Surprising Insights on Migraine Pain + Nutrients That Can Help

Migraines More About Extra-Sensitive Nerve Fibers Than Vascular Constriction
According to a study by the American Migraine Foundation: vascular constriction of blood vessels in the brain, long believed to be the cause of migraine pain, has been disproved.

Danish research, involving participants with all types of migraines, found that a migraine’s monsterous pain is caused by extra-sensitive nerve fibers around blood vessels in the brain. When these nerve fibers become extra sensitive, the blood’s normal pulsation in an artery can feel like arteries are going to explode during an attack. Fortunately, this is not the case.

Occasional Intake of Caffeine Can Help – Beware of Daily Use Though
This may seem counter-intuitive, because caffeine can be dehydrating, but caffeine really does help with migraines. How does this work? Mysteriously and in moderation. Migraine sufferers often find that medicines and beverages with caffeine helps reduce their migraine pain. Unfortunately more than 100mg of caffeine each day (1-2 cups of coffee) leads to more headaches.

Fast Facts: Java lovers beware. A Starbucks basic “Venti” with 20 ounces of regular coffee can yield as much as 445mg of caffeine. Brewed decaf coffee at Starbucks, while not caffeine free, has a much more modest amount at 30mg for a similar “Venti” size.

Naturopathic Remedies: 5-HTP, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Feverfew & Ginger
Naturopathic doctors, Michael Murray & Joseph Pizzorno, recommend in theirEncyclopedia of Natural Medicine the following nutrients and amounts as supporting health for migraine sufferers:

• 5-HTP – increases production of serotonin: 100-200mg, 3x daily
• Magnesium – for cellular health, with lower amount if loose bowels
  form: 250-400mg, 3x daily
• Vitamin B6 – for energy production & migraine prevention:
  25mg, 3x daily
• Feverfew – for inhibiting inflammatory substances & improving blood
  vessel tone: 0.25-0.5mg of parthenium
• Ginger – for anti-inflammatory benefits: 250mg, 4x daily

Some practitioners also regularly add coenzyme Q-10, which is essential to creating cellular energy and resilience, and omega 3 fatty acids (fish and flaxseed oil) to address inflammation issues.

Managing Dietary & Stress Triggers Lead to Vast ImprovementsPart of every good protocol for preventing and managing the frequency of migraines is to eliminate dietary triggers, ranging from red wine and cheese to nitrates, tyrosine, and MSG found in processed foods, as well as to manage stress through mindfulness or other stress relief practices.

We wish all in your world who suffer from migraines greater ease and hope to hear from you about your personal journey in healing from these tsunamis of the headache world.