We all know vitamins are important. But there are so many of them, from so many sources, it can be hard to keep track. How can you use vitamins to help headache symptoms?
Can vitamin deficiencies cause headaches? The answer is yes
Vitamins are natural compounds the body needs to function. Humans mostly get vitamins from the food they eat. Some may be synthesized in other ways – through sun exposure or other natural processes, for example.
Even if you take multivitamins every day, it’s still important to make sure that you are getting all the vitamins you need. Do you have new headaches? Are the headaches you commonly have getting worse? Vitamin deficiency could be why.
Three main deficiencies contribute to headaches:
1) B vitamins, including B6 and B12
If you suffer from frequent headaches, an amino acid called homocysteine could be partially to blame. This compound is produced naturally within the body. High levels of it can cause many problems – one of the most common of which is headaches.
Vitamin B can reduce homocysteine levels and stave off associated headaches.
Vitamins in the B family come from a wide range of protein-rich foods, especially meats. They can be found in beef, chicken, fish, pork and eggs. For those who wish to avoid meat, soybeans can be a suitable substitute.
2) Vitamin E
Many women suffer from migraines in conjunction with other menstrual symptoms. Vitamin E is important in combating “menstrual migraines” by reducing the amount of arachidonic acid in the body. This acid later gets converted into an agent associated with menstrual migraines.
Sunflower seeds, almonds and spinach all contain large quantities of this vitamin. Enhancing your intake in the week before and during menstruation can curb many symptoms. In studies, women with high levels of vitamin E experienced less pain and lower sensory sensitivity.
3) Vitamin D
When it comes to causes of headaches, vitamin D deficiency is near the top. In fact, headache is among the most common symptoms of vitamin D deficiency. Other symptoms include sleep disturbances and disorders. Lack of sleep, in itself, can make headaches worse.
You can stock up on vitamin D with salmon, mackerel and mushrooms.
Houston Headache Institute
Nutritious eating can help headache symptoms enormously. Still, professional treatment is the best way for most people to obtain lasting results. Visit the Houston Headache Institute to identify your vitamin deficiency and how to treat it permanently.
