits that trigger a molecule causing throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity; 400 mg vitamin B2 daily fixes this energy problem over three months, cutting migraine frequency by ~50%. Butterbur (PA-free, 75 mg twice daily) blocks the pain molecule and desensitizes hyperexcited neurons. Magnesium glycinate (400 mg daily) plus stable electrolytes and low-carb eating with minimal caffeine withdrawal further prevent attacks.
These notes were generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Nearly a billion people on planet Earth get migraines. Three times more women than men. Mainstream treatments are medications that are over a thousand dollars a month.
The conventional explanation for decades is that an artery vasodilates and then medication constricts it to stop the migraine. The question is why vasodilation occurs in the first place.
People who get migraines have a different situation in their bodies than people who do not get migraines, especially with energy in the mitochondria. Migraine sufferers produce less energy called ATP. Less energy in the brain sets up a situation where instead of brain fog, migraine sufferers get a hyper-excited brain. This can show up as a wave or an aura with visual disturbance.
The mitochondria is an energy factory. The first and largest door to start the energy process involves vitamin B2. If there is no vitamin B2, no energy will be made. People with genetic problems with the mitochondria require nearly twice as much vitamin B2 as people without genetic problems to generate energy.
Two randomized control trials showed that 400 mg of vitamin B2 per day cut migraine frequency by roughly 50%. The larger trial involved 245 patients. The RDA is roughly a little over 1 mg of B2 per day. To fix the mitochondrial problem, 400 mg is needed every single day. It takes 3 months to completely fortify and correct the energy problem in the mitochondria.
There is a molecule involved in migraines responsible for the throbbing, knife-like sensation, nausea, and amplified pain. Right before the migraine starts, there is an energy problem, then this molecule kicks in and causes the symptoms. Major migraine drugs block this molecule but cause side effects and do not correct the real cause.
The molecule is increased due to low energy. Butterbur is an herb that can affect this molecule. Butterbur has been used for 2,000 years. It creates a desensitized effect on hyperexcited neurons, resulting in less throbbing, less knife pain, less nausea, and less overall pain. It also reduces light sensitivity.
The American Neurological Association gave butterbur its highest evidence rating until 2015, when they withdrew it due to a manufacturing problem, not because the herb did not work. The herb can be toxic if not processed correctly. The PA-free version is needed. Pregnant women and those with liver conditions should check with their doctor before taking butterbur.
Estrogen worsens the situation. When someone drinks more water, migraines can get worse because electrolytes are diluted, especially sodium. Key electrolytes are needed to power the mitochondria. If taking a lot of water, sea salt and a high potassium electrolyte should also be taken.
Magnesium is the most important electrolyte because it is involved in the last stage of making ATP. Magnesium glycinate is recommended because it is the gold standard for absorption. Glycinate comes from the amino acid glycine, which is good for the brain.
The protocol is:
- Vitamin B2: 400 mg daily
- Butterbur: 75 mg twice a day (the dose used in research studies)
- Magnesium glycinate: 400 mg, spread throughout the day
Low blood sugar can trigger migraines. A low carb diet helps the body run on fat fuel and reduces migraines. Caffeine withdrawal can also trigger migraines. Instead of cutting off caffeine completely, a small amount in the morning, such as one small cup, is suggested.
Many people do the low carb diet incorrectly. A video explaining how to do it in a healthy way is referenced.
Dr. Berg supplements can be found on Amazon by typing "Dr. Berg supplements."
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