Case Overview
A 25-year-old female patient, whom I’ve been treating for years, came to my office with a sudden onset of severe migraine headaches. This was unusual — in all our time working together, she had never experienced migraines before.
History & Clues
Over the past month, these migraines had become frequent and intense, interfering with her work, social activities, and ability to exercise. I began asking about the typical migraine triggers: sleep changes, stress, dehydration, diet changes, hormonal shifts — but nothing added up. Then she mentioned something new: she had started drinking a “zero sugar” electrolyte powder around the same time the migraines began.
Connecting the Dots
This immediately caught my attention. Artificial sweeteners and flavorings are known migraine triggers for many people. When we checked the label, the drink indeed contained artificial ingredients — the likely culprit behind her sudden migraine attacks.
Expanding on this point, many patients need to be aware of a common phrase on ingredient labels: “natural flavors.” This term is often a catch-all for various compounds, including monosodium glutamate (MSG). Glutamate is a powerful excitatory neurotransmitter that, when ingested in high amounts or on a daily basis, can overstimulate neurons in the brain. For individuals predisposed to them, migraines are often the result of this kind of neuronal overactivity. The daily consumption of a product with hidden glutamate can act as the ‘spark’ for a migraine, igniting a pathway that was previously dormant. This makes checking labels for seemingly innocuous ingredients a crucial step in managing and preventing migraines.
Other common dietary triggers of migraines include caffeine, aged cheeses, processed meats, alcohol, and chocolate.
Outcome & Recommendations
She stopped using the electrolyte powder, and her migraines resolved. Instead of relying on costly, processed electrolyte drinks, I recommended a more natural approach: adding a quality mineral-rich salt, such as Redmond’s Real Salt or Celtic Sea Salt, to water. These salts provide essential minerals without artificial additives.
Takeaway
Even products marketed as “healthy” can contain hidden triggers. If you experience new symptoms, it’s worth taking a closer look at what you’ve recently added to your diet or routine — sometimes the answer is hiding in plain sight.
Post Written by Dr. Riley Kulm, DC. Check out his bio here.
