Headaches can be a common but frustrating ailment, disrupting our daily lives with varying degrees of pain and discomfort. They can range from a minor nuisance to debilitating conditions, depending on their severity and frequency.

But what if your headaches are not just random occurrences? What if they are linked to something you wouldn't expect, like a change in your diet or the introduction of a new supplement? And what if these headaches are not just ordinary headaches, but migraines?

From time to time, I get asked, "Why am I getting headaches when taking these Feel Great products?". To address this concern and provide a comprehensive understanding, I decided to write an in-depth article.

Migraines, a severe form of headache often accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, and smells, can cause intense pain that lasts for hours or even days. In this article, we'll explore the potential connection between migraines and the introduction of two products from the Feel Great System by Unicity: Balance and Unimate. We'll delve into what these products are, how they work, and why they might be linked to migraines in some individuals.

This addition makes the introduction more personal and directly addresses the question that prompted the article, which can help engage readers who have the same question. Let me know if this works for you or if you'd like any further adjustments.

What are the Feel Great System products? 

The Feel Great System includes two science-based food supplements:  

Unicity Balance Fiber Matrix 

Unicity Balance (formally known as Bios Life by Rexall) is a unique proprietary fiber matrix blend. It's designed to help ease the impact that excess carbohydrates and cholesterol can have on the body. Balance provides critical vitamins, minerals, and soluble fibers to help curb your appetite. It's a pre-meal drink that includes bioactive plant compounds, polysaccharides, and micronutrient.

Unicity Unimate Yerba Mata

Unicity Unimate is a yerba mate drink. Yerba mate is known for its various health benefits, such as relieving fatigue, aiding in weight loss, and treating headaches. Unimate provides long-lasting energy and also helps you relax at the same time. It's made up of a combination of caffeine, theobromine & theophylline, which are naturally present in the yerba mate plant.

When Unicity introduced Unimate back in 2017, I was eager to try it. As a health enthusiast and advocate of the Feel Great System, I was excited about the potential benefits of yerba mate. However, my initial experience was a bit surprising. Shortly after I started drinking Unimate, I experienced a severe acne breakout on my face. Concerned, I stopped taking it, and the acne cleared up. I decided to give it another try, and sure enough, the acne returned. But I persisted, believing in the health benefits of yerba mate. Over time, my body seemed to adjust, and the acne cleared up completely and never returned. This experience reminded me that our bodies can react in unexpected ways to new supplements, but sometimes, it's just a matter of adjustment. Now, I enjoy Unimate regularly without any issues, and I'm a firm believer in its benefits.

Why Might The Feel Great Products Cause Migraines?

The introduction of any new supplement or change in diet could potentially trigger migraines in susceptible individuals. This is because our bodies can react to introduction of new high-octane supplements in various ways.

When it comes to Unicity Balance and Unimate, there are several potential factors why these products may seem to be triggering migraines in certain individuals:

1. Increased Fiber Intake: Unicity Balance is high in fiber. For those unaccustomed to a high-fiber diet, this sudden increase can cause temporary discomfort in your bowels, even leading to diarrhea or constipation. These digestive changes might trigger migraines in some people.
2. Caffeine Sensitivity: Unimate contains moderate amounts of caffeine. While caffeine can often help relieve headaches, in some people, especially those sensitive to caffeine, it can trigger migraines.
3. Change in Blood Sugar Levels: Both Unicity Balance and Unimate are designed to help control blood sugar levels. Any significant change in blood sugar levels can potentially trigger migraines in some individuals.
4. Changes in Blood Pressure: Certain dietary changes, including the introduction of new supplements, can potentially affect blood pressure. For some individuals, significant fluctuations in blood pressure can trigger migraines.
5. Contraindications with Other Medications: If you're taking other medications, there's a chance that introducing new supplements could interact negatively with those medications, potentially triggering migraines.
6. Other Underlying Health Concerns: If you have underlying health conditions, particularly those affecting the digestive or nervous system, the introduction of new supplements could potentially trigger migraines.
7. Microbiome Changes: Our gut microbiome plays a crucial role in our overall health, including brain health. Significant changes to the gut microbiome, such as those that might occur when introducing new supplements, could potentially trigger migraines in some individuals.
8. Hydration Levels: Both Unicity Balance and Unimate can affect hydration levels due to their fiber and caffeine content, respectively. Dehydration is a known trigger for migraines in some individuals.
9. Detoxification Process: As these supplements support overall health and detoxification, the process of detoxification itself can sometimes trigger migraines. This is due to the release of stored toxins and the body's response to eliminating them.
10. Stress and Anxiety: Any change in routine, including the introduction of new dietary supplements, can cause stress or anxiety for some people. Both stress and anxiety are common triggers for migraines.
11. Dietary Allergies or Sensitivities: If an individual has an undiagnosed allergy or sensitivity to any ingredient in these supplements, this could potentially trigger migraines.
12. Sleep Patterns: The caffeine in Unimate could potentially affect sleep patterns, especially if consumed later in the day. Changes in sleep patterns are a common trigger for migraines.
13. Seasonal Changes: Some people may notice that their migraines are more frequent or severe during certain times of the year. This could be due to changes in daylight hours, temperature, barometric pressure, or allergen levels.
14. Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme heat or cold can trigger migraines in some people. This could be due to changes in blood flow as the body tries to regulate its temperature.
15. Barometric Pressure Changes: Changes in weather or altitude can lead to changes in barometric (or atmospheric) pressure, which can trigger migraines in some individuals.
16. Ethnicity: Some research suggests that certain ethnic groups may be more prone to migraines than others. For instance, studies have shown that migraines are more common in people of European descent compared to those of Asian or African descent. However, more research is needed in this area to fully understand these differences.
17. Genetics: Migraines tend to run in families. If one or both of your parents have migraines, you're more likely to have them as well. In fact, about 90% of people with migraines have a family history of the condition. There are also certain genetic disorders that are associated with an increased risk of migraines.

