One unexpected migraine is all it takes to ruin an otherwise great day. These debilitating headaches affect a whopping 39 million adults and children in the United States, according to the Migraine Research Foundation.
It’s more than just a headache—it’s a neurological disease. But before you reach for prescription or over-the-counter medication, consider this: some supplements appear to be pretty good at keeping migraines at bay. Here are some of them:
Magnesium Oxide
Healthline reports that low levels of this critical natural element are associated with migraines. The idea is to take it regularly to reduce the frequency of these monster headaches. Magnesium is an essential mineral that’s also said to ease nerves. Healthcare professionals suggest taking 400 to 600 milligrams a day.
Riboflavin
Vitamin B2 (a.k.a. Riboflavin) is said to improve metabolism, according to WebMD. This is key because similar to magnesium, many migraine sufferers naturally run low on Riboflavin. Experts recommend 400 milligrams daily.
Melatonin
Melatonin is the go-to hormone for better sleep, but it appears to pull double duty, preventing migraines too. According to one 2017 study, migraine sufferers who took melatonin experienced fewer headaches than those who took a placebo. According to University Health News, melatonin seems to reduce the overall intensity of migraine pain.
Peppermint
Some insiders swear by peppermint to quell tension headaches. Migraine.com suggests applying peppermint oil directly to the forehead during an active migraine attack. Peppermint tea is also said to help with migraine-induced nausea.
Butterbur
Butterbur has long been recognized as a bit of a migraine super-supplement. According to Consumer Reports, taking 75 milligrams twice a day could be on par with prescription drugs when it comes to decreasing the duration and intensity of migraines. It’s also thought to cut the frequency of migraines.
Feverfew
During a migraine, many turn to anti-inflammatory drugs. Feverfew is believed to naturally curb pain and zero in on a particular inflammatory agent associated with migraines. Many say it reduces the occurrence of migraines and tempers the actual intensity of attacks.
Ginger
Ginger is most often associated with helping nausea, but it looks like it may have some other benefits, as well. Migraine.com reports that ginger may help extinguish muscle contractions and act as an anti-inflammatory, which could prevent or even stop a migraine already in progress.
No two migraine sufferers are alike, which is why getting to the root of your pain is key to designing an effective treatment plan. The pain management experts at Health Star Clinic create customized, tailored plans to help you tackle your migraines head on. You shouldn’t have to live with chronic pain. For migraine relief in Montgomery or Prattville, click here or call (334) 600-1159 to learn more.