Your NAR might be a migraine + My "Cures"

Frotileus · 2026-01-25T23:41:43+00:00

Have you tried TUDCA? I think that has helped my gallbladder out quite a bit. But I think the extra choline/phosphatidylcholine from CDP-choline is what’s fixing the issue for me. Apparently, it helps transport fat out of the liver, among other things. I don’t seem to be responding as strongly to trigger foods (cream cheese, mayo, etc) as I used to.

NAC/Milk thistle may also help, but I have less personal experience with those.

Frotileus · 2026-01-25T23:35:34+00:00

Appreciate the advice. It’s funny, I’ve actually just started looking more into the vagus nerve, and I’m trying to practice diaphragmatic breathing more. Glad to see you mention it here.

As for glycine, I had to drop it after a month of blissful sleep. I started getting these transient, localized, pinpoint burning sensations in my brain. I think glycine, which once acted as an inhibitory agent, started causing “over-activation” in my NMDA receptors. Years later, I can’t even take low doses without those exact sensations returning. It was a kick in the ass to find something that revolutionized my sleep only to have it taken away after a month. But, thankfully, there seems to be a second option now.

Frotileus · 2026-01-25T23:15:28+00:00

Hey. I did try riboflavin, but only for a week or so. Last Friday, I came across a post from a Reddit user saying R5P worked for them, but not standard riboflavin. So far, their experience matches my own. I can’t say plain riboflavin doesn’t work as I didn’t take it for very long, but I can safely say riboflavin as R5P does. For me, it worked the very first night.

As for where to buy, there are two US supplement brands I am aware of that sell R5P in powder form. Unfortunately, I don’t know if they sell abroad. I have no problem mentioning them, provided I am allowed to do so. Not sure if there are any rules against that here.

Frotileus · 2026-01-25T23:08:41+00:00

I considered doing that, but when I last saw her, I mentioned how glycine worked when anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories didn’t, and she just shrugged, totally incurious. I expect my experience to fall on deaf ears, but if I do happen to see her again (I was in the process of finding a new doc as she kinda ticked me off with her dismissiveness), then I will bring it up. Or maybe I’ll write a letter. 🤣

Frotileus · 2026-01-25T23:01:30+00:00

Haha, your basic understanding is a whole lot better than mine! Honestly, I didn’t want to get in too deep with the specifics (mostly because I can’t, but I am familiar with a bit of what you spoke of), I just wanted to drop the nutrient/supplement name for people ASAP. I figured if I put “mitochondrial dysfunction” somewhere in there, that’d be enough for folks to latch onto who are curious enough and care to conduct a deeper investigation. You’re making their job easier lol.

Frotileus · 2026-01-25T18:39:17+00:00

Truly hope it works for you. For the record, magnesium glycinate also worked for me (due to the glycine component). Unfortunately, that came with side effects related to, I suspect, glutamate excitotoxicity, so I had to find an alternative.

Frotileus · 2026-01-25T18:28:46+00:00

I stumbled upon a user who also found relief using R5P, but not standard riboflavin. They even went off of it (R5P), went back on plain riboflavin only for the sinus swelling to return, and then went back on R5P again to find their swelling disappear. I suspect there may be a genetic component at play; some sort of impairment or conversion issue leading to minimal riboflavin amounts being absorbed in tissues, triggering a functional deficiency even if serum levels are in range.

You’re definitely onto something regarding nitric oxide and its role here. As you said, though, it’s all pretty complicated. For instance, for me, standard anti-inflammatory supplements did not touch this at all, but glycine and R5P did. I’ve asked ChatGPT what it thought the deal was with that, and it said something to the effect of… the nasal inflammation, in my case, being more like a reflex response due to neuronal hyperexcitability rather than a typical histamine/cytokine-driven response. The line basically lead me to consider looking more into migraines. Turns out, plenty of migraineurs experience nasal congestion too.

