Treating Migraines with Supplements
It would be terrific to come across a magic pill that ends migraine headaches the moment they hit. But unless you marry a witch or find a genie on a beach somewhere, it ain’t going to happy any time soon. For the time being, the best approach to treating migraines is with prevention.
Supplements are definitely the generals leading the way on this battlefield. Okay, we all know generals don’t lead the way on the battlefield anymore, but the metaphor is still apt.
Magnesium and calcium - Magnesium and calcium help attack migraines by keeping blood vessels malleable and helping the brain process serotonin.
Suggested dose: 400-mg magnesium and 100 mg calcium twice a day. Best taken with food to ease absorption. People with kidney disease should check with their doctor before taking magnesium.
Feverfew - Feverfew is rapidly becoming one of the most popular of all the natural migraine remedies on the market because of its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Studies show that it can decrease both the frequency and severity of migraines when taken over several months.
Suggested dose: 250 mg taken every morning, either with or without food, most effective when taken for extended periods. Look for standardized preparations containing at least 0.4% parthenolide, the active ingredient.
5-HTP5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), is a form of acid tryptophan, an amino acid the body converts into serotonin. Although it make take several months to achieve the maximum benefit, some claim it is as effective as drugs. Nausea is the main side effect, but if it occurs, it usually dissipates within several days.
Suggested dose: 100 mg of 5-HTP 3 times a day. Take around mealtime. Don't combine with prescription antidepressants, such as Prozac.
RiboflavinRiboflavin, or vitamin B2, is believed to help prevent migraines by nourishing the brain's energy reserves. It may be even more effective than feverfew or 5-HTP when migraines are ongoing.
Suggested dose: 400 mg every morning. Riboflavin is most effective when taken long term for relief of chronic migraines.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that may also boost the production of stress-relieving hormones. Excess stress is thought to play a role in triggering migraines.
Suggested dose: 1,000 mg 3 times a day. Take with food. Reduce dose of vitamin C if diarrhea develops.
Pantothenic acid - Pantothenic acid, or vitamin B5, strengthens nerves and promotes energy production. Like vitamin C, it may help the body produce stress-busting hormones. Pantothenic acid also plays a role in serotonin production. Suggested dose: 400 mg twice a day. Take pantothenic acid with meals.
Kava - Kava, finally, can be a very useful herb for the relief of stress and anxiety, which are thought to trigger migraine attacks in some people.
Suggested dose: 250 mg 3 times a day. Kava may be most beneficial during times of high stress. Look for standardized extracts containing at least 30% kavalactones, the active ingredients in the herb. In America, the Food & Drug Administration has issued a warning about kava’s possible adverse reactions in the liver recommending that users consult a physician if any of the following is applicable:
Severe headaches develop suddenly, particularly if they first appear after age 35.
A headache is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, weakness on one side of the body, loss of speech, blurred vision, or disorientation.
A headache is accompanied by inflamed, clogged sinuses.
A severe headache develops after intense physical exertion or a blow to the head.
Migraines become more severe or more frequent.
The following supplements and herbs may be helpful in the treatment of migraine headaches:
Both Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid reduce the severity and frequency of migraines by over 75%.
Fish oil helps prevent migraines by reducing blood vessel spasms.
Vitamin B2 appears to completely suppress migraine headaches.
Vitamin B3 (Riboflavin) helps to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines.
Vitamin D provides relief when used in conjunction with calcium.
One interesting supplement found to help with migraine relief is capsaicin, the chemical that makes hot peppers hot. It can be applied as an ointment inside the nose, though beware of burning.
