Safety Of Supplements For Migraine
Before you try a supplement to prevent or treat migraine, its important to consider its safety profile.
The supplements on this list are generally considered safe and well-tolerated. The limited research on their use in migraine prevention and treatment suggests there are no serious side effects from the doses used in existing studies .
However, the long-term effects of using these supplements are not well known. Possible dangerous side effects of chronic use cannot be ruled out. Its also possible that these supplements may interact with each other or other medications.
There is also no standardized dosage for any of these supplements. Recommended dosages and forms vary. For instance, a dose that works safely for treating migraine attacks in the short term may become dangerous if you take it every day.
Furthermore, the side effects of supplements may vary by person. Taking too much can result in kidney or liver injury. You should be especially wary of toxicity if you have a condition that affects these organs (
Additionally, certain supplements may not be suitable for:
- pregnant people
- people who are breastfeeding or chestfeeding
- individuals with underlying conditions
- people on medications
Finally, its important to purchase supplements from reputable companies. Make sure the products have been tested for purity and strength by a third party. This will help you avoid products that contain unlisted ingredients and too much or too little of a nutrient or compound.
Advantages Of Individual Supplements
Magnesium – I take about 640mg of magnesium glycinate a day. I used to take Migrelief, which was a combination of magnesium oxide and citrate, CoQ10, and B2, the most highly recommended migraine cocktail. For some reason , they quit carrying that version and only carry the kind with Feverfew. I tried it and I dont have as great of results, so I switched to taking everything separately.
Some doctors say this is better as combination supplements can have more fillers and less expensive ingredients. Another positive to separate pills is that they are typically filled with better ingredients/more pure, and are more highly effective. One of our family friends who is a popular rheumatologist has said it’s significantly more effective to take individual supplements over combined pills.
Many brands, like the Calm drink you see all over instagram, contain magnesium citrate. If youve ever taken magnesium and had an upset stomach after, chances are youre taking the citrate or oxide version. It has a laxative effect on many people.
Taking high amounts of magnesium, like the levels needed for migraine treatment, can sometimes cause gastrointestinal distress. Brands like Calm and Migrelief like to use it not only because its fairly well absorbed, but also because its cheap and used in some of the initial studies on migraine and magnesium.
Apply Ginger Essential Oil To Your Temples
Massaging ginger oil into the skin decreases pain in people with arthritis and back pain, and may also help to reduce pain from headaches.
For a migraine attack or tension headache, try massaging a few drops of the diluted ginger oil into your temples, forehead, and back of the neck once or twice daily.
The aroma from the oil may also reduce nausea that commonly occurs with migraine. Try placing a drop of ginger oil on a tissue, gauze pad, or cotton ball and inhaling. You might also try adding one to two drops of oil into a warm bath or steam diffuser.
Pure essential ginger oil can be found in pharmacies, grocery stores, or purchased online. Steer clear of perfumed or ginger-scented oils. Before applying to your skin, dilute the oil by placing one to two drops of ginger oil into a tablespoon of a carrier oil. Learn more about carrier oils.
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Grounding Techniques For Dizziness
When considering natural remedies for dizziness grounding may not pop into your head. But, grounding is such an amazing strategy. Putting your body in contact with surfaces gives your brain more information to determine we are still and not moving especially when we think we are. Putting as much of your body in contact with a surface as possible is a simple and easy technique that comes with a big payoff. It helps your brain learn to compensate. To practice grounding for dizziness follow the steps below.
How To Treat B12 Headaches Or Migraine
If your headaches are caused by a deficiency, eating more B12 might make your symptoms go away. You can also take a vitamin B12 supplement, but make sure you stick to the good stuff. Opt for a high quality brand that doesnt contain lots of yucky additives.
If youre getting enough B12 but still get headaches something else might be to blame. Talk with a healthcare professional if you have chronic headaches or migraine. They can run a simple blood test to verify if a vitamin B12 deficiency is to blame.
You might be able to treat headaches or migraine in the short term with an over-the-counter pain reliever. If these dont cut it, your doc might suggest something stronger.
Some peeps also get relief from alternative treatments such as:
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What Are The Treatments For Migraine
There is no absolute cure for migraine. However, lots of treatments are available to help ease the symptoms of a migraine attack.
When a migraine attack occurs, most people find that lying down in a quiet, dark room is helpful. Sleeping can also help. Some people find that their symptoms die down after they have vomited .
Most people affected by migraine will already have tried paracetamol, aspirin and perhaps anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen before they seek advice from their doctor. If ordinary painkillers alone are not relieving your symptoms, your GP might prescribe you a triptan to be taken in addition to over-the-counter painkillers . Triptans are available in different forms to suit individuals , although it is important to note that some people develop short-term side effects when taking triptans. Your doctor may also prescribe you anti-sickness medication. If your situation does not improve after treatment, you might be referred to a specialist migraine clinic.
