Have you ever suffered from a bad headache? Most people have, however while many  headaches are easily managed by dreamstimefree 1365291 200x300 Natural Remedy For Migraines Stop And Prevent Killer Headachestaking an over the counter pain killer, some are difficult to control, incredibly painful and require serious medical attention.  If you are overwhelmed by this ailment and are looking for a natural remedy for migraines, please read on.

Researches conclude that millions of Americans suffer from severe headaches, but many of them are undiagnosed. Migraine symptoms vary widely and, in part, depend on the part of the brain they affect the most:

  • Some people see an aura (flashing lights) before the pain begins, some do not experience pain.
  • Temporary numbness or paralysis on one side of the face or limbs.
  • Most sufferers experience severe pain sensitivity on one side of their heads.
  • Temporary loss of vision in one eye.
  • speech and memory problems
  • Some migraines are severe, others are not.
  • In other patients, pain comes on with no warning symptoms at all.
  • Several symptoms can occur right before the intense pain, such as speech and memory problems, confusion, weakness in one side of the body.
  • Some migraine headaches are so severe, they cause vomiting and intense exhaustion, as well as vertigo and even coma.

Migraine Causes

While migraines are not triggered by one common cause, there are certain factors that people with migraines share. Before discussing natural remedies, it is important to know the causes of migraine headaches. Latest studies show that there are four main factors present in the brains of migraine sufferers:

  • Low Ionic Magnesium Levels: Ionic is the rich and concentrated form of magnesium most accepted by the body. It is fast absorbing and plays a vital role in the production of cellular energy, among many other benefits.
  • Low Brain Energy Production: Researches suggest that low ionic magnesium causes reduced production of energy in the brain.
  • High Glutamate Levels: Glutamate is a neurotransmitter that is important in learning and memory. Its purpose is also to excite the brain, thus too much glutamate means the brain becomes overexcited. Studies of migraine sufferers indicate their brain is in a permanent state of over excitement.
  • Inflammation: This condition triggers the severe pain experienced by people who suffer from migraine headaches. Inflammation is a response from the immune system to protect an area to prevent disease or infection by viruses, bacteria or other harmful foreign substance.

Natural Treatment For Migraines

Some expert health practitioners believe that most people with mild migraines are successfully treated with conventional drugs, but these drugs won’t help sufferers with chronic or severe headaches. This is because the intensity of the pain is directly related to the amount of glutamate in the brain, and conventional medicine do not address this issue. Furthermore, some of the newest anti-migraine drugs are very powerful and may help you block the pain, but they may also produce dangerous side effects.  It is important to note that you should first find out what triggers your headaches, in order to find the correct treatment for you. The following are natural ways to treat and prevent this debilitating ailment:

Monster Headache Prevention Diet

Studies have proved that eating foods that contain mono sodium glutamate (MSG), dramatically increases glutamate levels in the brain. However there are many sources of glutamate hidden in many food additives, such as isolated or concentrate soy protein, carrageenan, hydrolyzed protein, whey protein, sodium or calcium caseinate and even “natural flavoring”.  Not consuming processed foods is the best way to avoid these additives.  Some natural foods also contain high levels of glutamate, such as broth, meat gravies, stock, tomato sauce or paste, peanut butter, dried or condense cow’s milk, nuts, cheese, mushrooms and sugar.

Magnesium Citrate/Maleate To Stop And Prevent A Killer Headache

Most studies demonstrate that migraine sufferers have lower ionized-magnesium levels than people who don’t experience these headaches, in fact the studies show that 80% of the people tested with intravenous high doses of magnesium felt their acute pain stop, however oral magnesium will not be as effective since supplements are not 100% absorbable by the body. You would have to take very large amounts of oral magnesium to feel relief, luckily there are more absorbable forms of magnesium available, such as magnesium citrate or magnesium citrate/malate. This form of magnesium is very effective in increasing low magnesium levels, but it could take about six months to see long term results.

A well known neurosurgeon and nutritional researcher recommends to his patients a blend of 700 to 1,000 mg of magnesium citrate/malate and 4,000 mg of pyruvate in eight ounces of distilled water to end a migraine attack within a minute.

Other Supplements That Increase Brain Energy

 

Decreased cellular energy production is one of the great factors that trigger major headaches, but the good news is plenty of supplements that dramatically increase brain cellular production, including vitamin K, pyruvate, malate, riboflavin, vitamin B-1, pyridoxine, folic acid, L-carnitine, melatonin and coenzyme Q10.

Exercise: Regular exercise decreases glutamate levels and stress, which causes inflamation. Good supplements for relieving stress are St. John’s wort, green tea extract, L-tyrosine,L-theanine and taurine.

Anti-Inflammation Supplements

Since inflammation is one of the causes of intense pain, reducing it will decrease the pain.  The following supplements are known to effectively reduce brain inflammation:

  • DHA or omega 3 oils
  • Milk thistle extract
  • Curcumin
  • Natural vitamin E
  • Quercetin

Four Additional Natural Preventive Measures

  1. Vitamin B-2 Therapy:  Researchers conclude that B-2 (riboflavin) may help boost brain cell energy creation and their research indicates that taking 400 mg daily can dramatically decrease the duration and frequency of attacks. Although this dose seems safe, it is higher than what the  supplement directions indicate.  For this reason you should consult your doctor about prescribing a dose.
  2. Manage Stress:  In some individuals stress is the triggering factor, so if this is your case you can learn to relax by practicing daily meditation or yoga.  Even a 30 minute brisk walk will help you relax.
  3. Magnesium Supplements:  Select an absorbable form of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate/malate. Avoid magnesium oxide, which is the least digestible form.
  4. Keep a Diary:  Most migraine sufferers have their own personal triggers that set off or worsen their pain.  The problem is, what set off your pain may not trigger one for someone else.  So by documenting your daily experiences and when your migraine occurred, you will know your “triggers” and will be able to avoid them.