If you are one of the many people in this world that suffer from migraines, you may be looking for migraine prevention tips. If you have ever had a migraine that made it impossible for you to function to the point where your only option was to lock yourself in a dark room, free of sound, and wait for the pain to pass, then you truly understand why migraine prevention tips are so important. I am a migraine sufferer, so these tips sit mean a lot to me.
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1. Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 is a common vitamin and has been shown very effective at preventing migraines. While it may help prevent migraines, it does nothing at all once a migraine starts. Don’t think loading up on B2 during a migraine will offer any relief. Experts suggest taking at least 400mg of vitamin B2 everyday as part of a B-complex supplement. Keep reading for more migraine prevention tips.
2. Magnesium
It’s no surprise that lack of magnesium may be the cause of frequent migraines. Experts agree that 75 percent of adults in the U.S. lack magnesium. Magnesium works by relaxing the nerves and muscles throughout the brain and body. For best results, take a daily supplement of magnesium citrate or magnesium oxide. You can also add magnesium rich foods to your diet by eating more spinach, Swiss chard, black beans and Alaskan salmon. These are only a few of many magnesium rich foods.
3. Avoid Food Allergies
Of course some migraines are easily led on by a food allergy. If you know certain foods set off your migraines then common sense should tell you to avoid those foods at all cost. Not sure if you have food allergies? You can keep a food journal and record everything you eat. Take note of when you have a migraine and look for a pattern. You can also see your doctor for food allergy testing.
4. Exercise
The University of Gothenburg in Sweden recently conducted a survey comparing the effectiveness of regular exercise to one of the leading migraine prevention medications. Over a period of 3 months, one group of participants exercised on a stationary bike for 40 minutes three times a week. The second group took the medication at a gradual increase until maximum dose was reached. The third group was the control. The study showed that the two test groups experienced a similar reduction in migraines, however the drug group had several complaints of side effects.
5. 5-HTP
Harvard Medical School researched 5-HTP. Their studies showed that the substance was fairly effective at lowering the frequency and strength of migraines. I am all for weaker and less frequent migraines. What about you? For best results talk to your doctor about adding in up to 600mg of 5-HTP a day in your vitamins and supplements.
6. Omega-3
We already know how fantabulous Omega-3 is for our bodies, but it’s also great for our brains. It works by protecting the brain cells and reducing inflammation, which in turn help reduce the pain that comes with migraines.
7. Keep a Migraine Journal
I’ve already mentioned keeping a food journal, but you can add to that by keeping a migraine journal. Start by recording everything you eat and drink. If your migraines are frequent and severe I would do this for 3 months. In the journal also keep up with exercise, stress, and other daily activities. Keep a record of your migraines and their severity. After the 3 months, go back through your journal and look for any patterns. See if you notice any foods or activities affecting your migraines.
Suffering from migraines is not too much fun. I feel sorry for those of you that have frequent and severe migraines. I hope these migraine prevention tips will offer you some relief. I also encourage to seek help from your doctor even while trying natural remedies. Have you found a natural migraine treatment that works for you? Please share.
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