Magnesium for Migraines - an alternative treatment

You will be amazed at how many people suffering from migraines have been found to be magnesium deficient. These people not only suffer from migraines, they also have tension type headaches as well. It has been noted by researchers that the magnesium levels in patients with acute migraines drop and will be low after the attack as well.

Migraines in these patients is attributed to the fact that the low levels of magnesium cause the brain to misfire. It is believed that this process is the reason for the auras that migraine sufferers experience just prior to the onset of the migraine.

Further research has revealed that when neurons become over excited, the body releases nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is believed to be responsible for triggering many primary headaches including migraine. Patients who have migraines and other primary headaches have been found to have high levels of nitric oxide in their blood stream. Researchers are of the belief that when this is released into the body, nerve pathways are activated in the muscles and brain and this causes heightened pain.

Women are more likely to experience tension headaches and migraines during adolescence and adulthood. It is believed that this is largely due to hormone fluctuation. This is irrelevant of whether the levels are high or low. Research reveals that fluctuating estrogen levels can have an effect on pain regulating substances in the body such as serotonin.

Studies that were done a while back indicated that migraine and tension could be as a result of inflammation of the maxillary nerve. This nerve runs behind the cheek bone. Some people apply ice to this area and have found that it does help to soothe the symptoms of migraine and headaches.

Magnesium is very good in reducing stress and many people refer to it as the anti-stress mineral. It is a natural tranquilizer. Magnesium relaxes muscles and calcium contracts muscles. It is believed that magnesium helps blood vessels to dilate.

Stress is believed to be the main trigger of migraines. For this reason it is important to manage stress effectively. Magnesium is effect in the prevention of migraines indirectly and directly.

Biochemical processes in the body happen as a result of magnesium. Magnesium helps to produce and transfer energy throughout the body. Carbohydrates, fats and proteins are metabolized thanks to magnesium. These processes are very important for the brain to be able to function satisfactorily. Magnesium is necessary for the nervous system to function properly. When the nervous system functions properly then there is a better possibility of avoiding the onset of migraine. apart from preventing migraine, magnesium is is essential for good bone,muscle and heart strength.

About 2/3 of the magnesium is contained in the bones and teeth. Of the remaining one third, the bulk of this is stored in the blood and the rest in tissue which includes the brain. The body is smart enough to draw on magnesium reserves in the body when there is insufficient amounts of magnesium supplied in the diet. It is at this point the migraine and other problems occur. Therefore it is essential to keep magnesium levels replenished on a daily basis.

Chlorophyll contains much magnesium and this means that dark leafy vegetables are the source of the miracle mineral, magnesium. Broccoli and spinach are two such vegetables that contain magnesium. Raisins, avocados, pumpkin seeds, whole grains and nuts such as cashews, almonds and peanuts also contain magnesium.

It should be noted that most people do not eat enough of these foods to obtain a sufficient supply of the mineral. Those who do eat these foods in abundance receive a watered down version of magnesium as farmers do not treat their soil properly. The answer to this problem is to take an ionic magnesium supplement. It is easier to absorb ionic magnesium than the tablet kind.