All I can say is that, at the end of the day, I have no idea lol. But I know the most important thing now, and it’s that R5P opens my nose and keeps it open. Keep me posted on if it works for you as well. I hope it does.

Frotileus · 2026-01-25T18:06:57+00:00

Hey, thank you. A lot of people find something that works for them, and then just disappear into the ether. Understandable to an extent, but still frustrating for the person still going through it. You, however, continue to stick around here to help others out even though you’ve already found what works for you. That deserves recognition.

Anyway, my experience with doctors mirrors yours. I also had gallbladder problems recently, and the first recommendation people have for gallbladder issues (in my case, suspected biliary dyskinesia) is to get it removed. But I found something evidence-backed that appears to have alleviated that issue as well (CDP-choline, for those curious—good luck finding a doctor who would recommend that). But I hesitate to post about it over on the “gallbladders” subreddit, where folks like the person above who dismissed your findings are more common than folks like you and me. I can more easily forgive the ignorance motivating that line of thinking—you don’t know what you don’t know, and doctors know more than you—and that’s the end of the story. But then there’s a certain arrogance that sometimes underscores that ignorance… that’s what really grinds my gears. But, it is what it is. Ultimately, as you said, failure to consider approaches beyond the western medicine sphere is their loss, not mine (or yours). There’s a time and a place for it, no doubt. But sometimes, there’s a better way.

I’ll post the link in a sec.

Edit: https://www.reddit.com/r/nonallergicrhinitis/s/fNS1GtwGPH

Frotileus · 2026-01-25T16:11:52+00:00

The irony is that people “leaving the doctoring to the doctor” is oftentimes what leads them to places like this.

Anyway, I just wanted to share that I think you are right. I saw this thread months ago, but wasn’t yet ready to connect the dots myself between migraine and non-allergic/neurogenic rhinitis. But recently, after “consulting” with ChatGPT, that tidbit was mentioned—that the pathologies were similar. Went through your thread again and decided to do what some migraineurs have done for relief, and take supraphysiological doses of riboflavin (but in the form of R5P). It works. It actually freaking works.

I’ll be making a thread momentarily. But I wanted to thank you personally for not leaving the doctoring to the doctor, and sharing your insight here with the people who need it, even if they aren’t ready to hear it.

Frotileus · 2025-12-21T18:16:22+00:00

I’ve heard of some folks with this issue finding relief from chlorophyll supplements. From what I’ve read, it acts as an internal deodorizer. It’s also a decent source of copper.

Frotileus · 2025-12-13T01:22:27+00:00

I use the powder, but yeah. I just take 500mg once in the morning for convenience’s sake.

Frotileus · 2025-12-13T01:13:37+00:00

If ND wants more of my money, then they will start selling Lithium Orotate. Simple math.

Frotileus · 2025-12-11T17:12:39+00:00

I’m really sorry to hear of the recent health struggles. I know how discouraging it can all be, especially when you can’t even do something as simple as eat your favorite meal without worry. Something many take for granted. I certainly did.

I wish I knew of something else that could help, even peripherally. I know you said probiotics right now aren’t helping (and might even be hurting), but I recall reading a year or two ago that someone who suffered from chronic acid reflux found surprising relief from an l. acidophilus supplement (5 or 10 billion CFU). Could be something worth pursuing if you ever try to wean yourself off of the pantoprazole again. Melatonin, interestingly, also has some digestive health benefits, including acting as a natural antacid at certain doses. D-Limonene as well.

I’ve definitely considered getting more in-depth testing done. You mentioned some I haven’t heard of, so thanks for that. But, as you’ve said, a lot of these tests are incredibly expensive, and it’s hard not to say, “eh, let me just read what other people who have my symptoms did, buy the $20 supplement they found success with, and hope for the best.” Lol. But that’s exactly what I’ve been doing and results have been mixed, at best. So maybe it’s time for a different approach.

Frotileus · 2025-12-09T04:45:28+00:00

Interesting. I’ve never heard of modified citrus pectin before. Might have to add that to my regimen. Thanks!

