How Your Digestive Health Impacts Migraines

If you suffer from migraines, you may have noticed that they don’t always strike without warning. Triggers like stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes are well-known culprits. But did you know that your gut health could also play a major role in migraine attacks? Emerging research suggests that the gut and brain are deeply connected, and an imbalance in gut health may contribute to the frequency and severity of migraines. Let’s explore how the digestive system impacts migraines and what you can do to support both your gut and your brain.

The Gut-Brain Axis: A Two-Way Street

The gut and brain communicate through a complex network known as the gut-brain axis, which plays an important role in the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis (or a state of stability).[1] This two-way communication network involves nerves, hormones, and the immune system, all of which help regulate important functions like digestion, mood, and pain perception. When your gut is out of balance—due to poor diet, stress, or certain medical conditions—it can trigger inflammation and changes in brain chemistry that may contribute to migraines.

The Role of Gut Bacteria in Migraine

Your digestive system is home to trillions of bacteria, collectively known as the gut microbiome. These bacteria help digest food, support the immune system, and even produce neurotransmitters like serotonin, which plays a key role in mood regulation and pain perception. When the gut microbiome is imbalanced—often referred to as dysbiosis—it can lead to inflammation and an increased likelihood of migraine attacks.[2] Studies have shown that people with migraines often have different gut bacteria compared to those who don’t suffer from migraines[3], suggesting a strong connection between gut health and headache disorders.

Common Gut Issues Linked to Migraines

Several digestive conditions are frequently associated with migraine, including:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): People with IBS are more likely to experience migraines and vice versa, possibly due to shared triggers like food sensitivities and stress.[4]
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome: When the gut lining becomes permeable, it allows toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that can contribute to migraines.
  • Constipation and Poor Digestion: Irregular bowel movements and slow digestion can lead to toxin buildup in the body, which may be linked to migraine onset.

How to Support Gut Health to Reduce Migraine Frequency

Taking care of your gut and paying close attention to your nutrition may help reduce migraine attacks and improve overall well-being. Here are some gut-friendly strategies to consider:

  1. Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid common migraine triggers like artificial sweeteners, processed meats, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.
  2. Incorporate Probiotics and Prebiotics: Foods rich in probiotics (like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables) and prebiotics (like bananas, garlic, and onions) support a healthy gut microbiome.
  3. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to both digestive issues and migraines, so drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep both at bay.
  4. Manage Stress: Stress negatively impacts both gut health and migraines (remember, the gut-brain axis). Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise can help keep stress levels in check.
  5. Consider Food Sensitivities: Keep a food diary to track potential food triggers that may be affecting both your gut and migraines.

Going Beyond Gut Health for Migraine Relief

While improving gut health can be a valuable step in migraine management, it’s not always enough on its own. If you’re looking for additional relief, gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS) is a strong contender. The vagus nerve is like your body’s information superhighway, carrying signals from your brain to other parts of your body. gammaCore nVNS is the first and only FDA-cleared non-invasive device to treat and prevent multiple types of headache pain via the vagus nerve and works by delivering gentle electrical pulses through the skin at the side of your neck. The device is portable and handheld, making it easy to use yourself at home or while on the go. Since the vagus nerve is a vital part of the gut-brain axis, this drug-free approach offers a safe and effective way to complement lifestyle changes aimed at improving both your gut and migraine symptoms.

To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.

References
1. Margolis, K. G., Cryan, J. F., & Mayer, E. A. (2021). The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: From Motility to Mood. Gastroenterology, 160(5), 1486-1501. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.10.066
2. Kappéter, Á., Sipos, D., et al. (2023). Migraine as a Disease Associated with Dysbiosis and Possible Therapy with Fecal Microbiota Transplantation. Microorganisms, 11(8). https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11082083
3. Crawford, J., Liu, S., & Tao, F. (2022). Gut microbiota and migraine. Neurobiology of Pain. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynpai.2022.100090
4. Petrarca, K. (2023, May 4). The Relationship Between Migraine and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Association of Migraine Disorders. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.migrainedisorders.org/the-connection-between-migraine-and-ibs/