While there is no known cure for migraines, a healthy lifestyle, and certain nutrients can help you experience fewer of them. For example, many people are turning to magnesium. But can something so simple really help? Has magnesium been shown effective in a clinical study? And if so, how should you go about magnesium supplementation in your life? 

This article explores all aspects of magnesium for migraine prevention.

Can Magnesium Help with Migraines?

The short answer is yes, magnesium may help you with migraines. Some research has suggested that, particularly in people with low magnesium levels, magnesium supplements may help to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, making them useful for migraine prophylaxis. 

While not considered a medical treatment, magnesium plays a role in regulating nerve function, dilating blood vessels, and controlling how headache-related neurotransmitters are released.

Magnesium for Migraine: Scientific Support

A number of clinical studies have shown that magnesium supplementation can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines in some people. Here’s a quick summary of several of them.

• Taking oral magnesium supplements for a period of twelve weeks reduced the number of migraines experienced by participants by 41.6%.
  
• 81 migraine patients were divided into two groups. The magnesium group saw at least a 50% decrease in the frequency and intensity of their migraine attacks. 

• 40 patients were divided into two groups. The group receiving the magnesium found that the frequency and intensity of their migraine attacks were significantly reduced compared to the placebo group.

• An evidence-based review of oral magnesium supplementation noted that migraine and low magnesium levels are generally linked. Researchers advocated for increased dietary magnesium.

What Type of Magnesium is Best for Migraines?

First, please note that magnesium supplements are not a substitute for medical migraine treatments, medications, and lifestyle changes. If you get frequent migraines, you should work with your healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Not everyone will get the same results when taking magnesium for migraines. 

There are several different types of magnesium supplements available, including: 

• Magnesium citrate – easily absorbed to actually increase magnesium levels in the body
• Magnesium oxide – not as well absorbed as magnesium citrate, but still sometimes used for migraines
• Magnesium glycinate – is well absorbed by the body and easy on the stomach
• Magnesium sulfate – also known as Epsom salt, usually used topically and sometimes as a laxative; can also treat magnesium deficiency, but may be toxic in large amounts

IV Magnesium

In some cases, intravenous magnesium may be used to rapidly increase magnesium levels and fight a migraine headache. It’s usually given in a hospital or clinic, by either a single large dose or infusion. 

Unlike daily magnesium supplements, IV magnesium is designed for acute migraine attacks in the short term. It won’t prevent them in the future.

Ionized Magnesium

Ionized magnesium is charged and able to play a role in chemical reactions. It can be diffused across cell membranes and take part in metabolic processes. 

Ionized magnesium has been studied for migraine, but more research is required to further substantiate the findings and determine the optimal levels for migraine prevention.

Topical Magnesium

Topical magnesium is applied to the skin. The theory is that applying magnesium directly to the skin helps it absorb quickly into the bloodstream. While some people report some migraine relief from topical magnesium, there isn’t a lot of evidence to substantiate that it works.

For people looking to use natural supplements like magnesium to reduce the impact of migraine on their lives, Thuswell carries a selection of supplements that are easy to take and contain magnesium paired with other natural ingredients that have shown promise for migraine prevention. Those other ingredients include CoQ10 and riboflavin, and options with or without CBD. Pure CBD oil is also available.

How Much Magnesium Should You Take for Migraine?

How much magnesium you take for migraines will depend on your age, weight, and overall health. For most people, a daily dose of between 400 and 600 milligrams is recommended for migraine prevention. If your migraines are severe, your recommended dose may be a bit higher, up to 1,000 mg.

Taking magnesium supplements is an accessible, affordable, and easy daily habit that could make a big impact on your life with migraine. When deciding how much to take, remember that taking too much magnesium can increase your chances of side effects.

Risks and Side Effects of Magnesium

Magnesium is generally considered safe to take, but there are some potential risks and side effects, especially in larger doses. If you overdo it, you may experience diarrhea, nausea, and other digestive issues. Additionally, taking too much magnesium can lead to an imbalance of other important minerals in the body, a condition called magnesium toxicity.

Magnesium toxicity can lead to symptoms such as: 

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Low blood pressure
• Flushing
• Drowsiness
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Slow heartbeat
• Respiratory depression

In conclusion, while more research is needed to fully understand the role of magnesium in migraine prevention, there is evidence to suggest that magnesium supplementation may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines in some people. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, as they can interact with certain medications and cause side effects.

While taking magnesium supplements can benefit individuals with a deficiency, dietary magnesium is important for everyone. Food sources include leafy green vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Other Benefits of Magnesium

In addition to its potential role in migraine prevention, magnesium has a number of other benefits as well. For example, magnesium is involved in a wide range of bodily processes, including muscle function, energy production, and bone health. Additionally, magnesium has been shown to help improve sleep, reduce anxiety and depression, and more.

As an essential mineral, magnesium plays a critical role in many physiological processes. Some of the key benefits of magnesium include:

• Bone health: Magnesium helps the body form and maintain strong bones and teeth.
• Heart function: Magnesium helps regulate heart rhythm, blood pressure, and blood flow.
• Muscle and nerve function: Magnesium is involved in muscle contraction and relaxation, as well as nerve impulse transmission.
• Energy production: Magnesium aids energy production and supports the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
• Blood sugar levels: Magnesium helps regulate insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which may help manage Type 2 Diabetes.
• Mental health: Magnesium has a calming effect and may help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Better sleep: Magnesium helps to relax the body and may improve sleep quality.
• Digestion: Magnesium plays a role in balancing fluid in the gut and can relieve constipation.
• Healthy pregnancy: Adequate magnesium intake is important for a healthy pregnancy, as it helps regulate fetal growth and development.

Conclusion

Magnesium could be a simple and powerful way to deal with fewer migraines, especially when combined with other ingredients that support daily prevention. If it’s time to try it for yourself, shop Thuswell for natural supplements that contain these promising ingredients.