It is important to avoid taking painkillers on more than two days per week or more than 10 days per month as this can in fact make things worse by triggering medication overuse headaches.
How Much Is Vitamin D Too Much
The recommended dietary allowance of vitamin D for most adults is 600 international units a day . Doctors may prescribe higher doses to treat medical conditions such as vitamin D deficiency, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease but for a limited period.
Hypervitaminosis D or toxicity results with massive, long-term doses, 50,000 international units per day for months which is 80 times more than the recommended amount. Getting too much vitamin D from food or exposure to the sun is almost impossible. Signs of too much vitamin D imply that its levels in the body are so high that they are at risk of causing some serious harm.
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Can Vitamin B12 Cause Headaches
B12 can cause headaches. Or rather, a lack of B12 can cause headaches.
Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to neurological symptoms like head pain. According to a 2020 study, headaches were the most common symptom of vitamin B12 deficiency in adolescence. Other research shows that vitamin B12 might help treat chronic migraine.
In a 2019 study of 140 people, researchers found that the participants who had migraine also had low blood levels of B12. Meanwhile, the folks who had the highest B12 levels were 80 percent less likely to get migraine compared to those who had lower levels.
Just keep in mind, we need more research to prove the exact link between B12 and headaches or migraine. But since B12 is important for your overall health, you should prob up your intake anyway.
Common Vitamin Deficiencies That Cause Dizziness
Dizziness is an unpleasant feeling that may prompt you to visit your doctor. The condition often makes you feel light-headed, unsteady or faint, or sense that the room is spinning.
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Anxiety disorders, inner ear damage, a reaction to medication or a vitamin deficiency can lead to dizziness. Before trying home remedies, consult with your doctor to make sure you don’t have a serious underlying condition, such as nerve damage, Parkinson’s disease or a stroke.
Tip
A deficiency in any vitamin may keep you from feeling like your usual self. But not getting enough vitamin B12, B6 or D may lead to dizziness.
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Nutritional Supplements For Migraine
and Timothy C. Hain, MD see also: treatment index
Page last modified:June 2, 2021
There are several vitamins and nutritional supplements that have a small literature supporting their use in prevention of migraine. There are also many other alternative approaches to migraine, outlined here. Holland et al reviewed most of these and presented the evidence according to the American Academy of Neurology. Some of these may be placebos. Well, whatever works and is safe is fine.
Our bottom line is that considering the nutritional treatments, only magnesium has a reasonable chance of being helpful. The rest usually are temporary trials that fail.
Magnesium Chloride And Magnesium Sulfate
Also known as Epsom salts, Magnesium Sulfate is one of the most common forms of topical magnesium. Magnesium Chloride is shown to absorb better, due to better cellular penetration.
- Found in Epsom salts, magnesium lotions, and sprays
- Magnesium Chloride is a slightly better option
- Easy to find and use
- Effectiveness varies, so good to combine with other forms of magnesium
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A Magnesium Deficiency Can Contribute To Headaches
Magnesium helps the body regulate nerve and muscle function, maintain blood sugar levels, and regulate blood pressure. Dr. Sara Crystal, MD, Neurologist and Headache Specialist, andCove medical advisor, told INSIDER there is good evidence that magnesium deficiency can contribute to migraines. That’s why she said many people find magnesium supplements helpful in treating these symptoms.
Since magnesium is considered a natural “relaxer” of the muscle and nervous system, Morrison said it’s not surprising that a lack of this mineral causes muscle tension, cramps, insomnia and widespread pain, including headaches. Good food sources include legumes, nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, fortified foods like breakfast cereal, milk, and yogurt.
Excess Vitamin A Side Effects
As a fat-soluble vitamin, extra vitamin A is stored in the body â unlike excesses of water-soluble vitamins, which are excreted in urine. Natural forms of the vitamin from food sources aren’t likely to cause a problem, but large amounts of pre-formed vitamin A from supplements can cause headaches, along with dizziness, nausea, coma and death.
The daily value for vitamin A is 5,000 IU, and it’s easy to get this amount from a daily diet rich in fruits, vegetables and protein. If you add a supplement, you may go over â or way over â the DV. The upper tolerable intake â the amount at which serious side effects may occur â is 10,000 IU. If you’re taking a vitamin A supplement, check the label and speak with your doctor about whether excess vitamin A could be causing your headaches.
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Vitamin Deficiency And Migraines
There are multiple causes of migraine headaches. From hormonal imbalance to medications and certain smells to bruxism, it becomes difficult to pinpoint the factors that could trigger a migraine attack. Research also suggests that certain vitamin deficiencies can result in frequent migraine headaches. As they are essential nutrients that play a crucial role in body processes and health, insufficient intake of vitamins affects vital areas of the body.
Getting enough vitamins is essential to maintaining a healthy and active body. Incorporating these nutrients in your daily diet nourishes the body and keeps you fit for a long time. It also works hard to prevent various ailments and disorders like headaches and migraines that become tough to deal with.
