We’ve been talking lately about the use of a probiotics supplement for migraine. A probiotics supplement is especially attractive to those who are trying to avoid yogurt, which triggers migraine attacks in some.
One unwelcome visitor that often comes along with migraine is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). So a recent review of studies done of patients with IBS taking probiotics supplements caught my eye, because it has implications for both groups (more on the link between IBS and migraine).
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In a nutshell, the studies were presented at the American College of Gastroenterology’s 73rd Annual Scientific Meeting. Researchers suggested the following:
- Probiotics are safe
- Probiotics help lessen symptoms of IBS
- Multistrain probiotics are effective
- Probiotics were also effective for teenagers and children
Why does this matter to migraine sufferers? Most obviously, because many are also suffering from IBS. But there’s another reason – the evidence is mounting that multistrain probiotics actually do help.
That may seem obvious, but some have argued that by the time the supplement gets into your system (especially into your intestines), you’re lucky if there are any probiotics that are actually still there to help you. There’s no doubt this is true for some brands (more on that in a moment). But a quality probiotic is actually improving your body’s functioning, and that is major news.
Previously I recommended Nature’s Way Primadophilus Optima. I chose this particular brand because
(1) It’s a multistrain probiotic (14 strains, including bifidobacterium infantis)
(2) It seems to be among the best when it comes to getting the maximum amount of probiotic benefit into your body. Many brands of probiotics fall far short of the label’s claims about the amounts of each strain, once you actually go to take the supplement. Buying the wrong brand (this goes for yogurt too, by the way) may mean you’re taking something with very little benefit.
To maximize the benefits, be sure to refrigerate the bottle as soon as it arrives. And don’t buy 243 bottles in advance – stick to 2 or 3.
You can find Primadophilus Optima at Vitacost (above link). Primadophilus Optima is also available on amazon.com.
There is growing evidence that taking care of your "gut" (intestines) can be a powerful way to fight migraine. Finding ways to do this that are safe and effective will continue to help migraineurs make smart decisions.
Read more about the studies at Science Daily: How Effective Are Probiotics In Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
My herbalist just started me on Primadophilus Optima for my IBS. She recommended that particular brand for exactly the reasons you cite.
I did also want to say that iHerb.com sells it, and they ship it in a refrigerated carton. It retails there for about half-price.
I’m hoping that the probiotic helps. My herbalist did also mention that this specific brand has been clinically studied, and shows a lot of benefit over other brands.
Be well,
MJ
Glad to hear your herbalist agrees with me (if she’s a good herbalist, that is!)!
Yes, the refrigerated carton is a nice feature. The other places I mentioned above are a little cheaper than iHerb, but shipping prices vary. Also, they only ship in the refrigerated carton within the USA, I believe, so elsewhere you lose that benefit.
Here’s Primadophilus Optima at iHerb. If you’re a first time customer you can save $5 with this coupon: RIL032
Then you can get more credits by referring others.
If you’re ordering regularly, check all three of the places we mentioned, all of which are reputable vendors, and check which is cheapest where you are.
One theory about the connection between IBS, migraine and anxiety lies in the receptor sites involved in each. The are called 5HT receptors..most are in the gut (IBS!) and many types are in the brain and known to be involved in migraine and anxiety. Although the exact link hasn’t been made yet, it would make sense that when one group fires off..the others might.
This could explain why in the middle of a migraine, many people have more anxiety and even diarrhea.
Thanks for mentioning that, Mary Kay. I believe that is and important connection, which is why I keep coming back to talking about the gut.
Interesting article. There are so many things in our modern diets and lifestyles that can kill these beneficial gut bacteria that it’s important to make sure we re-establish them. Our intestinal flora is not just ‘nice to have’ it’s essential, and not surprising that lack of healthy gut bacteria is a cause or contributor to IBS. The reason I’ve not used probiotics yet is exactly because I know that not all are going to be created equal and I don’t want to waste my money on something that’s not going to do the job. Thanks for your recommendation.
You’re welcome.
The UK company OptiBac Probiotics offers a range of probiotics which are tailored to specific needs. ‘For daily wellbeing’ is multi-strain, shelf stable, with added prebiotics (food for the probiotics to grow) and gives 5 billion micro organisms per daily dose, guaranteed right up until the end of the expiry date. Worth checking out!
I would love to see some independent research on OptiBac Probiotics. I have chosen to mention the brand I have mentioned after reading independent research on, for example, how much of the active ingredients actually survive long enough. Many companies make great claims, but it’s hard to know which is the best until you see some studies done.
Sincerely appreciated James.
Clinical trials on the products are listed at the bottom of each product page on the website, or also on the Evidence and Testimonials section. – http://www.optibacprobiotics.co.uk/optibac-probiotics-evidence-testimonials.html
Alternativley, you can read up on survival of stomach acidity etc with the Institut Rosell, who manufacture probiotic strains for OptiBac.
great post–
I have had migraines for years, and knew they were linked to my diet, specifically dairy. Then in 2007, I got food poisoning and developed IBS as a result. The curious thing was that my migraines went away with the arrival of the IBS. Every time I ate dairy, I would then get diarrhea and all sorts of pains. Eventually I read Dr. Pimental’s (sp) book “a new IBS solution” regarding IBS and bacteria, and I altered my diet and took culturelle (/lactaid when eating dairy), and my IBS pretty much went away, but my headaches came back! One day I read about the tyramine/histamine production by bacteria involved in food production (cheese, sausage, etc). and it was an epiphany for me.
I still am trying to get the right situation going on in my gut, but I suffer from fewer migraines than in the past and have very infrequent IBS symptoms, unless I really go nuts on the cheese!
Michael