Bloating and Migraine: Coincidence or Clue?

What if your bloating isn’t separate from your migraine—but part of the same pattern?

In this episode of Migraine Heroes Podcast, host Diane Ducarme explores the connection between digestive symptoms and migraine, and why the answer may go far beyond simply blaming certain foods.

You’ll learn:

💡 Why bloating and migraine may show up together

💡 How your nervous system, digestion, hormones, and migraine pathways may be connected

💡 How to tell whether bloating is random, treatment-related, or a useful clue in your migraine pattern

This episode will help you look at bloating differently—not as an isolated symptom, but as another signal your body may be giving you.

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🔗 Discover our work on migraineheroes.com

References:

• Gut–Brain Axis and Migraine Headache: A Comprehensive Review (Arzani et al., 2020): This review explores how gut microbiota, inflammation, and gut–brain signaling may influence migraine. Read more here.
• Increased Prevalence of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Migraine Patients (Wongtrakul et al., 2022): This meta-analysis found that IBS is more common among people with migraine. Read more here.
• Migraine and Gastroparesis (Arca et al., 2022): This review examines the overlap between migraine, delayed gastric emptying, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Read more here.
• Role of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide on the Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Migraine (Ailani et al., 2022): This review explores how CGRP may connect migraine with gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders. Read more here
• Gastrointestinal Motility Before and After CGRP-Targeted Treatment (Kudrow et al., 2022): This trial examines gastrointestinal changes after treatment with erenumab or galcanezumab. Read more here
• AGA Clinical Practice Update on Belching, Abdominal Bloating, and Distention (Moshiree et al., 2023): This expert review provides guidance on evaluating and managing common gastrointestinal symptoms. Read more here
• The Neurobiology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Mayer, Ryu, & Bhatt, 2023): This review explains IBS through interactions between the brain, gut, microbiome, immune system, and nervous system. Read more here
• The Brain, the Eating Plate, and the Gut Microbiome: Partners in Migraine Pathogenesis (Gazerani et al., 2024): This review explores connections between diet, the gut microbiome, and migraine mechanisms. Read more here
• The Association Between Migraine and Gut Microbiota: A Systematic Review (Gorenshtein et al., 2025): This review examines evidence of differences in gut microbiota among people with migraine. Read more here
• Migraine and the Gut–Brain Axis—The Role of Microbiome-Targeted Biotics (Kozák et al., 2026): This review explores probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics in relation to the gut–brain axis and migraine. Read more here

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for providing medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.

For women, men, and children who suffer from migraine disease, Migraine Heroes is your go-to resource for understanding, managing, and overcoming migraine attacks.

We cover all types of migraines and related headaches, including primary and secondary migraines, chronic migraines, and cluster migraines. We dive deep into the complexities of migraine with aura and migraine without aura, as well as rarer forms like hemiplegic migraine, retinal migraine, and acephalgic migraine (silent migraine). Our discussions also extend to cervicogenic headaches, ice pick headaches, and pressure headaches, which often mimic migraine or contribute to overall migraine burden.