Researchers have found that magnesium might help some people prevent and treat migraines. It makes sense, seeing as some studies have found that during a migraine, people tend to have low magnesium levels.
Treating migraines with dietary magnesium
According to the American Migraine Foundation, taking 400 to 500 mg of magnesium oxide daily may help migraines. Other research points to the benefits of taking a higher dose—over 600 mg—for three to four months. There’s evidence that this magnesium is more effective for people who get migraines accompanies by aura or visual disturbances.
To start, try boosting your magnesium intake through dietary nutrition by eating foods high in magnesium, including:
- nuts and grains
- cereals
- black beans and lentils
- avocados
- bananas
- figs
- dark chocolate
- mackerel, tuna and Pollock
- low-fat kefir or yogurt
- leafy green vegetables
- pumpkin seeds
Warnings about magnesium supplements
Although it’s difficult to get too much magnesium through dietary consumption, it’s easier to ingest too much magnesium through supplements. You may get cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.
If you take antibiotics called aminoglycosides, you shouldn’t take magnesium supplements as the combination can cause muscle weakness and other issues.
Combined with high blood pressure medication, magnesium supplements can increase your risk of hypotension, a condition that occurs when your blood pressure dips dangerous low.
People with certain health conditions, such as bleeding disorder, kidney problems, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease should also avoid magnesium supplements.
If you accidentally take too much magnesium, it can build up in your body and cause slowed breathing, an irregular heartbeat or even a coma, so always talk to a doctor before adding a supplement to your diet.
Magnesium sulfate via IV
People who have trouble absorbing magnesium may choose to get to get it administered by their doctor intravenously. But women who are pregnant need to consult their medical provider before taking magnesium as a supplement or intravenously, as it can cause bone thinning in the fetus while it’s developing in utero.
