Finding Ways to Combat the Pain
Migraines involve a type of headache that can cause severe head pain and additional symptoms, such as light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting. Medication is available to treat migraines. But vitamins and supplements may also help. The article below looks at a dietary migraine supplement to help decrease your migraines, as well as VYEPTI, the first and only FDA-approved intravenous (IV) infusion treatment for migraine prevention.
What Causes Migraines?
Doctors are not sure why some people are prone to migraines. It may be a combination of genetics and environmental factors.
Researchers think that a migraine may occur due to a temporary change in the nerves, blood vessels and chemicals in the brain.
Various things can trigger a migraine in some people. Common triggers include:
- Stress.
- Lack of sleep.
- Strong smells.
- Alcohol.
- Certain foods.
- Hormone changes.
Can Vitamins and Supplements Provide Migraine Relief?
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, some research supports the use of supplements to help reduce or prevent migraines. Keep in mind no one treatment is effective for everyone. This includes medication and supplements for migraines.
Vitamins and supplements may provide migraine relief in a few ways. For example, certain supplements may promote better sleep. This may prevent migraines from sleep deprivation.
In other cases, supplements may help provide the body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally.
What Supplements to Take for Migraines
It is always best to speak to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements. Certain supplements may interfere with medication.
It is also important to discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor to determine what supplements may be right for you. The exact dose may also vary depending on age, weight and diet.
In general, the following migraine supplements may help:
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme is an enzyme naturally present in the body and has an antioxidant effect. It is found in the highest levels in the pancreas, liver, kidneys and heart. However, certain medical conditions may lower coenzyme levels in the body. Some studies have shown that coenzyme supplements may reduce the number of migraine days per month. The supplement is typically well-tolerated.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral in the body that helps regulate nerve and muscle function, as well as blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
According to the National Institute of Health, people who have migraines sometimes have low levels of magnesium. Additional research is needed to confirm a link between taking magnesium supplements and migraine reduction. However, it appears replacing low magnesium in deficient people may reduce migraine frequency.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
Riboflavin, more commonly called vitamin B2, is found in foods such as cheese, yogurt, eggs and chicken breast. B2 assists with many functions of the body. If you have a deficiency, it may contribute to migraines. Some studies indicate that vitamin B2 is effective at preventing migraine attacks.
Omega 3
Omega 3 fatty acids are considered a powerhouse among supplements. Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid. This means your body needs it but cannot make it on its own. You get omega-3 from foods you eat, such as salmon, flaxseed and walnuts.
Omega 3s are a component of the cell membrane. They also provide energy for the body and play a role in the function of your blood vessels. Omega 3s also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Since the exact cause of migraines is not known, it makes sense that if someone is low in a vital nutrient, it may lead to problems.
Vitamin D
Low vitamin D is associated with migraines. This may occur because vitamin D helps decrease inflammation in the brain. For someone who is genetically prone to migraines, low vitamin D may also cause inflammation to occur and trigger migraines.
Vitamin D also helps increase the absorption of magnesium. The combination of magnesium and vitamin D may provide migraine relief, especially for people who are low in vitamin D.
Ginger
It is not clear if ginger reduces migraine pain. But it can help reduce nausea associated with migraines. Ginger is available in teas, extracts and capsules as a supplement.
Additional Migraine Treatment
Supplements are often great for the body in additional ways beyond migraine relief. This is why migraine supplements may be a good option.
There are also additional things you can do to decrease migraine pain, including the following:
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay well-hydrated.
- Place a cold pack on your forehead.
- Rest in a darkened room.
- Drink small amounts of caffeine, which eases mild migraines in some people.
- Keep a log, including what you ate and drank and how many hours you slept, to determine migraine triggers.
- Vyepti: A medication used for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults. It is administered through intravenous infusion and is a calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibody.
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