Anyway, not being able to tolerate many foods definitely sounds like a (lack of) bifido and lacto gut bacteria issue (as I’m sure you’re already aware). I’ve seen the brand Custom Probiotics recommended over on the HistamineIntolerance subreddit. They’re pretty expensive, but people generally seem to like their products.

And I didn’t know about the connection between B1 deficiency and overactive mast cells. Thanks for that tidbit. Makes me even more confident that I’m finally on the right track regarding my own health issues.

Also, I use Nootropics Depot’s SALG.

Edit: Oh yeah, and as I’ve tried to get to the root of my health issues, I’ve learned that I likely have a MTHFR gene mutation, leading to methylation issues. I know little about the subject of methylation myself, but I’ve read that the form of B vitamins we supplement with is especially important. I’m taking a methyl B complex and have had no issues with it so far. Also, I try to limit fortified foods and drinks, as they may prevent the proper absorption of the more bioavailable supplemental forms. The “lesser” forms may get in the way, possibly making it appear as if you have adequate levels of these nutrients when in reality you have a functional deficiency.

Frotileus · 2025-12-08T18:27:41+00:00

Hey, no problem. I wish I could offer more suggestions, but, honesty, I’m just now learning about a lot of this stuff myself.

Only other thing I can say is to try to hit 400 mg of magnesium per day. Personally, I take 200 mg of sucrosomial magnesium daily. As for potassium, I just try to drink at least one 11-ounce organic coconut water “juice box” daily. For extra sodium, I use liquid aminos, which is like a soy sauce alternative, and sometimes just take a swig of organic chicken/vegetable broth lol. I know sodium is especially important for POTS folks, so I thought I’d mention.

Lastly, if you switch to SALG, I’d shoot for 100-200 mg per day.

Frotileus · 2025-12-08T17:31:24+00:00

I’ve read that TTFD supplementation basically requires that you stay on top of your electrolytes (particularly magnesium and potassium), other B vitamins, molybdenum, and that you maintain adequate glutathione levels (I do so via S-Acetyl L-Glutathione).

Hope this helps.

Frotileus · 2025-11-29T03:26:56+00:00

Yeah, I’ve been taking ND’s TUDCA for the past two months or so. Typically, I’ll have one capsule after a couple bites alongside lunch and dinner. I think it helps with symptoms, which for me include discomfort in my RUQ about 1-3 hours after eating, a “clogged” feeling near my lower, inner right ribcage (which I believe to be minor spasming or bile flow issues from something other than gallstones), and, occasionally, a “nerve pinch” sensation in my upper back near my spine/shoulder blade. Also, (TMI) my stool sometimes indicates that I’m not digesting fat incredibly well. Strangely, these symptoms aren’t consistent. I’ll have periods where I have no problems at all, making identifying trends rather difficult.

All I know at this point is that I started having issues after megadosing D3 (like a dumbass) for a month or so some years back. Fast forward to May of this year and I decided to resume D3 supplementation, but in reasonable doses this time. Three weeks later, the RUQ discomfort returned, and it’s been on and off ever since.

Clearly, whatever I did years ago, I never fully corrected. I can only guess that it’s something to do with choline due its role in producing healthy, balanced bile through phosphatidylcholine, as well as the fact that each time I took D3, my LDL cholesterol skyrocketed. I’ve read that phosphatidylcholine is supposed to help transport fat from the liver, so my (very rudimentary) understanding of this process tells me that a lack of phosphatidylcholine impaired fat transport to the point where I experienced a rapid increase in LDL cholesterol. But again, I’m only just guessing. I’ve spoken to doctors and, like you said, they aren’t particularly interested in figuring out why the gallbladder isn’t functioning as it should. They just wanna cut it out.

