26 replies to this topic

[j03]

What are supplemental cures for headaches/migraines? I visited a specialist once and she told me that ginger was good, and i should stop taking Advils - which I am reliant on

I get migraines quite frequently. And they sometimes last up to a week! Usually a few days a week.

I think there's various root causes: I had a septoplasty surgery, and think a little scar tissue in my nasal cannal around the sinuses triggers it; I also grind my teeth, hold tension in my jaw, and have eye sensitivity to light/computer monitors. i don't know if bad posture figures in, but it's a possibility.

Anyways, I want to explore some other remedies instead of popping Advils all the time. Any recommendations? anyone have any experiences they want to share?

All comments appreciated

[4eva]

There are other nutrients but riboflavin is known to be one of them. One sign of a ribo deficiency is sensitivity to light.

A ribo deficiency isn't common unless you have other B vitamins deficiencies or are supplementing B vitamins which creates an imbalance.

Have you ever tried feverfew (herb). It can be used to both treat and prevent them.

[steelsky]

coQ10 is worth a try.
I used to have migraines. Now I get a headache barely one every couple of months.
First thing that helped was Prozac, but that's a personal issue I guess.
I believe that headaches dropped even more after starting on coQ10.

[sentrysnipe]

I reckon the Feverfew suggestion.
get the NOW foods brand on iHerb

[k10]

* Choline or anything that increases acetylcholine
* Magnesium taurate
* Butterbur

A more 'alternative' and unproven option: Parasite cleansing

[j03]

Thanks for the advice so far. I'm definitely going to try a few of those. I'll probably pick them up this weekend when i have time.

And I've been getting bad eye sensitivity since the summer. I was taking some GERD medication (Rabeprazole), and I believe that's what made my eyes really photosensitive, and I got tonnes of migraines then. Even after stopping taking it for a few months, I'm still really photosensitive. I suspect Omega 3 fish oil, or something in the Ortho-Core multi is causing this now. I'm going to try riboflavin and hopefully that works

[j03]

Also, I want to put out that empirically i think it's systemic, and probably a bunch of variables that come together to produce a migraine: Light sensitivity, stress, posture, etc.

If I'm stressed, I hold tension in my jaw. I have had really bad TMJ/bruxism problems in the past (It's latent now, but really only noticeable when I'm stressed). I'm sure posture is also involved, and like i sad, i have some scar tissue deep inside my nostrils near my sinuses putting pressure on a part of my face/sinuses. I think the photosensitivity added to that mix is the spark.

[Lufega]

I've read that butterbur is great for that. Also, magnesium and taurine.

edit: K10 already beat me to it lol

Edited by Lufega, 03 April 2009 - 05:05 AM.

[j03]

Is there anything else I should check out?

[dachshund]

I found that Acetyl-l-carnitine combined with lipoic acid greatly reduced the frequency of migraines (including visual auras). I almost never get migraines any more, prior to ALC/ALA supplementation the frequency was about once a month. Since then I have seen reports that antioxidants are useful in reducing the frequency of migraine headaches. Supplements that trigger migraines for me include N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) and drinking loose leaf green tea (more than one cup/day), interestingly I can take 40 - 50 % egcg powder (500 mg/day) with no headaches at all, so the chemical trigger must be removed in the extraction process. Also, I love coffee which gives me no problem at 4+ cups/day, sulfites are no problem for me either. Get a bite guard for your bruxism, as teeth grinding is known to trigger migraines. Good luck!

[j03]

I'm taking the Ortho-Core multi though, and it looks to have significant riboflavin in it.

I think it's something in the Ortho that is making me light sensitive though

Is there anything else for light sensitivity?

[4eva]

I'm taking the Ortho-Core multi though, and it looks to have significant riboflavin in it. I think it's something in the Ortho that is making me light sensitive though Is there anything else for light sensitivity?

A thiamine deficiency can also cause sensitivity to light.

I don't know what ortho core contains. I would look at the B vitamins first because they are important.

You could always stop taking, get another multi in the mean time.

I think vitamin A is supposed to be related to night blindness which might be a possibility. (Night blindness can also make you sensitive to light.) But I tend to think fat soluable vitamins deficiencies may not be as likely as water soluable, as a general rule.

I also read somewhere that the connection of vitamin A deficiency and night blindness is not accurate. The story goes that Americans made up some propaganda during WWII about fighter pilots eating lots of carrots and it had to do with their seeing and hitting targets at night or something. But that was an effort to throw off the enemy from realizing it was some new technology they were using instead.

So I'm not completely sure about the vitamin A deficiency and night blindness connection.

[j03]

I'm taking the Ortho-Core multi though, and it looks to have significant riboflavin in it. I think it's something in the Ortho that is making me light sensitive though Is there anything else for light sensitivity?

