Magnesium for Headaches

Headaches account for 80 million doctor visits each year, according to USA Today. More than passing annoyances, chronic headaches threaten to seriously disrupt the lives of sufferers. In recent years, magnesium has risen in popularity as a cheap, safe and effective alternative headache treatment.

Function

• The fourth most abundant mineral in the body, magnesium normalizes the functioning of the nervous, muscular and cardiovascular systems of the body.

Migraines

• Among other reasons, migraines can occur due to a magnesium deficiency. Individuals deficient in the mineral benefit from oral supplementation as a preventive strategy. Intravenous infusion of magnesium, recommended as emergency therapy, provides rapid relief during acute attacks.

Significance

• Prescribed as a preventive in doses of 400 to 600 milligrams per day, all types of recurring headache sufferers--tension, cluster and migraines--benefit from a daily dose of magnesium. The mineral works by relaxing arterial walls and allowing blood and oxygen to flow more freely.

Sources

• For individuals who prefer to stay away from supplements, adding magnesium-rich foods to their diet can offer substantial benefits. Food sources rich in the mineral include spinach, bananas, beans and whole grains. While chocolate provides ample amounts of magnesium, it may trigger migraine attacks in susceptible individuals.

Considerations

• People with heart and kidney disease should take magnesium supplements only under a physician's guidance, as they may complicate these conditions.