Migraines Don’t Start in Your Head—They Start in Your Gut: Gut Series Episode 4

If you’ve ever felt like you’re managing migraines with band-aid fixes - pills, Botox, or quick solutions - you’re not imagining it. That’s the standard advice most women receive. But the truth is, your gut holds one of the most overlooked root causes of migraine chaos. In this empowering episode, I’m bringing together everything we’ve covered in the Gut Health Series to show you how real, lasting breakthroughs happen when you finally support your gut. From clearer skin and better sleep to balanced moods and fewer migraines, the ripple effects go far beyond digestion. And to make it real, I’m sharing Beth’s story. She went from feeling exhausted, battling constipation and diarrhea, and living with relentless migraines… to becoming migraine-free and thriving. Not by chance, but by following a system that helped her rebuild her health step by step. If you’ve been doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, this episode will help you see what’s been missing and how to finally create change that lasts. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why gut balance is the foundation for lowering your migraine threshold How simple daily actions - like hydration, food swaps, and detox support - add up to transformation The importance of structure and support so you don’t waste years in trial-and-error Real-life success stories from women who reclaimed their lives through the Freedom From Migraines Method® How to take the next step with your own Gut Health Action Plan Because migraines don’t get better by chance. They get better by change.   Resources:  Beth’s Story Meet Beth and hear her story firsthand. In this YouTube video, she shares how she finally found freedom from migraines, despite nothing else working. Freedom From Migraines Method® Membership Get ongoing expert support, education, and step-by-step guidance to help you eliminate migraines at the root cause. Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Group New to this journey? Start here. Join our free community of women who truly get it, and are walking the path to pain-free living with you. Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by doing all the “right things” and still living under the weight of migraines, you’re not alone. In this week’s episode of the Gut Series, I’m pulling back the curtain on why quick fixes don’t deliver lasting relief, and what actually does. Social media is flooded with powders, potions, and “miracle” supplements, but real transformation comes from addressing the basics that support your gut day after day. And that’s exactly what you’ll learn today. I’m walking you through three simple, sustainable habits that one of our Freedom From Migraines Method® members, Beth, used to transform her gut health and loosen migraine’s grip on her life. These aren’t flashy. They’re not complicated. But they work.   In this episode, you’ll discover: Why short-term hacks don’t create lasting migraine freedom How to hydrate smarter (and why it’s more than just “drink more water”) The surprising power of castor oil packs to calm inflammation Why cutting back on ultra-processed foods gives your gut the reset it’s been begging for The lifestyle factors, like sleep and stress, that make or break your healing Healing your gut isn’t about doing everything all at once. It’s about stacking small wins that add up to lasting change.   Resources:  Ready for more support?  If this Gut Series has been helpful, imagine what five focused days could do for you. Join us for the 5 Days to Migraine Freedom™ Virtual Retreat: 📅 September 8–12, 2025 🌐 A powerful online experience where you’ll learn practical, lasting tools to finally break free from migraine pain ✨ Elevate your results + receive access to the LIVE Workshop, The Electrolyte Solutions, with a VIP pass for just $45 👉 Click here to reserve your spot today! Your healing doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or lonely. Let’s take this next step together.   Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

If you’ve ever brushed off bloating, constipation, or “bathroom struggles” as just part of life… this episode is going to change how you see your gut and your migraines forever. So many women accept going to the bathroom only a few times a week, needing endless wipes, or feeling constantly gassy as normal. However, these are actually signs that your body isn’t functioning properly. And those signals may be fueling your migraines more than you realize. In this eye-opening episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why gut health is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) levers in the journey to migraine freedom. After helping thousands of women through the Freedom From Migraines Method®, I’ve seen again and again how healing digestion changes everything.   In this episode, you’ll learn: What healthy bowel habits really look like (and why most women have been told the wrong thing) The three biggest culprits behind poor gut health - toxins, stress, and lifestyle habits - and how they trigger migraines Why emotional stress and “holding it all in” can inflame your gut as much as your food choices The everyday tweaks that can turn your bathroom habits into a secret weapon for healing Beth’s inspiring story of going from “doctor says it’s fine” constipation to daily elimination and a migraine-free life If you’ve been searching for the missing link in your healing, it might be time to start with your gut. This episode will give you the clarity and practical steps to start transforming both your digestion and your migraines.   Resources:  Join the 5 Days to Migraine Freedom™ Virtual Retreat Want more support as you put this into action? Join me for the 5 Days to Migraine Freedom™ Virtual Retreat, happening September 8–12. Over five days, I’ll guide you through simple, practical tools and life-changing insights so you can finally start breaking free from migraine pain.  Reserve your spot here!   Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.