A thiamine deficiency can also cause sensitivity to light.

I don't know what ortho core contains. I would look at the B vitamins first because they are important.

You could always stop taking, get another multi in the mean time.

I think vitamin A is supposed to be related to night blindness which might be a possibility. (Night blindness can also make you sensitive to light.) But I tend to think fat soluable vitamins deficiencies may not be as likely as water soluable, as a general rule.

I also read somewhere that the connection of vitamin A deficiency and night blindness is not accurate. The story goes that Americans made up some propaganda during WWII about fighter pilots eating lots of carrots and it had to do with their seeing and hitting targets at night or something. But that was an effort to throw off the enemy from realizing it was some new technology they were using instead.

So I'm not completely sure about the vitamin A deficiency and night blindness connection.

http://relentlessimp.../ortho-core.htm
Here's a list of ingredients. If you can scan through that and see if the concentrations would set off and imbalance, or still leave me deficient, that would be appreciated. I take 4 a day.

I've been stressed, and eating on the go lately, so I've been using the multi as a crutch. But I'm going to stop for a couple weeks and see what I feel.

[4eva]

I think it was the webmd site that said Rabeprazole causes a B12 deficiency. I think it said this happens after using it for three years. But I think it interferes with absorption.

You should really take a sublingula B12. And they usually come in 1000 mcg or 5000 mcg. Your multi has 647 mcg.

A B12 deficiency could explain your migraines.

http://www.cobento.d..... Migraine.pdf

I'm not sure if the B12 issue explains your photophobia.

Are you still taking that GERD drug?

I don't think the thiamine and ribo amounts are impressive or even adequate. You are getting the highest dose of folic acid that is allowed by law in the US. Ribo supplements come in 100 mg. Regular thiamine 100 mg and benfotiamine 84 mg or 64 mg or higher.

Niacin and p-5-p are good or better than the other amounts (ex folate). Biotin I think is low. Biotin supplements come in 1000 mcg or 5000 mcg.

B5 is OK.

I'm not suggesting the dose each B vitamin comes in from a separate supplement is what you need its just a comparison to the levels in your multi.

A B-100 would be better in thiamine, ribo and biotin obviously. B5, B6, B3 and folate are comparable to a B-100.

But if you take a B-complex plus the multi then you will get more folic acid which I don't think you want or may need.

Benfotiamine is great. A ribo supplement would be good. You definitely should take a sublingual B12. And maybe a biotin supplement.

Or you could find a multi not so high in folic acid and not so low in thiamine and ribo.

High folic acid can be a problem for some but I'm not sure it would cause the photophobia.

[wickedgirl]

I have suffered with migraines for about 12 years. I have taken all of the above mentioned supplements and several drugs to try and control them. The only supplements that seemed useful in decreasing the migraines were CoQ10 and Spectrum liquid Flax/Borage Oil taken daily.

HOWEVER, I have apparently found the supplement that (for me) completely controls these migraines...FINALLY. When I feel a headache coming on, I take 3 to 6 capsules of a supplement called Beta Alanine, along with three Bayer Back & Body (works without Bayer as well, I just like to be darned sure that the migraine does not get a firm hold before the BA works). The Beta Alanine dose works out to 2000mg-4000mg. The Beta Alanine works just like my Relpax prescription used to for my pain, except that I do not get sleepy, it works faster, and it works every time. I have used this for about six months now, and I believe that I am now in control of this issue for the first time in 12 years. I buy IntraXcell for my Beta Alanine needs, but there are other forms and brands available which are cheaper.

Be aware...when you no longer have migraines running your life, you actually have to be responsible for your actions again. It can be a little interesting, not having migraines to blame for everything.

Good luck!

[GoodFellas]

How much Beta Alanin do you recommend?

[nushu]

I've had migraines for 10 years, true migraines that require Relpax or Maxalt. The Beta Alanine angle is something I'm going to try, it can't hurt anyway.

[tlm884]

If the migraines are this bad why haven't you discuessed drugs such as Topamax for migrained prevention with your doctor?

[Gradman]

Bumping this topic for more discussion - has anyone else tried the beta-alanine angle?

[pycnogenol]

For mild headaches, riboflavin (vitamin B2) has helped me.
For migraines, Stadol nasal spray (prescription only) is very
effective.

Edited by pycnogenol, 19 November 2011 - 11:26 PM.

[hippocampus]

try gluten-free diet.

[shp5]

bumping this topic since as usual in spring, I now get migraines every two weeks. Very severe lack of sleep is sometimes (but seldom) a trigger, but I just got a zolpidem prescription that usually takes care of that.

I'm going to try Beta Alanine, and I still got a L-Theanine sample somewhere, I will have it ready to try before the next bout.

