Four Ways to Prevent Migraines

Do you suffer with migraines? If so, you’re not alone. There are millions of people who regularly experience these debilitating headaches in this country alone. This has created a multi-billion dollar industry, filled with remedies. Yet, these so-called solutions are nothing more than bandages for the symptoms, and do nothing to get to the bottom of why migraines occur in the first place.

Since this is National Headache Awareness Week, I thought it was a good time to get to the heart of the issue—giving you real solutions that help to keep migraines at bay.

1. Make sure you're getting at least 500-1,000 mg of magnesium daily. Research has shown that individuals who experience frequent migraine attacks are likely to have low levels of magnesium in the brain. Ensure adequate levels by supplementing your diet with 500 mg of magnesium daily. I had one subscriber who read this recommendation in my newsletter and told me that once he started taking daily doses of magnesium, his migraines essentially stopped.
2. Check for food allergies. Several food sensitivities can cause migraines. Common culprits include milk, wheat, food additives, aspartame (Nutrasweet, Equal), tomatoes, and fish. Chocolate, cheese, beer, and wine may also bring on migraines because of compounds called vasoactive amines, which causes the blood vessels to expand. Eliminating trigger foods may eliminate migraines.
3. Give feverfew a shot. Feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) has been used for hundreds of years as a remedy for headaches, pain relief, fever, and arthritis. This herb lowers the production of prostaglandins, inflammatory agents that contribute to the onset of migraine headaches. It also appears to improve the tone of the blood vessels and slow their dilation. For migraine prevention, take 150 mg of feverfew daily for four to six months. If your symptoms have not gone away after completing a course of feverfew, it’s probably not going to work for you. (Feverfew can be purchased in health food stores.)
4. Drink plenty of water. Water can flush out toxins in your body that contribute to headaches. In addition, dehydration may be linked to chronic headaches. Make sure you’re drinking at least eight glasses of water a day.

Now it’s your turn: Have you found a solution that helps with headache or migraine pain?

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