Are you looking for alternatives to medication so that you can treat your migraines without side-effects? Natural relief strategies range from exercise to feverfew.
Turning away from medication
You might think that medication is the best solution for treating a migraine. However, drugs may result in side-effects, and they are often ineffective. In fact, some prescription painkillers even cause additional headaches. That’s a phenomenon so common it has two names: medication-overuse headache (MOH) and rebound headache.
You pay be frustrated to know that medical science has not yet found a catch-all cure for migraines. However, we do have a sense of what’s occurring biochemically. When brain neurons get overly excited, they transmit chemicals that lead to inflammation in the blood vessels within and leading to the brain. Treating that inflammation reduces the pain. These are a few strategies to set aside the pillbox and achieve natural relief.
Working out
It has long been suspected that exercise was helpful in treating migraines, and a 2011 Swedish study confirms that theory. “[R]esearchers found that aerobic exercise was as effective at preventing migraines as the preventive migraine medication topiramate,” notes Caring.
Vitamin B2
The recommended dosage for riboflavin, aka Vitamin B2, is 250-500 mg per day. One study found that 59% of patients were able to cut their pain in half simply by adding 400 mg of this vitamin to their daily diets.
Magnesium
Several studies have found that migraine results when people are deficient in magnesium. Shockingly, as many as three-quarters of Americans are not getting enough magnesium. This macro-mineral calms the muscles and nerves.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10, CoQ10 for short, is found in foods including broccoli, cauliflower, chicken, herring, and sesame seeds. CoQ10 is naturally found inside the body and boosts energy generation within the cells. One study determined that with migraines, the antioxidant delivered as much as 200% better results than a placebo.
Melatonin
Melatonin also seems to have a positive impact on those suffering from migraines. “In one small study, 78% of migraineurs taking 3 mg of melatonin had at least 50% reduction in headaches of which 25% had complete resolution of headaches,” explains the Association of Migraine Disorders.
Feverfew
Feverfew is used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce migraines. Nutritionist Jonny Bowden says that he has seen impressive results, specifically when combining it with white willow bark. When both of those herbs are taken, migraines can be reduced as much as 60%.
Omega-3
As discussed above, migraines are the result of inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain and neck. One of the best ways to reduce inflammation is with omega-3 fatty acids. One Swedish study found that adding omega-3 acids to the diet can cut migraine severity by 32%.
Getting help
Are you suffering from migraines? Obviously natural solutions can be incredibly helpful. However, often making the above lifestyle changes is not enough.
At Health Star Clinic, you’ll receive a comprehensive diagnosis and custom treatments that go beyond the band-aid approach of prescription medication and a follow-up visit. Receive a free consultation.