When Stomachs Turn and Heads Throb: The Gastro-Neuro Link

Have you ever wondered if that spicy taco you regretted eating not only set your throat on fire but also had a hand in your migraine?

You're in the right place because today, we’re diving into the connection between your angry stomach and your throbbing head.

The Gut-Brain Connection

Most of us have experienced that unpleasant burning feeling in our chest at some point due to acid reflux. Chronic acid reflux is called GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) and can cause real issues if you don't get to the root of the problem. Turns out, a lot of people who deal with chronic migraines also find themselves battling with stomach issues like GERD.

The gut and brain are in constant communication via nerves, hormones, and our immune system, sharing things like serotonin—a big player in mood and digestion. Good gut health is essential for overall well-being. The bacteria in your belly do more than just break down food; they influence your immune system and nutrient absorption. When something's off, like stress in the brain or troubles in the gut, it can disrupt this communication. So, if you've got GERD, it might cause headaches and vice versa. People with migraines often have more acid reflux than those without, and resolving acid problems can cut down on headaches for many.

GERD Symptoms and Potential Causes

Common GERD symptoms include a burning feeling in your chest or stomach post-meal, a sour taste, trouble sleeping due to pain, dry mouth, gum irritation, tooth erosion, throat pain or swelling, bad breath, bloating, burping, a feeling of excessive fullness after eating, a noisy stomach, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loss of appetite. You might also experience sinus head pain, characterized by dull pain around the eyes, tenderness or pain around the cheekbones, pressure in your head, and head pain when you wake up or bend over.

While many believe acid reflux stems from too much stomach acid, digestive issues often stem from too little stomach acid. The goal is to achieve a more alkaline environment in the stomach.

Identifying heartburn triggers is a process of elimination. Culprits can include poor diet (especially processed foods), chronic stress, lack of movement, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, large meals close to bedtime, food allergies or sensitivities, obesity, pregnancy, aging (especially after 60), and hiatal hernia. High inflammation levels also contribute.

Certain medications, including antibiotics, ibuprofen, muscle relaxers, some blood pressure prescriptions, and aspirin (many of which are taken for migraines), can also cause acid issues. The very meds you are taking for migraines could be contributing to them! Heartburn treatments can also interfere with other medications, including aspirin and allergy meds, and can affect blood pressure. Remember, using drugs to counteract symptoms won't solve the root problem. Heartburn is likely to return without lasting lifestyle and diet changes.

Medications for Acid Reflux and GERD

Besides antacids, promotility agents, and potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs), two common groups of meds used for acid reflux and GERD are H2 Blockers and PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors). H2 blockers reduce stomach acid production by blocking histamine receptors and are used for heartburn and stomach ulcers. PPIs block proton pumps in the stomach that produce acid and are used for frequent heartburn and peptic ulcer disease. They are generally faster and stronger than H2 blockers in reducing stomach acid.

Caution: Long-term PPI use has been linked to several health risks and side effects, including magnesium deficiency, increased risk of bone fractures, SIBO, vitamin B12 deficiency, increased risk of stomach cancer, ulcers, inflammatory bowel conditions, leaky gut syndrome, worsened asthma symptoms, gastrointestinal issues with NSAID use, and an increased risk of death.

H2 blockers also have potential side effects and drug interaction risks, such as nervous system issues (confusion, headaches), diarrhea, skin rashes, serious kidney diseases, interference with blood thinners and antidepressants, diminished effectiveness over time, increased stomach cancer risk, and changes in stomach cells and bacteria.

Studies have even found that patients taking H2 blockers and consuming the recommended daily amount of magnesium were more likely to have migraines. A UK study showed increased migraine rates after people started taking PPIs, and FDA data reveals a higher reported rate of migraines associated with acid reflux medications. People taking prescription medications for reducing stomach acid may be 30-70% more likely to have migraines.

Inflammation and Migraines

Research suggests that an underlying cause of severe GERD is high inflammation levels. Inflammation is also a root cause of migraines. Reducing your inflammation load will help both your gut and your head!

Learn More

Want to explore more about GERD, acid reflux, and the gut-head connection?

Join the Migraine Freedom™ Community Membership for in-depth discussions, weekly tips, live coaching, expert-led training, a resource library, and Q&A sessions.®

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debbie Waidl is the Owner of In The Balance Health Coaching LLC, and Founder of The Freedom From Migraines Method™ & The Migraine Freedom Protocol™
She supports busy moms living with Migraines.

Debbie will uncover what is holding them back from migraine freedom so they can live their life pain and symptom free, work productively, spend the time they want with family and friends, and stop missing out on the things they enjoy.

A message from Debbie:
"I was once right where you are now. 100% believing there was NO WAY to end migraines and my only option was to learn how to live with them or find that magic pill that maybe would work for a while. If anyone told me back then that I could end my pain once and for all, I would have called BS and popped another pill!

Skeptical times 10 was my middle name for sure because when you try it all and everyone tells you they can help you and they don’t. You stop believing… you lose HOPE!

I now realize I was approaching my migraines all backward.

I was trying to cover up symptoms versus trying to end my pain."

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