Treating A Simple Headache…Part Two

This is a tricky remedy to cover but provides solid headache relief. Up until yesterday, I was going to avoid this topic. But, the results are just too good to not share. You need to know how to use it correctly, so read this blog carefully. We are talking about magnesium.

Magnesium is an essential mineral that our bodies need to function properly. It can improve bone health, stabilize blood pressure, and help maintain healthy heart rhythm and nerve function. Low magnesium is linked to numerous conditions, including headaches and migraines. One study found that about 75% of Americans aren’t getting enough magnesium. Magnesium, in particular, magnesium oxide, is sometimes used to treat and prevent migraines. There are several types of magnesium salts. Each one has a unique benefit for a wide variety of conditions, so it is crucial that you select the correct magnesium supplement for headaches, magnesium oxide.

Research studies show that people with migraines often have lower levels of magnesium than those without them. One study concluded with results that prove regular intake of magnesium reduced the frequency of migraine attacks by 41.6 percent. Other research proved that taking daily magnesium supplements can be effective at preventing menstrual-related migraines.

Magnesium oxide can be taken in pill form, with a general recommended dosage of about 400 to 500 milligrams a day. Because magnesium is a natural element and is necessary for our health, it is considered a safe and effective headache treatment. This is especially true when compared to migraine medications, which can come with more severe side effects.

However, magnesium does have some significant side effects if you are not vigilant with regard to the dose and type of magnesium. The most common side effects are: abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience these, you can try lowering your dosage for relief. Another common side effect of magnesium is lowered blood pressure. If you already have low blood pressure, talk to your doctor before taking magnesium regularly.

Taking too much magnesium can lead to a dangerous buildup, and can result in serious side effects, such as:

• irregular heartbeat
• unsafe low blood pressure
• slowed breathing
• coma

For those who don’t want to take supplements, some foods naturally contain magnesium. Dark leafy greens like spinach and chard are some of the best foods you can eat. One cup of either contains about 40% of the recommended daily value of magnesium. Other foods that contain magnesium include:

• seeds, like pumpkin or squash seeds
• almonds
• mackerel, tuna, and Pollock fish
• low-fat yogurt or kefir
• black beans and lentils
• avocado
• figs
• bananas
• dark chocolate

For this reason, consult your doctor before you start taking magnesium to ask about the best dosage for you. Remember, based on success rates, magnesium oxide is an extremely effective alternative for headache treatment and can be purchased cheaply over the counter. Be sure to purchase a high quality supplement with known formulations that actually contain the labeled mineral in the proper dose. As always, please leave any comments, questions, concerns or other topics of interest.