Should you endure from migraines, you know the way debilitating they’re. Because of throbbing ache, nausea, and sensitivity to mild, the best duties turn into steep mountainsides. If you realize you realize. Though sure medicines can present reduction, what if there was a extra holistic solution to heal migraines? Enter: magnesium. This highly effective mineral has been proven to successfully cut back the frequency (and severity!) of migraines. *Bless.* In right this moment’s article, we’re exploring the significance of magnesium and the way you should utilize magnesium for migraines. Complications, be gone.
Featured picture by Riley Blanks Reed.
What’s magnesium?
You’ve heard of it, however let’s get the info straight. Magnesium is a mineral. And it’s important to your physique to perform. It’s one of the considerable minerals within the physique, concerned in a wide range of biochemical reactions. One among its predominant roles is to behave as a cofactor—a helper molecule—in bodily reactions. A staggering statistic, magnesium is concerned in additional than 600 reactions in your physique, together with:
Why is magnesium important?
Because it’s involved in hundreds of chemical reactions, magnesium’s importance can’t be understated. Without it, the body can’t carry out various functions. Of its many superpowers, magnesium supports muscle and nerve function, energy production, and digestion. It keeps our heart rhythms steady, blood sugar levels balanced, and our joint cartilage healthy. Without it, our muscles can’t move the way they’re supposed to. Our nerves can’t send and receive messages. Our bodies can’t make protein, bones, and DNA. It also assists in maintaining electrolyte balance and calcium, sodium, and potassium homeostasis.
Does the body make magnesium on its own?
Nope! Our bodies don’t make magnesium on their own, which is why foods that are high in magnesium are so important. Magnesium is found in leafy green vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. It is also available as a dietary supplement in various forms, including magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium glycinate. More on this, below. A little-known fact: we store more than half of our magnesium in our bones (50-60%)! The remaining quantity is saved in numerous tissues all through the physique.
Magnesium Dosage—Advisable Each day Allowance
Regardless of its significance, many individuals don’t get sufficient magnesium—which might result in a variety of well being issues. Hey, migraines. That stated, it’s not tough to satisfy the advisable day by day allowance (RDA) of magnesium—due to nourishing substances and supportive supplements. By way of RDA of magnesium, females (older than 31) want 320 mg/day, and males over 31 want 420 mg/day. Pregnant and breastfeeding ladies require extra magnesium, as with many widespread vitamins. Don’t let this “invisible deficiency” and “shortfall nutrient” impair your well being!
Are you poor in magnesium?
Should you endure from the next circumstances, chat along with your healthcare supplier about magnesium. It’s value ensuring your ranges are as much as par. A number of of the well being issues related to low ranges of magnesium embody: diabetes, persistent diarrhea, celiac illness, and migraines. These symptoms manifest as muscle twitches, cramps, and weak point, psychological well being circumstances, osteoporosis, hypertension, bronchial asthma, and an irregular heartbeat. Fortunately, there are many magnesium-rich meals to select from, in addition to potent dietary supplements.
How is magnesium deficiency linked to headaches?
Research exhibits that magnesium deficiency is linked to complications—together with migraines. Partly, this can be because of the mineral’s function in regulating the dilation and constriction of blood vessels within the mind. When magnesium ranges are low, blood vessels might constrict an excessive amount of, decreasing blood circulation and inflicting complications. Moreover, magnesium deficiency may result in elevated levels of inflammation within the physique, which has been linked to migraine growth. However excellent news! Supplementing with magnesium can considerably assist.
Whereas extra analysis is required to completely perceive the connection between magnesium and complications, it’s clear that enough magnesium consumption is a crucial side of stopping and treating migraines.
What type of magnesium is greatest for migraines?
Magnesium oxide. It’s regularly present in tablet kind, often at a dose of 400-600 mg per day. Should you endure from complications (notably, migraines), it’s value talking to your physician a few potential magnesium deficiency. They may order a magnesium blood take a look at to verify your ranges. Ranges which might be too low are referred to as hypomagnesemia—aka, magnesium deficiency.
10 Meals Wealthy In Magnesium
Final however not least, consuming a magnesium-rich weight-reduction plan can assist stop migraines. Typically, you’ll discover magnesium in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, darkish chocolate, beans, and entire grains.
- Spinach
- Bananas
- Pumpkin seeds
- Black beans
- Edamame
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Avocado
- Brown rice
- Darkish chocolate
Magnesium Supplements to Look For
While we will always recommend a whole foods diet first before looking to supplementation, there are several solid options that can help you fill in the gaps.
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