Magnesium Health Watch

There are a multitude of ways people treat their headaches and migraines.   From medications like Imitrex that affect the brain’s serotonins to over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen, people continue to suffer from painful and frequent headaches.

There are also several non-pharmacological ways to treat migraines and headaches.  Herbs, vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and riboflavin have been helpful for some people.  Relaxation and mediation techniques can be used as a form of migraine prevention, and can be a natural way to boost serotonin levels.  Acupuncture can be used both for acute headache pain management, but also as a preventative measure over the longer term.

More on different types of therapies for migraines and headaches found at Headaches can’t be cured, but they can be treated – SILive.com.

As you probably know, migraine triggers are different for everyone.   Some have found that their diet may trigger migraines.  Whether it’s MSG, red wine or nitrates, there are a lot of hidden ingredients that can contribute to this condition.  If you’re looking to determine the migraine trigger, it’s important to pay close attention to what you consume.  Try keeping a daily journal.  It can help you identify patterns and relationships between the food you eat and the onset of migraines.

This article suggests riboflavin and, you guessed it, magnesium as supplements to help prevent migraines:

“Are there any foods or supplements that can help prevent a migraine?

Magnesium. It’s thought that a deficiency of the mineral magnesium in the brain can cause nerve cells to be overly excited, triggering a migraine attack. Some studies have shown that taking a magnesium supplement can reduce migraine frequency in adults and children.

The best sources of magnesium include whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, dried fruit and leafy green vegetables.

Studies have given patients 600 milligrams of magnesium per day as a supplement. But before supplementing, speak to your health care provider. Taking more than 350 milligrams of magnesium can cause diarrhea and stomach upset”

CTV News | Leslie Beck’s Q and A: Can the foods you eat cause a migraine headache?.