Migraine is the most tormenting type of headache attributed to disorders of the nervous and vascular system. Conventional approach chooses various medications to reduce these annoying seizures, however long-lasting or excessive abuse of medications cause digestive disorders and, besides other ailments, may lead to a vicious circle and cause... headache and migraine.

The scientific literature presents sufficiently strong evidence about different vitamins, minerals and phytopreparations efficient in migraine prevention since the chemicals they contain work against migraine-inducing mechanisms.

One of the ‘most magic’ combinations pushing the cells to quickly generate energy, is that of magnesium, vitamin B2 and coenzyme Q10. Observations show that migraine patients present low cellular levels of magnesium. Therefore, arteries ascending to brain contract and chemicals are released in blood causing elevated sensitivity to pain. Magnesium  doses and period of use differs from person to person. It takes approximately 2-3 months on average to feel permanent improvement. Important strategy involves corrections in meal plan, excluding products not desirable for migraine patients and including products rich in magnesium, coenzyme Q10 and vitamin B2.

Magnesium-rich foods or supplementing this mineral impacts the body favourably by improving cardio status and muscles, since magnesium and calcium collaborate in muscle contraction and relaxation. Magnesium also activates calcium and vitamin D which are involved in bone regeneration and growth. Magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium are important electrolytes which take care of water balance in our bodies.

It is hard to detect magnesium levels by running a simple blood test because magnesium is abundantly stored in muscles, cells and bones. However, there are several signs pointing at deficiency – camps in limbs, often during the night, eyelid twitch, restless leg syndrome, in more severe cases also disturbed cardiac rhythm, fatigue, difficulty falling asleep, cravings for sweets or chocolate, depression, often headaches and migraine, PMS and painful spasms during menstruations.

Magnesium absorption is impeded by coffee, smoking, unhealthy snacks and fast food, low vitamin D status. Please note that persons with low blood pressure should always consult their physician before taking magnesium supplements because it tends to lower the blood pressure.

Vitamin B2 is water-soluble, that is to say, it does not accumulate in body and must be taken anew each day – either from the food or as a supplement. B-group vitamins favourably affect nervous system and their lack leads to many undesirable consequences. Pulses, fish, wholegrain products and organ meats (for example, animal liver) make a rich source of B-group vitamins.

Coenzyme Q10 also comes from food – mainly from organ meats (liver, kidney, hearts), muscle meat, different vegetables and fruits. In today’s hasty world people increasingly often prefer nutrient-poor fast food and small amount of vegetables in their daily menu therefore CoQ10 reserves run out quickly and it affects energy levels, metabolism, heart health. Coenzyme Q10 also acts as an antioxidant – it protects cells from the devastating impact of free radicals.

If we are to remember that food is our medicine, then it takes some changes in our menu and in some cases adding supplementation to reduce frequency, duration and intensity of migraines and headaches. Sometimes this strategy works so well in reducing the frequency of migraines that former patients tend to forget about this unpleasant fact in their lives.