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Magnesium and Migraines: What is the Relationship?

By Annette GallagherApril 11, 2018No Comments

Are you thinking about using magnesium for migraines?

There are many different causes for migraines – determining the true cause for your migraines is one of the most important steps for treating them effectively. Magnesium for headaches has produced promising results for patients across the spectrum of migraine-related disorders and could be right for you.

 

Magnesium in the Body: A Vital, but Little-Known Element

Magnesium is a mineral that serves as an enzyme co-factor and may contribute to 300 different chemical reactions in the body. This crucial mineral is deeply involved in the regulation of blood pressure, heart rhythm and bone density.

Although the body does not need a large amount of magnesium, it is relatively difficult to get enough of it in the diet alone. There are few foods that are rich in magnesium: Among these are avocados, spinach, yogurt, bananas, almonds and dark chocolate.

Eating too much magnesium-rich food at one time is associated with temporary gastrointestinal disturbance. Still, people should be alert to the possibility of low magnesium levels, especially if they have kidney or thyroid problems or are older.

Fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, cramping, tingling, and muscle contractions are among the most common symptoms of low magnesium levels.

 

Magnesium as a Migraine Treatment: What We Know So Far

Magnesium is one element that may help reduce migraine onset and duration.

A wide variety of magnesium supplements are available to deliver concentrated amounts of magnesium in a short time. Studies have suggested that people who suffer from migraines may be more likely than the general population to have low magnesium levels.

In one study, magnesium supplementation reduced migraine more than 41 percent.

Magnesium may be more effective for certain types of migraines than others. For example, it has been demonstrated to have valuable effects for controlling menstrual-related migraines.

Magnesium supplementation should be performed under medical supervision. Frequent and difficult migraines require more aggressive care.

 

Get to the Bottom of Migraines with a Headache Doctor

Although magnesium can be useful, most patients would like to completely eliminate migraines – not just make them less likely. The National Headache Institute focuses on treatment protocols that can completely eliminate migraines for many sufferers.

Our approach begins by using cutting-edge diagnostic technology to discover the cause of migraines. This may include anomalies in the blood vessels, the head and neck, and other issues that often go unnoticed by less specialized physicians.

To learn about personalized migraine treatment, contact us today.