Any migraine sufferer knows the horrible pain they have to endure when a bad headache comes on. It’s hard to describe the feeling but it’s unbearable and has got to be one of the worst pains I can think of. Combined with dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to sounds and light, a migraine makes it close to impossible to function. Some of the same symptoms of a migraine headache are also similar to those of a magnesium deficiency.
Magnesium is an important mineral and it’s helpful in stabilizing blood vessels. It also helps keep your bones healthy and contributes to the function of nerve and muscles. Magnesium is also known to help you get enough rest and many people who experience migraines also suffer from lack of good sleep patterns which in turn makes then more likely to get another migraine attack.
Besides lack of sleep, triggers of migraines include certain foods especially processed foods and the additives in them. Stress, menstruation and alcohol can also contribute to migraines. All of the above mentioned can deplete your body’s storage of magnesium so it’s likely there is a strong connection.
It has been many decades since researchers have thought that a magnesium deficiency could cause migraines. During the years the theories have been split, some stronger than others. It’s commonly understood that it’s highly likely to assume that magnesium plays an important part in migraine treatment and prevention but there are also some researchers who believe that magnesium is the most important factor in ridding these horrible headaches. When nothing else works and you seek treatment for a migraine an injection of magnesium usually helps quickly. It is often given along with a strong pain killer if you end up in the emergency room in unbearable pain. The thought is that if you increase your magnesium intake over several months you will hopefully see the same results. Every migraine sufferer has a different body chemistry but for many increasing their magnesium will be very helpful.
It is thought that as many as 50% of those who experience frequent migraines have a magnesium deficiency. The recommended amount of magnesium varies from 300-600 mg. a day so talk to your doctor if you are unsure what to try. It’s important to give it several months of supplementing with this helpful mineral, to see complete results.
There are several types of magnesium that are easier for your body to absorb and they include glycinate, gluconate, lactate, and orotate so read the back of the bottle before purchasing your magnesium supplements. Some people find it effective to take one dose in the morning and one in the evening while others take the recommended daily amount at one time. Definitely avoid magnesium supplements that are combined with calcium. The two may cancel out each other and you won’t get the full benefit. If you do need extra calcium take it separately, at a different time of day then you take the magnesium.
Another way to increase your magnesium is by dietary changes. It’s better to eat whole foods and skip the processed foods that contain additives. Some foods that are high in magnesium include dark green leafy vegetables, milk, wheat germ, whole grains, beans, soy products, bananas and seafood.
For every migraine sufferer it may take a different combination of treatments in order to help them feel better. Magnesium may or may not be part of the problem but it won’t hurt to try. Of course too much of anything is never a good thing so be aware that overdosing on magnesium may result in diarrhea and possibly keep your body from absorbing the very mineral you are trying to take in.
A book that is often recommended is “What your Doctor May Not Tell You about Migraines”, by Dr. Alexander Mauskop. He is the director of the New York Headache center and recommends a combination of magnesium, vitamin B2 and the herb feverfew for migraine treatment.
My own experience has been that I came across this information about magnesium and migraines a few months ago when searching for treatment that didn’t include taking any heavy pain killers. I wanted to find out what was causing my suffering instead of trying to fix it when an attack occurred. I began taking 500 mg a day and it has been 10 weeks now and I am happy to report that I have not had a migraine since about a week before I began supplementing. I have however had a few bad headaches but nothing as severe as a migraine and I’ve noticed that the headaches seem to be less frequent. It could be coincidence or a variety of factors as I’ve also been trying to get more sleep, eat healthier and not let myself get stressed out but regardless I am happy I gave magnesium a try and am hoping this is the cure I was looking for.
