Nothing is better for a migraine patient than a medication that will make the headache go away. And, let's face it, migraine medications aren't ideal. They may have adverse effects and be overpriced. Many migraine sufferers are unaware that there are safe, effective natural alternatives to medication that can typically prevent migraines just as effectively.
Here are a few tips to help you control your headaches without so much as looking at your medicine cabinet:
Keep a food diary. Certain foods can cause headaches, according to migraine specialists. The foods that contain the most tyramine, a compound that raises blood pressure and can result in headaches, are the main offenders. Aged cheeses, alcohol, processed meats, and red wine are examples of foods high in tyramine. Keeping track will help you identify your triggers, which you may then avoid to reduce the frequency of your headaches.
Exercise. Regular exercise can be a natural approach to prevent migraines from beginning, according to a Swedish study. In fact, it worked just as well as Topamax at preventing migraines. Participants in the study who rode a stationary bike for 40 minutes three times per week reported fewer headaches comparable to those who took 200 mg of Topamax daily. The only distinction was that although none of the athletes experienced side effects, a third of Topamax users did (unless you count a boost in fitness). Exercise raises endorphin levels, which could be how it reduces headaches.
Try some healthy supplements. Riboflavin, a B vitamin, is recommended as a daily dose of 400 mg and has been shown in numerous studies to be a natural migraine treatment. Although it can't halt an ongoing migraine, those who take it for three months see a 50% reduction in their frequency of attacks. Magnesium, a common mineral included in beans, pumpkin seeds, and nuts, is another nutrition that prevents migraines. Depending on the expert you consult, the daily dosage ranges from 600 to 1000 mg, assuming you don't have kidney issues. According to a German study, migraine sufferers who received 600 mg of magnesium every day for a month experienced a more than 40% reduction in their frequency of attacks. Magnesium benefits by reducing mental stress. It also benefits the heart. With so many supplements that seem promising, you might be unsure of which one to try first. In general, I advise beginning with riboflavin and magnesium.
This supplement reduced the amount of "migraine days" in one trial by half, most likely through increasing blood supply to the brain. Studies have also shown that taking 1,000 mg of omega 3 fatty acids daily lowers inflammation, which in turn lowers the frequency of migraine attacks. These two supplements are both beneficial for overall health.
All of these supplements are generally safe, but as with any supplement, you should talk to your doctor before using them. Whichever option you select, you must consistently take it for prevention, and you must continue using your regular treatments if a migraine does occur. However, if you experience migraines, it may be beneficial to discuss alternatives like these with your doctor. They might make your head feel significantly better, are less expensive than many migraine medications, and have fewer side effects.
ZS DMO II Karla P. Calapardo, RND
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