subject: Magnesium for Migraines - an alternative treatment [print this page] Magnesium for Migraines - an alternative treatment
Reports have shown that people who suffer from migraines may benefit from increasing their magnesium levels, since more than half of all migraines are linked to magnesium deficiency
A migraine headache is a very painful type of throbbing or pulsing in the head. Women are three times more likely to suffer from migraines than men. Up to 25 million Americans suffer from migraines. It may be the result of poor diet, stress, anxiety and hormonal changes. Minerals such as magnesium have been proven to be highly efficient in bringing about migraine relief.
When the cells are devoid of magnesium, a person is more likely to experience migraines. While magnesium can be obtained from the diet, the levels are not sufficient. The foods that are the best sources of magnesium include whole grains, nuts, legumes, and leavy green vegetables. However, modern farming practices have left our soil devoid of any nutrition and therefore it is very difficult to get the right nutrition from a healthy diet alone.
A Dutch study has established that migraines do not originate from within the brain as was thought before. A South African doctor has maintained for a long time that migraines are not caused by blood vessels in the brain, but rather from the neck, face and head that are outside of the skull.
People that are prone to be afflicted by migraines should use mineral supplements as a prophylactic to prevent the onset and severity of headaches. Calcium and magnesium are the two most useful minerals for migraines as they help to maintain healthy and optimal functioning blood vessels.
Magnesium will also boost the levels of intra-cellular magnesium
It is common for women who suffer from premenstrual syndrom (PMS) to experience headaches. However, a calcium-rich diet and supplements may help in relieving the symptoms of the syndrome. Leavy green vegetables, beans and almonds are all good sources of calcium.
Tryptophan is an amino acid which is converted into serotonin in the body. This important chemical in the brain may help to promote headache relief. This product is obtained from soy, cottage cheese, shellfish, tuna and turkey. Medications that contain magnesium sulphate can also be used for the treatment of migraines.
Adults need between 310 and 420 mg of magnesium every day, but some people are unable to take magnesium supplements, as it may cause diarrhea. While this element is one of the most abundant elements in the body, many people are deficient. However, that is not a problem, as topical magnesium oil offers a great solution. The oil is readily absorbed by the skin in higher quantities than is absorbed when you take the magnesium orally.
Magnesium massages can help with migraine headaches
Magnesium supplements should being liquid form. Supplements in tablet form do not absorb as readily as liquid minerals and as such may not be as beneficial for migraines. Liquid mineral supplements should be the preferred supplementation for migraines, in addition to magnesium oil massages to relieve stiff muscles, tension and pain.
