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Why Did I Wake Up with a Migraine? Quercetin May Help!

Why Did I Wake Up with a Migraine? Quercetin May Help!

If you suffer from migraine pain, you know how debilitating it can be, affecting work, relationships, and quality of life. You've likely tried many solutions, such as avoiding triggers, migraine medications, and lifestyle support to decrease migraine attacks. Yet, most people with migraines are never entirely pain-free; it's a life-long condition.

Luckily, we live in a time when scientists are discovering more about what causes migraine pain, and there are more strategies to aid prevention. One emerging strategy is a simple supplement: quercetin.

"Luckily, we live in a time when scientists are discovering more about what causes migraine pain, and there are more strategies to aid prevention. One emerging strategy is a simple supplement: quercetin."

Please keep reading today's article to answer the question why did I wake up with a migraine? And why quercetin may help. This article will cover:

  • Migraine pain, symptoms, and triggers
  • Why did I wake up with a migraine?
  • The research on quercetin for chronic pain and migraine
  • How to incorporate quercetin supplementation into a prevention strategy

Let's dive in!

Migraine Pain

Migraine affects 1 in 10 people worldwide. It's a complex neurological condition where migraine attacks last 4 to 72 hours and is characterized by one-sided throbbing pain along with nausea, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, sensitivity to light and sound, and other symptoms. (Source 1)

Why Did I Wake Up with a Migraine? (Migraine Triggers)

People with migraine have brains that are overly sensitive to stimuli. Migraine triggers can include:

  • Smells
  • Food sensitivities
  • Processed foods (MSG, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, etc.)
  • Changes in sleep habits
  • Blood sugar dysregulation
  • Hormone changes
  • Medication use (Source 2, 3)

Experiencing migraine attacks in the morning (vs. afternoon or evening) might have to do with the timing of migraine triggers. Contributors may include:

  • Dehydration
  • Caffeine withdrawal
  • Poor sleep
  • Jaw clenching/teeth grinding
  • Stress

Quercetin for Migraine

Medical and nutrition researchers have studied antioxidants for decades for their anti-migraine effects. Coenzyme Q10, curcumin, gingko, vitamin C, and feverfew all have support in the management of migraine. (Source 2)

"Medical and nutrition researchers have studied antioxidants for decades for their anti-migraine effects."

Now, we can add quercetin to the list of beneficial antioxidants for migraine! Quercetin is a bioflavonoid from plant foods like fruits, onions, and tea. It has anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, making it a rising star for chronic pain management. (Source 4)

A recent study involved giving rats quercetin for a week and assessing migraine pain compared to rats not receiving quercetin. In this study, researchers induced migraine in the rats by nitroglycerine injections, and pain was evaluated by observing pain-related behaviors. The study concluded that the rats receiving quercetin exhibited fewer behaviors associated with migraine pain. (Source 5)

While there needs to be more research on the pain-reducing effects of quercetin in humans, quercetin has a high-safety profile and has been used clinically in functional medicine for quite some time.

Liposomal Quercetin Benefits

Quercetin is an excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound; however, not all supplements are created equal. Quercetin is notorious for poor absorption, requiring high doses to increase quercetin levels in the body. (Source 6)

Core Med Science Liposomal Quercetin utilizes lecithin (from sunflower, not soy) to create liposomal spheres encompassing quercetin molecules. This liposomal system dramatically increases quercetin absorption so you can see optimal benefits, even at lower dosages. (Source 6)

"This liposomal system dramatically increases quercetin absorption so you can see optimal benefits, even at lower dosages."

If you suffer from migraines, you are used to trying different things and spending money on tools and supplements that ultimately don't work. Instead of spending any more on low-quality supplements that are poorly absorbed, try Core Med Science for quality liposomal products to support your health and prevention goals.

 

References:

  1. Foudah AI, Devi S, Alqarni MH, et al. Quercetin Attenuates Nitroglycerin-Induced Migraine Headaches by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators. Nutrients. 2022;14(22):4871. Published 2022 Nov 17. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9695045/
  2. Goschorska M, Gutowska I, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Barczak K, Chlubek D. The Use of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Migraine. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020;9(2):116. Published 2020 Jan 28. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7070237/
  3. Fila M, Chojnacki C, Chojnacki J, Blasiak J. Is an "Epigenetic Diet" for Migraines Justified? The Case of Folate and DNA Methylation. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2763. Published 2019 Nov 14. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6893742/
  4. Liu C, Liu DQ, Tian YK, et al. The Emerging Role of Quercetin in the Treatment of Chronic Pain. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2022;20(12):2346-2353. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9890298/
  5. Foudah AI, Devi S, Alqarni MH, et al. Quercetin Attenuates Nitroglycerin-Induced Migraine Headaches by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Mediators. Nutrients. 2022;14(22):4871. Published 2022 Nov 17. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9695045/
  6. Riva A, Ronchi M, Petrangolini G, Bosisio S, Allegrini P. Improved Oral Absorption of Quercetin from Quercetin Phytosome®, a New Delivery System Based on Food Grade Lecithin. Eur J Drug Metab Pharmacokinet. 2019;44(2):169-177. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6418071/
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