Remember, while these factors can influence the likelihood of experiencing migraines, they are just one piece of the puzzle. Migraines are a complex condition that can be influenced by a variety of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 

If you're experiencing migraine headaches or any other unwanted effects from using these products, consider reducing the amount you're taking by half or even one-third. Go slowly and give your body time to adjust and restore gut health. Depending on various factors, it may take weeks or even months to reach the optimum results using these products. Alternatively, you could choose to push through this initial adjustment period to speed up the process. If you decide to do this, I recommend drinking more water and doing your best to manage the migraines during this uncomfortable period.

Insulin Resistance and Migraines

Recent research has suggested a potential link between insulin resistance and migraines. Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, which can lead to a variety of health issues, including diabetes and heart disease. But what does this have to do with migraines?

In a book titled "Insulin Resistance: The Alarming Epidemic That Is Destroying World Health" by Benjamin Bikman, Ph.D., it is suggested that several brain disorders, including migraines, could be linked to the brain's reduced capability to use glucose as a fuel, a condition often associated with insulin resistance.

This implies that if you're experiencing migraines, it might be worth considering whether insulin resistance could be a contributing factor. This is especially relevant if you're also experiencing symptoms such as increased belly fat, high blood pressure, high levels of blood triglycerides, or if you have a family history of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes. 

Are the Feel Great Products Directly Causing Migraines?

It's important to note that while these products ‘could trigger’ migraines in some people, they are not directly causing the migraines. Instead, they might be triggering a migraine in individuals who are already susceptible to them or who have one the above underlying conditions.

The Feel Great System's Unicity Balance and Unimate are designed to promote overall health and wellbeing. However, like any dietary change or new supplement, they might trigger migraines in some individuals. If you're experiencing migraines after starting these products, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.

Intermittent Fasting and Migraines: A Potential Connection

As part of the Feel Great System, we recommend following an intermittent fasting routine, typically involving a 14-16 hour fasting period. This routine can offer numerous health benefits, but it's important to be aware that it could also trigger migraines in some individuals. Here's why:

1. Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels: Intermittent fasting can lead to significant changes in your blood sugar levels, especially when you're first starting out. These fluctuations can potentially trigger migraines in some individuals.

2. Dehydration: During fasting periods, there's a risk of dehydration, especially if you're not consciously increasing your water intake. Dehydration is a known trigger for migraines.

3. Caffeine Withdrawal: If your fasting schedule means skipping your usual caffeinated beverages, you might experience caffeine withdrawal. This can manifest as a migraine, particularly in individuals who are accustomed to regular caffeine consumption.

4. Hunger: By definition, fasting involves periods of not eating. For some people, hunger can trigger migraines.

5. Stress and Anxiety: Any significant change in routine, including starting an intermittent fasting schedule, can cause stress or anxiety. Both of these are common triggers for migraines.

6. Electrolyte Imbalance: Fasting, especially for longer periods, can lead to an imbalance in electrolytes. This imbalance can trigger migraines in some individuals.

