The Connection Between Magnesium and Headaches

More and more doctors are concluding that an imbalance of important minerals like magnesium and calcium is responsible for a large percentage of migraines. This mineral imbalance is one of the key causes why many medications are not successful in treating all headaches. In fact, around 50% to 60% of migraines are linked to lack of magnesium in the body. While experts have not really agreed that magnesium is the ‘missing link’ in the treatment of migraines, more evidence is turning up for its use in migraine treatment.

How Magnesium Helps

It is important to examine how a migraine is triggered. Stress and chemicals in the blood called serotonin and catecholamines can cause muscle contractions, triggering changes in the blood vessels, which in turn leads to a migraine. While this has been known for some time, the problem lies in stopping these changes.

An excess of serotonin will slow down the blood flow, and having too little of it will make the blood move too quickly. Serotonin also can flow fast if there is not enough magnesium in the body, constricting the blood vessels and releasing pain-producing chemicals.

The release of these pain-producing substances can be halted by normal magnesium levels. The recommended daily dose of magnesium is about 400 mg, and studies have shown that most people hardly get anywhere near that amount. About 30% to 40% of Americans only get less than 75% of the needed magnesium intake daily, which in time leads to a deficiency.

Magnesium Loss and Deficiency

Our bodies can very easily lose its supply of magnesium. If you are taking asthma or cardiovascular medications, drinking at least two cups of coffee and other diuretics every day and you are usually stressed out, you need to know that these things can lower the magnesium level in your body.

Magnesium deficiency is believed to be present in 50% to 60% of people who suffer from migraines. However, a good 85% to 90% of migraine sufferers can often find immediate relief once they start taking supplements.

The recommended doses for magnesium are two 500 mg magnesium gluconate tablets at lunch time, two tablets in the afternoon and two tablets at bedtime.

Important Note

It is imperative that you consult with your doctor first before beginning your magnesium supplementation because the doses involved are rather high and require monitoring by a medical professional. Keep in mind that taking high dosage levels of magnesium has risks. Most importantly, you should not take magnesium supplements if you have a kidney or a heart problem without medical supervision.

Calcium

Calcium will also be necessary if you decide to take magnesium supplements. If you haver magnesium level is normal but your calcium level is low, your migraines will not stop. However, be careful when you are taking calcium supplements. If you take too much calcium, your body will simply get rid of the excess amount. This may sound good, but you should also know that calcium will take magnesium with it. So your calcium level may be normal, but your magnesium level is not. Make sure that you take magnesium and calcium at different times during the day since calcium can prevent the magnesium from being properly absorbed in the body.