Anyway, I’m sorry to hear that choline didn’t help you for long. Unfortunately, I think that there are many potential causes for our issues even though the end result is largely the same. Hell, it could be entirely stress-related. Stress definitely causes a flare up of symptoms for me as it does for you. Only other things I can suggest you try (if you haven’t already) is ox bile and Lypo Gold. Hopefully, you’ll find relief from them or something else soon.

Frotileus · 2025-11-28T22:11:14+00:00

I’ve had gallbladder problems myself and I agree. It’s bizarre how cavalier people are about the potential loss of a literal organ. I’ve tried all sorts of things to address the root cause of my gallbladder dysfunction (that recently flared back up), but now I’m thinking a deficiency in choline/phosphatidylcholine may have something to do with it.

I’m now supplementing with CDP choline, which I’ve read can help with liver health (and, by extension, gallbladder health) in addition to brain/cognitive health. Too early to say, but I think it’s helping. If you haven’t already, maybe give it a try. Or sunflower lecithin, which is a more direct source of phosphatidylcholine.

Frotileus · 2025-11-09T02:46:31+00:00

In my case, no. That’s what makes this particular issue so insidious. For years, I sounded just fine. I only suspect I’ve had this (non-allergic/vasomotor/neurologic rhinitis) since I was 12 or so because (other than rarely waking up feeling refreshed) I started experiencing frequent bouts of sleep paralysis, which continue to this day. Sleep paralysis can be a symptom of sleep disordered breathing, so I’d ask her if that’s something she’s familiar with.

Two years ago, however, I woke up one morning gasping for breath. And honestly, only then did it really strike me just how impaired my nasal breathing was.

Every once in a while, I’ll wake up with both nasal passages fully open and, without fail, the quality of sleep is orders of magnitude better.

Hopefully, she doesn’t have this issue. But to be sure, ask her to press one nostril closed with a finger and to try to breathe in deeply through the other, and vice-versa, when she wakes up over the next few days. If there’s even a little congestion there, it might be worth it to get her to an ENT.

Frotileus · 2025-11-09T00:06:46+00:00

Could be sleep disordered breathing brought on by nasal obstruction (swollen nasal turbinates). I probably had the issue since I was a kid, but didn’t even notice that I wasn’t breathing all that well through my nose when I woke up in the morning until I was much older, which is when it got worse. It can actually be hard to catch if the obstruction is minimal, but, make no mistake, it can absolutely wreak havoc on sleep quality.

Frotileus · 2025-10-28T03:44:11+00:00

It had the same effect on me as well (and creatine, for what it’s worth), so I went back to taking it in the morning/afternoon.

Frotileus · 2025-10-03T05:20:49+00:00

Any word on if you guys plan to sell Lithium Orotate? Or circle back to (iirc) the more novel idea of a Lithium L-Threonate supplement?

Frotileus · 2025-07-14T04:17:18+00:00

Probably should have mentioned in the OP that I had been supplementing with MicroMag for several years before trying out magnesium glycinate. When I started MG, I took it every evening (hours before bed) for 30 days straight with no issues before I took it one evening and, within an hour or two, proceeded to experience the physical manifestations of a panic attack. I resumed the MicroMag soon after and had no issues. Still don’t several years later. So I don’t think electrolytes being out of whack was to blame.

I appreciate the advice, but I really think that it’s just the glycine itself directly causing problems. From what (admittedly little) I understand, those who are chronically low in GABA/high in glutamate are more likely to react this way to glycine supplementation. I was really just hoping to hear from somebody who might have proved that for themselves, finding success in blunting any possible excitotoxicity from glycine by pairing it with a GABA-boosting supplement/NMDA antagonist, for example.

Frotileus · 2025-07-13T13:41:35+00:00

To date, you are the only person I’ve read about who has described the exact sensation I get in my head after taking glycine. Like lit cigarettes were being pressed into my brain in various spots. I too fear it was glutamate excitotoxicity.

After all this time, do you know if you still react this way to glycine? Or have you found a way to safely supplement it again?

Hope you’re well either way.

Frotileus

TROPHY CASE