Magnesium Health Watch

We’ve discussed the benefits of magnesium in addressing many conditions including migraines, restless leg syndrome, diabetes and stress.  Now, a recent research study shows that magnesium may also figure into treatments for age-related memory decline.  Using a magnesium compound, Magnesium-L-threonate (MgT) in laboratory studies with rats, researchers found that MgT helped stimulate areas of the brain that have to do with spatial navigation and long term memory, and also boosted memory recall.
The study also indicated that only 32% of Americans get the recommended daily allowance of magnesium.  (This figure varies widely but this one seems fairly accurate).

Magnesium May Improve Memory (WebMD)

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.

Some great references on Headache and Migraine News about how certain types of magnesium supplements have helped many people who suffer from migraines and other headaches.  If you’re suffering from migraines, a magnesium supplement might be worth a try.

Great news from this migraine sufferer:

“I still get migraines, but they are functional migraines (worse around menses) – no nausea, no need to stay in a dark room, I can go to work, etc.  But the hemiplegic and seizure type zone-out episodes are GONE completely.  And I feel like I have my mind back – the fog that I had experienced while on Topamax and Zonisamide, etc has lifted.  I CAN THINK AGAIN!!!  I am going to try adding the CoQ10 and upping my Mag dose (I’m only doing 400mg) and see if that helps the menstrual headaches anymore.

I always thought vitamin “pushers” were just plain weird (sorry), but here I am telling you it’s working for me!!  Good luck.”

Magnesium: Top of the List for Migraine.

This informative article by magnesium expert Carolyn Dean profiles three patients in different circumstances, all dealing with magnesium deficiency.   One patient had heart palpitations and the potential of adult onset diabetes.  Another was suffering from migraines.  For each patient, they discuss symptoms and how they dealt with the magnesium deficiency, through either magnesium-rich foods, magnesium supplements or both.

Here’s an excerpt:

“I gave Mary a list of magnesium-rich foods that she needed to start eating, which included nuts, beans, greens, and seeds such as sunflower and pumpkin. Mary realized that she’d been avoiding almost all of these foods: She thought nuts were fattening, beans gave her gas, and greens never seemed fresh enough at the supermarket. She had never even thought about eating seeds.”

The article is actually an excerpt from Dean’s book, “The Miracle of Magnesium.”

THE MIRACLE OF MAGNESIUM | Toronto Canada alternative health natural medicine green living.

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?.