Funny thing about my migraine is that most of the time there is no trigger I can discern. I just get an aura during the day, and an hour later the shit hits the fan. If anything, it hits when I slept well and feel rather relaxed. Yeah, thats sounds strange.

Will probably get some Triptans too, I am really sick of this whole affair.

p.s. ALCAR in elevated doses (1200mg) gives me the early stages of a migraine attack, and I saw other members here report this.

Edited by shp5, 05 April 2012 - 05:15 PM.

[hippocampus]

stress can trigger migraines although you may not notice this if you're constantly under stress. My father also have frequent migraines but during holidays he doesn't have any . So anything that's good against stress is good against migraines and general health, of course. also, I'm interested if anybody has tried gluten-free diet to get rid of migraines?
what about zinc? it's also NMDA antagonist as magnesium is. albeit, if I take too much zinc (over 30 mg) I get a headache, so you should supplement about 15-30 mg, if you're deficient, rarely more is needed IMO.

[shp5]

Hi,

a little update. I had two attacks the last three weeks, which is extraordinary, since until now I only got them in Spring. Fuck.
(one was after a weather change, one after driving up 500m/1000feet to see my gf. sweets were involved in both.)


Beta Alanine seems to help a bit. I'm still experimenting, probably need to take higher doses, sooner (5-6 g). Ibuprofen 600mg + 1000mg Aminofen/Paracetamol takes the edge off, but I still vomit and have pain. At least it's shorter and more bearable.

I'm now sure that air pressure drops are the main trigger for me. The prodrome is stiffness and pain in the neck at C1 (when its a morning migraine) or a visual aura (during the day).

Maybe I'm more susceptible if paired with bad sleep (which is a big problem for me) and probably diet.
@hippocampus: stress doesn't seem to be so much of a problem, maybe only when it affects my sleep. Thank you, though.


Has someone any leads on how to lower cerebrospinal pressure meds through sups, meds or exercises?

A nice thread I found on migraines:
http://ask.metafilte...-bah-da-bum-bum

Edited by shp5, 26 August 2012 - 11:13 AM.

[hippocampus]

try ginger tea.

[Science+Nature]

Here is my thread to a migraine supplement with some useful information and numerous studies:

 

 http://www.longecity.org/forum/topic/85569-elixir-naturals/

 

Hope it helps.

 

[Ames]

Low dose B2. One of the few supplements that can work as an abortive. Take 10 mg or less at a time. 

 

B1 (HCL) and Biotin in a high dose as preventatives.

 

B1 requires a little bit of magnesium for optimal effectiveness. Take up to 2 grams of B1 (I like 1500 mg) and 5 mg of Biotin at a time.

 

You can probably go much higher on Biotin if you can get undiluted powder. There really isn't a toxicity limit. I've read studies of people taking up to 300 mg at a time.

 

You can take B1 and Biotin multiple times per day, if you want to, or just once.

 

I don't yet have experience with B5.

 

Niacin at an average dose as a preventative.

 

B12 and folate tend to make me worse when I have a migraine in progress. I'd assume that they aren't doing much as preventatives and possibly making me slightly more vulnerable.

 

The recommended essential B vitamin preventatives won't be perfect, but they will help and will have the mildest side effect profile of almost anything else you can supplement with. When you have a migraine issue, and thus need to rely on supplements or medications over a long term, the side effect profile and their continued effectiveness is important. The recommended B-vitamins most directly support cellular energy production; which is what is malfunctioning during a migraine.

 

Mitochondrial support: CQ10 and PQQ.

 

Last, a recent effective abortive I have found is the use of an acupressure mat in bed. It's painful, but it is one of the few things that works. Use it from anywhere from 10 minutes to one hour. The longer you use it, seemingly, the larger the body's response. In response, your body will essentially release the equivalent of a medium to strong injected painkiller. It's probably either dynorphin or upregulated Mu opioid reception. You will likely fall asleep after you use it, especially if you had a migraine. It's also great for fevers.

 

Natural abortives, like the above acupressure mat recommendation and the recommended B2, are precious unless you are into prescription abortives. The only OTC abortive that is effective for me is Excedrin, which is terrible for your liver/kidney health long term if you are taking it regularly. 

 

I dislike ginger and curcumin as supplements for migraneurs because they make the immune system more active. That's generally a bad thing for us because the immune system is already overly active when a migraine hits, in our most valuable organ, putting neurons and other anatomy at risk. Memory and other processes are at stake and are vulnerable. Taking supplements that can further stimulate the immune system during an attack is not a good idea in my opinion. Besides that, I have only found these supplements to be mildly effective in prevention and non-effective to aggravating in aborting a migraine.

 

 

 

Edited by golgi1, 16 March 2016 - 05:02 AM.