Treatment Of Headache
Different Suplements To Treat Migraines
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 calciumMagnesium 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.
FeverfewFeverfew
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 CVitamin 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 acidPantothenic 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.
KavaKava,
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.