Over the next four weeks, we’re diving into a connection most people never think about: the link between your gut health and migraines. If you’ve ever shrugged off constipation, bloating, or “just not going regularly” as normal, this series will be an eye-opener. Your gut is your body’s highway for removing toxins. When it’s backed up or out of balance, the “traffic jam” can set off a cascade of inflammation that triggers migraines. In the first episode of this series, I’ll walk you through: Why your bathroom habits are a telltale sign of what’s happening in your gut What’s normal when it comes to elimination (spoiler: it’s not 3 wipes and a rabbit pellet) How gut dysfunction could be fueling your migraine attacks Simple signs your stool is sending you every day, and how to read them 👉 By the end of this four-week series, you’ll understand the gut–migraine connection like never before and know exactly what steps to take to support migraine freedom. Tune in to part one today!   Resources:  ✨ Ready to stop chasing quick fixes? Join me for Disconnect from the Pain, Reconnect with Life: A Virtual Retreat to Reset, happening the week of September 8th.  From the comfort of your home, you’ll learn research-backed steps to lower inflammation, ease chronic pain, and finally start living migraine-free. Register here! Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/ Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

Last week, I had a conversation that really stuck with me. A woman was excitedly telling me about the thousands she’s saving for her dream trip abroad… yet minutes earlier, she admitted she wasn’t willing to invest in support for her chronic migraines, PCOS, gut issues, or exhaustion because it felt like “too much right now.” This is a pattern I see all the time, and one I lived by myself. We’ll spend freely on phones, vacations, and daily “little” expenses, yet hesitate when it comes to truly investing in our health. But the hidden costs of not addressing the root cause of our symptoms add up fast financially, physically, and emotionally. In this week’s episode, we’re talking about: The “hidden health tab” you might be paying for without even realizing it Why small, constant health spending can easily surpass the cost of real solutions How cultural conditioning and quick-fix thinking keep us from long-term health investment The research showing how migraine support can save you thousands in lost productivity and medical costs How to reframe health spending as an investment in your future, not an optional splurge If you’ve been putting your health on the back burner because it doesn’t feel urgent, or because you’ve convinced yourself it’s “too much”, this episode will challenge how you see your budget, your priorities, and your future self.   Resources:  Ready to stop the cycle of symptom management and finally get to the root cause of your migraines?  The Freedom From Migraines Method® Membership is your step-by-step path to long-term relief, deeper healing, and a life that’s no longer controlled by migraine attacks. Click here to join and start your migraine freedom journey today. Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

In today’s Q&A episode, I’m answering a powerful question from Marie, who wrote in to share that after a head injury, her doctor told her she’ll always have migraines. She’s tried medication after medication with no real relief and doesn’t know what to do next. Marie, if you’re listening, you are not alone. And if you’ve ever been told something similar, this episode is for you. Just because you’ve been told there’s no hope doesn’t make it true. I’m not here to dismiss doctors, but most traditional practitioners aren’t trained in nutrition or functional medicine, and that can leave huge gaps when it comes to chronic conditions like migraines.   In this episode, I’m sharing: Why Western and Eastern medicine both matter—but need to be used differently What an inflammatory network breakdown is (and how it ties into chronic migraines) Why even a 30–50% improvement in your migraines could completely change your life And how all-or-nothing thinking might be holding you back from real progress I’ve seen it happen too many times to count: women who thought they were “stuck” with migraines find relief, sometimes dramatic, sometimes gradual, but always worth it. So let me ask you: What would 15 pain-free days a month mean to you? Because that’s not out of reach. In fact, it might just be the beginning. Resources: Ready for Support? Whether your migraines started after a head injury or the root cause just isn’t clear yet - click here to learn more about the Freedom From Migraines® Membership. Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/ Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.   

Is Your Inflammation Network Keeping You Stuck in Migraine Pain? Did you know your body has an inflammation network—a built-in security system designed to protect you, but for many women with migraines, it’s stuck in overdrive? In this powerful episode, I’m breaking down a lesser-known (but crucial) piece of the chronic pain puzzle: the inflammation network. This internal system should act like a rapid-response team, jumping in when needed and backing off when the threat is gone. But for many women—especially those dealing with migraines—it’s stuck in the “on” position, fueling daily discomfort, gut issues, hormonal chaos, and relentless head pain. This episode is your roadmap to understanding what’s really happening underneath the symptoms—and how we start resetting that overactive system from the inside out. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the inflammation network is—and why it matters more than you think Why gut issues, joint pain, brain fog, and migraines may all be connected How chronic stress and electrolyte imbalances over-activate your sensors What “inflammatory mediators” are (and how Type A women can amplify them) Why your poop, pain, and hormone health are speaking the same language How the 6 Keys of the Migraine Freedom™ Protocol help reboot your system What it actually looks like when your body’s “alarm” finally shuts off If you’ve ever said, “I’ve tried everything and nothing works,” this episode will help you understand why—and where to go next. 🎧 Tune in now and take the first step toward migraine freedom by calming your body’s inflammation from the inside out.   Resources: Freedom From Migraines Method® Membership Get ongoing expert support, education, and step-by-step guidance to help you eliminate migraines at the root cause.  Get my free guide: The Toxic Migraine Triggers: 5 Inflammation Pathways Fueling Your Migraine Pain Ready to decode your migraines through your gut? Join the Dump Your Discomfort Workshop — 4 days to learn what your poop is trying to tell you about your inflammation, digestion, and migraine pain. Register here!   Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

