Can Supplements Prevent Headaches?
If you have a history of migraines, you may be wondering: Can supplements cause headaches? The answer is yes. In fact, many people experience headaches because they are deficient in certain vitamins or minerals. These deficiencies include Riboflavin, magnesium, and fish oil. Excessive vitamin D intake may also lead to headaches. But before we look at these causes, it’s important to know why they happen.
Nutrients that can help
Riboflavin deficiency
Deficient levels of Vitamin B2 may be a cause of headaches. This nutrient is required to break down carbohydrates and fats into energy. The body can store small amounts of it, so people who do not get enough may suffer from migraine headaches. Fortunately, people who lack adequate amounts of this vitamin can take a supplement to counteract the effect of a deficiency. Foods high in vitamin B2 include broccoli, eggs, lean meat, and fortified grains. For a healthy diet, a daily allowance of 1.3 mg of vitamin B2 should be enough.
There is some preliminary evidence that riboflavin can help prevent migraine attacks. Supplemental doses of riboflavin (400 mg) can be effective as migraine prophylaxis. Various studies have shown that taking riboflavin can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of migraine attacks. However, more research is needed to determine if riboflavin is effective as a treatment for migraine.
Magnesium deficiency
One of the most important aspects of taking magnesium supplements is that it helps decrease the frequency of headaches. It may even help prevent migraines. People with low levels of magnesium are at greater risk for headaches. In addition to its role in reducing pain, magnesium has low side effects, which makes it a great option for treating a wide range of headaches. But how does magnesium work? Let’s explore this question further.
There are many reasons why we can develop a magnesium deficiency. The increased consumption of processed foods, which are naturally low in magnesium, makes the body more likely to have a deficiency. Other contributing factors include alcohol abuse, diabetes, and those taking diuretics for high blood pressure. Also, migraineurs may have lower levels of magnesium in their brains than non-migraineurs. Researchers have also found that low magnesium levels in the brain and spinal fluid of migraineurs may be a genetic factor.
Fish oil deficiency
A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and oily fish, can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. According to some research, a fish oil supplement may reduce persistent headaches by two to four per month. It is important to consume two portions of fish a week, including one portion of oily fish, such as salmon and sardines. These types of fish are particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have many benefits, including preventing the formation of blood clots and reducing pain and swelling.
In a recent study published in the British Medical Journal, a deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with a lower incidence of headache in those with a high intake of omega-3 fatty acids. The researchers evaluated the effects of omega-3 fatty acid intake on headache severity by using national representative data. The results were promising: people with higher omega-3 PUFA intakes had a lower risk of developing severe headaches.
Vitamin C deficiency
If you experience frequent headaches, a vitamin C deficiency may be the cause. While other factors may be involved, deficiency is a serious condition that can lead to nerve dysfunction and headaches. Your doctor will be able to help you find out if you’re deficient in vitamin C and determine if you need to take supplementation. A vitamin C supplementation program may help you get back on track and experience fewer headaches.
People with a deficiency of Vitamin C are more likely to suffer from migraine headaches. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies to prevent migraines, including vitamin supplements. Many of these remedies are natural and easy to get. Listed below are some of the best ways to find the best supplements for migraine prevention. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth. You can find vitamin D in fortified milk and cereals, as well as seafood and eggs.
Can Supplements Cause Headaches?
There’s a chance that taking too much of a good thing can turn sour.
Excessive vitamin D intake
Recent research has suggested that excessive vitamin D intake may increase the risk of chronic headaches. The study looked at the serum 25(OH)D concentration and the occurrence of headaches in men. It found that men who experienced more frequent cluster headaches had a lower serum 25(OH)D concentration than did men with no symptoms of cluster headache. Although it is unclear how much vitamin D affects the risk of chronic headache, this type of study is worthy of further investigation.
In a population-based study, patients with vitamin D deficiency experienced more frequent migraine attacks. Their rates of disability and total cost of hospitalization were higher. Serum 25(OH)D levels were also associated with higher rates of moderate disability in migraineurs. However, excessive vitamin D intake did not cause an increased frequency of headaches or SUNCT, or hypnic headaches. Although the relationship between the two conditions is still inconclusive, this research has provided an important starting point for headache prevention.