Natural Remedies For Dizziness Relief That You Need To Know
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One of the hardest parts about living with a vestibular disorder is dealing with constant dizziness. Its such a terribly unpleasant and unsettling sensation. Feeling dizziness daily is also more exhausting than most people know. Thats because our brains use so much energy in attempting to compensate for dizziness. Did you know doctors actually consider Dizzy to be an all-encompassing, vague word to describe the many types of symptoms we experience. Dizziness can include anything from feeling faint, disorientation, general imbalance, rocking and swaying, dropping and bouncing sensations to full on whirling vertigo. Im hoping the many natural remedies for dizziness relief discussed here will help lessen the frequency and/or severity of all of these symptoms for you.
With such a vast line up of dizzy symptoms its important to have an arsenal of treatment options to help you feel strong, steady and confident. So lets get right into the natural remedies for dizziness.
***While Migraine Strong writes about the latest in migraine treatments, this is not medical advice. We are patient educators and all information you read should be discussed with your doctor.
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What Is Vitamin D Deficiency
If you have been experiencing headaches, you may now be asking yourself: are your headaches due to low vitamin D? Vitamin D is needed by the body to absorb calcium, necessary for things like bone growth. It is also helps the immune system function properly, fights illness, aids weight loss, and helps combat depression. Vitamin D deficiency is the lack of this particular nutrient in the body. There are many risk factors for vitamin D deficiency such as:
- A lack of sunlight, which is crucial to obtaining this vitamin.
- Dietary issues, such as allergies to foods that contain vitamin D.
- Individuals with dark skin, as melanin inhibits the production of vitamin D.
- Obesity, which does not allow vitamin D to circulate properly.
- Malfunctioning kidneys, which otherwise are needed for the output of vitamin D in the body.
Additionally, older people tend to be more at risk than most. In fact, it is estimated that over 90% of seniors have vitamin D deficiency. This is due to their inability to produce ample amounts of vitamin D in the skin, and the reduced exposure to the sun as a result of their increased time indoors.
Bacterial And Viral Infections
If you have a headache accompanied by dizziness, you may just have a bug thats going around. These are both common symptoms when your bodys exhausted and trying to fight off an infection. In addition, severe congestion and taking over-the-counter cold medicines can also cause a headache and dizziness in some people.
Examples of bacterial and viral infections that can cause a headache and dizziness include:
Labyrinthitis usually goes away on its own within a week or two.
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A Deficiency In Vitamin B2 Has Been Linked To Migraine Headaches
Although all of the B vitamins play a role in protecting you from headaches, vitamin B2 seems to stand out the most.
Dr. Kelcie Harris, ND told INSIDER that vitamin B2 could help counter a deficiency of mitochondrial energy metabolism, which has been linked to migraine headaches.
“Eating foods high in vitamin B2 or supplementing with a quality vitamin may help improve mitochondrial energy metabolism and therefore, decrease the incidence of migraine headaches,” she explained.
The recommended intake of B2, according to the NIH, is 1.3mg for males and 1.1mg for females ages 19 and up. If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, the recommended daily allowance is 1.4mg for pregnancy and 1.6mg for lactation. You can find B2 in foods like eggs, kidney, liver, lean meats, milk, green vegetables, and fortified grains and cereals. Higher doses may be recommended if you suffer from migraine headaches.
Essential Oil Side Effects And Risks
Never apply ginger oil to the skin without first diluting it. Using undiluted oil can cause skin irritation. In some cases, skin irritation can be severe.
Some people may also experience a skin reaction when using ginger oil, even when diluted. Be sure to do a patch test with the oil if youve had a reaction to an essential oil in the past. Also, if youre allergic to ginger spice, you may also be allergic to ginger oil.
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B Vitamins Supplementation As Treatment For Episodic Migraine In Women
The use of vitamins B1, B6, B12, and B9, both alone and in combination, might be effective as an adjuvant for the treatment and prophylaxis of episodic migraine in women, according to study findings presented at the 2022 American Headache Society Annual Scientific Meeting, held from June 9-12, in Denver, Colorado, and virtually.
Recognizing that sufficient studies have demonstrated the efficacy of vitamin B2 in migraine prophylaxis, the researchers sought to examine the effects of supplementation with other B vitamins, including B1 , B6 , B12 , and B9 , as well as a combination of these vitamins, in women with episodic migraine. They conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, 16-week clinical trial in Iran.
A total of 120 women with episodic migraine were divided into the following 6 groups, with 20 participants enrolled in each of the groups: vitamin B1 vitamin B6 vitamin B12 vitamin B9 vitamin B complex and placebo. Paper-based headache diaries were used to record the number of abortive medications used and the frequency of headache attacks experienced among participants. Migraine disability was evaluated with use of the Migraine Disability Assessment Questionnaire at baseline and after completion of the intervention.
The researchers concluded that Further large trials with long-term follow-up will be required to confirm our results.
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