MATTOLE SELF-SUFFICIENCY PROJECT

Treating Migraine Headaches

General

There are numerous causes for migraine headaches and so a single treatment or cure for all migraine headaches is unlikely. Migraine headaches are generally considered to result from changes in the blood flow to the brain. There are many possible "triggers" than can cause these changes in the blood flow. These include stress, skipping meals, lack of sleep, hormone imbalance, temperature or barometric pressure changes (changing elevation), bright lights, loud noise, strong odors (perfumes, shampoos, hair conditioners and sprays, deodorants, etc), exertion, mineral and/or vitamin deficiencies, among many others. Tracking down the cause of your particular migraine headaches can benefit from some detective work and an open-minded doctor.

---adapted from Alternatives, a publication by Dr David Williams

Migraine Headaches from a Magnesium Deficiency

One trigger for migraine headaches is a magnesium deficiency. Altho all of the details are not yet understood, what is known as that magnesium deficiencies allow serotonin levels to flow unchecked. A serotonin increase causes vascular spasms which then reduce the blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Numerous studies have show that up to 50% of migraine patients have lowered levels of magnesium during an attack and that an infusion of the mineral can provide rapid and sustained relief. Also, routine use of magnesium supplements can reduce both the frequency and severity of such attacks.

Foods that are high in magnesium include nuts, whole grains, unpolished rice, legumes, and chlorophyll-rich green vegetables such as spinach. One should also avoid those factors that tend to deplete your magnesium stores. Caffeine removes magnesium from your system (coffee, most soft drinks, asthma medication, etc). Diuretics also remove magnesium. The phosphates in soft drinks bind with magnesium and prevent its absorption. Alcohol and nicotine disrupt magnesium levels.

Taking magnesium supplements orally is safe as long as your kidneys function properly. If your kidneys do not function well, see your doctor before taking magnesium supplements. Magnesium is a natural laxative and if taking the magnesium causes diarrhea, you are taking too much magnesium.

---adapted from Alternatives, a publication by Dr David Williams

Migraine Headaches from Bright Lights

A recent study has shown that the use of tinted contact lenses to block certain wavelengths of light has provided relief after five minutes and in some cases, complete relief within ten seconds, for persons known to suffer from light-induced migraines headaches. The contact lenses were deep red, blocking 90% of the short wavelength light (blues and violets) while admitting 90% of the long wavelength light (reds and oranges). Tinted glasses were ineffective since they allow light to enter the eye from the sides.

You can make your own goggles from a pair of welder's goggles and replace the lenses with a filtering material known as Primary Red #106, made by a company called Lee (www.LeeFiltersUSA.com). You may be able to find this material at theatre supply stores and photography stores.

---adapted from Alternatives, a publication by Dr David Williams

Foods and Food Additives that May Cause Migraine Headaches

Food is a major trigger for migraine headaches. Watch for delayed reactions with food additives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG), nitrites in cured meats, caffeine, sweeteners such as aspartame, chocolate (contains phenylethylamine), and alcohol. The amino acid tyramine can also cause migraines (yeast breads, peanuts, beans, especially pinto beans, lme beans, and navy beans, aged cheeses, chicken livers, pickled herring, canned figs, and seeds such as pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower).

---adapted from Alternatives, a publication by Dr David Williams

Last Updated: 20 Jan 2006