It's important to note that these are potential triggers and may not affect everyone. If you're following an intermittent fasting routine as part of the Feel Great System and have a history of migraines, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on how to minimize potential triggers and manage any migraines that do occur.

If you're experiencing migraines while following the Feel Great System and an intermittent fasting routine, it may be beneficial to discontinue or shorten the fasting period while your body adjusts to the new supplements. Introducing the Feel Great products and an extended fasting routine all at once might be too much for some bodies to handle.

Remember, everyone's body is different, and what works well for one person might not work as well for another. It's all about finding what works best for you and your body.

Unicity Matcha: An Added Solution for Migraine Relief

Over the last decade working with these products helping others, we have found a product called Unicity Matcha has been reported to help many with migraine headaches.

This product is a high-quality matcha green tea that has been used in Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries. It's made from shade-grown tea leaves that are handpicked and stone-ground to a fine, bright green powder. This process gives Matcha its unique nutritional value and antioxidant content.

What is Unicity Matcha?

Unicity Matcha is not your typical green tea drink. It's a natural, healthy alternative that provides sustained energy without the crash associated with many commercial energy drinks. The key ingredient in Unicity Matcha is Chi-Oka Matcha, a high-quality matcha green tea. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids that can sustain your body energetically and nutritionally for hours at a time.

The caffeine in Matcha is alkalizing rather than acidic, and it works in synergy with the amino acid L-Theanine. This combination provides a gradual and consistent release of energy, unlike the sudden rush and crash associated with many other caffeinated drinks.

How Can Unicity Matcha Help with Migraines?

The amino acid L-Theanine in Matcha is known to relax the mind, making Matcha a natural mood enhancer. This can be particularly beneficial for those suffering from migraines, as it promotes a calm, focused alertness.

Matcha is rich in antioxidants, which are known to help reduce inflammation in the body. Since inflammation is a common trigger for migraines, the high antioxidant content in Matcha might help prevent or alleviate migraine symptoms.

Unicity Matcha Testimonials: Here are a couple of testimonials from people who found relief from their migraines with Unicity Matcha that I had previously posted on my Get Your Feel Great System Facebook page:

1. Facebook Post from March 7, 2014: "I just spoke to a woman who attended the Wellness Expo in Moncton last weekend. She told me that she arrived there with a migraine headache. She purchased a Unicity Matcha from us and continued to walk around the show. She said that her headache went away immediately after she drank the Matcha. She is a believer! Why did she feel the results? It is the amino acid L-theanine in the Matcha leaf that relaxes the brain, muscles, and blood vessels. L-theanine will also help lower blood pressure, enhances mood and promotes a sense of wellness by improving alpha waves in the brain. This is a feel-good chemical for the brain that is associated with happiness, relaxation, and alertness, increasing dopamine, and possibly serotonin production."
2. Facebook Post Video from September 23, 2014:

My Personal Favorite: Unicity Matcha Mixed with Unimate Lemon

One of my personal favorite ways to enjoy the benefits of Unicity products is by mixing Unicity Matcha with Unimate Lemon. This combination not only tastes great but also doubles the health benefits.

Every morning, I prepare this refreshing drink by mixing a packet of Unicity Matcha with a packet of Unimate Lemon in a glass of ice-cold water. The Matcha provides a gentle, sustained energy boost and a wealth of antioxidants, while the Unimate Lemon adds a tangy twist and its own set of health benefits.

The result is a delicious, energizing drink that kick-starts my day and helps keep migraines at bay. It's a simple, enjoyable way to incorporate these powerful products into your daily routine. Give it a try, and you might find it becomes your favorite morning ritual too!

Final Thoughts if you are Experiencing Migraine Headaches

If you're experiencing migraines or any other unwanted effects after starting the Feel Great products, it's important to reach out to the person you purchased the products through. They can provide additional advice and information, and help you navigate any potential issues.

For more in-depth guidance, consider purchasing my book, 'Beyond Feel Great'. It's packed with valuable information that can help you understand and maximize the benefits of the Feel Great System.

Remember, Unicity stands behind their products with a 100% 90-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied, they'll be more than pleased to honor this guarantee. I've been working with Unicity and these products since 2008, and I've personally helped all my clients navigate any issues they've encountered.

Your health and satisfaction are our top priorities. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance.

Related Articles:

• The Side Effects from the Feel Great System | Unicity Balance fiber & Unimate yerba mate
• Are the Feel Great System Products Safe? | Balance fiber matrix & Unimate yerba mate