If you've ever felt like no one truly understands your migraines, you're not imagining it.  Over 75% of adults don’t experience migraines, which means most people have no idea what it’s like to live with this kind of pain, fear, and frustration. I’m sharing why community was the turning point in my healing, and why it’s at the core of the 98% success rate we see in the Freedom From Migraines Method®. If you’ve been doing “all the right things” but still feel stuck, this episode will help you understand why connection, support, and being seen by people who get it might just be the missing piece in your healing.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why migraine healing isn’t just about pills, food lists, or solo research How the Freedom From Migraines Method® community supports deeper, more sustainable results The powerful impact of sharing wins and struggles with others on a similar path Real-life success stories from women in the program—like Laura, Tina, Natalie, and Elizabeth Why connection is not optional when healing from something as complex as chronic pain Resources:  Join the Workshop: Dump Your Discomfort Discover the gut-migraine connection in this free 4-day workshop and learn how your poop holds clues to lasting relief. Freedom From Migraines Method® Membership Get ongoing expert support, education, and step-by-step guidance to help you eliminate migraines at the root cause.  Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Group New to this journey? Start here. Join our free community of women who truly get it, and are walking the path to pain-free living with you.   Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources. 

If you're nearing menopause and wondering if your migraines will simply disappear once your cycle ends, you're not alone.  This is a very common thought among women in perimenopause, especially those who are experiencing frequent, debilitating migraines. That’s exactly what Tina, a member of our Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Group, asked us: “Should I just wait it out and manage the pain until menopause?” In today’s powerful episode, I’m answering this question with compassion and clarity. Because while some women do experience migraine relief post-menopause, the vast majority don’t, and “waiting it out” can come at a serious cost to your health. This episode explores the deeper hormonal, gut, and inflammatory issues that fuel chronic migraines, and why the best time to take action is now, not “someday.” In this episode, you’ll learn: Why migraines don’t always disappear after menopause—and why they can actually get worse The surprising connection between foundational hormones (like insulin and cortisol) and chronic pain How gut health plays a key role in hormonal balance and migraine triggers Why relying on medications alone can create a vicious cycle of worsening symptoms The dangers of ignoring migraines as “just hormonal” and hoping they’ll pass How to take a root-cause approach to finally start feeling better before, during, or after menopause Resources:  If you’ve been managing the pain while waiting for menopause to bring relief, this is your sign to stop waiting and start healing.  Book a free Migraine Breakthrough™ Call. https://debbiewaidl.com/booking-page/schedule-your-call Learn more about the Hormonal Hierarchy.https://debbiewaidl.com/booking-page/schedule-your-call  Join our Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Group for more tools and support. Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.  

If you’ve ever lived with chronic migraines—or any kind of long-term pain—you know how exhausting it is to try everything and still find no real relief. That was Kim’s life for over 30 years. A dedicated nurse living with fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, IBS-D, and daily migraines, Kim tried everything from medications to blocks to specialists. Yet nothing brought the lasting change she desperately needed. In this powerful episode, Kim shares how she finally found freedom through the Freedom From Migraines Method® Elite Program—a holistic approach focused on addressing the root causes of pain, not just managing symptoms. Her story is proof that even if you feel stuck, even if you've lost hope, healing is still possible. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Kim suffered from daily migraines for over 30 years Why conventional treatments aren’t always the answer to lasting relief How Lyme disease and undiagnosed inflammation can play a hidden role in chronic pain What made the FFMM® approach different from everything she’d tried before The powerful mindset shifts that supported Kim’s healing, and how they can help you, too How Kim reclaimed her energy, confidence, and joy, step by step, even when it felt impossible If you’re feeling stuck in pain, Kim’s story might be the sign you’ve been waiting for.   Resources:  Ready to explore a new healing path? Book your free call here to see if the Freedom From Migraines Method® is right for you! https://debbiewaidl.com/booking-page/schedule-your-call  Connect with Debbie:  Instagram: https://urlgeni.us/instagram/migrainefree Women’s Migraine Freedom™ Facebook Group: https://urlgeni.us/facebook/Womensmigrainefreedom LinkedIn: https://urlgeni.us/linkedin/debbiewaidl Website: https://debbiewaidl.com/   Disclaimer: The Migraine Freedom™ Your Way Podcast and information provided by Debbie Waidl and guests in this podcast is presented solely to provide helpful information, education, and entertainment on the subjects discussed. The use of information or resources mentioned on or linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk and discretion. This podcast is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. For diagnosis or treatment of any medical problem, consult your own physician. Debbie Waidl and In The Balance Health Coaching LLC are not responsible for any medical conditions or liable for any damages or negative consequences from any treatment, action, application, or preparation to any person reading or following the information presented on this podcast. References are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any websites or other sources.