Magnesium: A Holistic Approach to Relieving Your Migraines

 

Migraines are more than just a “bad headache.” Migraines have similar symptoms to strokes and should be taken seriously when they happen. With no clear cause, it can leave migraine sufferers feeling hopeless and forced to take over-the-counter medications that can potentially cause even worse side effects.

 

Today we are going to take a deeper look into what migraines are, why they happen and how magnesium can be the solution to ending your migraines once and for all.

 

What Are Migraines?

Migraines are severe headaches that can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities such as attending work, and cooking meals. Aside from the throbbing pain - vomiting and nausea may co-occur.

 

Symptoms Of Migraines

  • Difficulty speaking
  • Temporary loss of vision
  • Numbness
  • Tiredness
  • Irritability
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Sensitivity to sound
  • Tingling

 

Why Do They Occur?

While the cause of migraines remains unclear, environmental factors and genetics seem to play a role. Other factors that may contribute to migraines are changes in the brainstem in its relation to the trigeminal nerve. Chemical imbalances in the brain, specifically neurotransmitters such as serotonin may play a role. Other potential culprits include dehydration, excess stress, loud sounds, smoking, hormonal changes and severe heat.

 

Magnesium’s Role In Addressing Migraines

 

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential to the human body. Magnesium keeps your bones strong and keeps blood pressure in check. Magnesium is essential in hundreds of biochemical reactions, some of them being muscle movements, protein formation and energy creation.

 

Importance of Magnesium

Adults who don’t get the recommended amount of magnesium are at risk for inflammation, diabetes, osteoporosis and some cancers.

 

 

Benefits Of Magnesium

 

Boosts Exercise Performance

Quite a few studies have revealed that taking a magnesium supplement can improve your athletic performance.

 

Fight Mental Health Issues

Magnesium helps fight depression. Since magnesium plays such a key role in mood and brain function, it is important to maintain a magnesium rich diet. In fact, studies show that low levels of magnesium are linked to increased risk of depression.

 

Anti-inflammatory

Sufficient intake of magnesium can fight chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation accelerates the aging process and chronic disease.

 

Prevent Migraines

Magnesium blocks signals in the brain that lead to migraines. It also stops certain chemicals that cause pain in the body, like glutamate and Substance P. 

 

Regulates Nervous System

Sufficient magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters which allow your body to perform optimally.

 

Maintains Bone Health

Magnesium plays a role in the formation of bone-building cells and the parathyroid hormone that regulates calcium levels.

 

Fights Cardiovascular Disease

One person dies every 36 seconds in the USA from cardiovascular disease. Magnesium helps regulate blood pressure that can help lower your risk and drastically improve your health in the process.

 

Recommended Daily Intake (RDA)

Adults (19- 51+ years old)

Men: 400 - 420mg

Women: 310 - 320mg

 

Food Rich In Magnesium + Other Headache Reducing Nutrients

 

Almonds: are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants, both help with pain control.

 

Spinach: is an excellent anti-inflammatory that helps fight disease.

 

Cashews: is high in healthy mono-unsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). MUFAs help in reducing inflammation.

 

Black Beans: are rich in tryptophan which is an essential amino acid for growth and development that produces Niacin which produces Serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps relieve pain.

 

Edamame: is an excellent anti-inflammatory.

 

Dark Chocolate: helps reduce inflammation that causes pain.

 

Avocado: is a headache-reducing super good. It is high in B vitamins, magnesium and potassium. It is also a versatile food that can easily be added to traditional recipes.

 

Brown Rice: is high in complex carbohydrates and magnesium that can help reduce migraine symptoms.

 

Oatmeal: is a meal to start the day and is a staple for chronic migraine sufferers.

 

Bananas: are high in potassium and magnesium which is critical for maintaining a healthy diet and reducing headaches. Additionally, it is 74% water - which can help keep you hydrated throughout the day.

 

Salmon: is rich in riboflavin (vitamin B2), vitamin B12, coenzyme Q10 and magnesium. Salmon is a superfood for those looking at treating their migraines holistically.

 

Signs Of Magnesium Deficiency (Hypomagnesemia)

 

Muscle Cramps

Tremors, cramps, and twitches are all signs that you may have a magnesium deficiency.

 

Mental Health Issues

Another serious consequence of magnesium deficiency is mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.

 

Fatigue and Weakness

Fatigue is another symptom of a magnesium deficiency. Of course, it is perfectly normal to feel weak from time to time. However, chronic fatigue could be a reason for concern.

 

Asthma

Surprisingly, studies show that people with severe asthma often have a magnesium deficiency. What is more interesting is when patients used an inhaler with magnesium sulfate - it helped them relax and expand their airways.

 

Irregular heartbeat (Heart arrhythmia)

This may be the most severe symptom of magnesium deficiency. An irregular heartbeat can increase the possibility of heart failure or stroke. One clinical trial revealed that treating heart arrhythmia with magnesium injections greatly improved heart function.

 

Conclusion

 

Migraines are serious and often require medical attention. While there are popular over-the- counter medications you can take such as Advil and Tylenol, it is not recommended due to its underpublicized risks. Chronic use can lead to decreased kidney function and increased blood pressure. Advil and Tylenol can also cause ulcers and bleeding to both the intestine and stomach. Liver failure is also a risk of taking ibuprofen.

 

Luckily, there are more holistic ways to manage migraines and fight symptoms before they begin - Magnesium being one of them.

 

Magnesium is a mineral that is essential for maintaining good health. While there are Magnesium vitamins, Magnesium can also be found in a plethora of different foods. The best way to ensure you remain magnesium sufficient is to have a well balanced diet.

 

It is important to talk to your doctor if your migraines persist. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medications and remember that a healthy diet and regular exercise is one of the best things you can do to maintain excellent well-being and live a long, healthy life. For more migraine relief options, try our wearable acupressure products, Headache Relief Hat, Essential oil products, and more at Aculief.com.