Magnesium Reduces the Severity of Migraines

Magnesium Reduces Migraine Severity Migraine affects 1 in every 5 women and 1 in every 10 men, negatively impacting the quality of life for many people. When discussing a condition that covers approximately two-thirds of a person's lifetime, awareness becomes even more critical. From 1-30 June, during Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, Dr. Elif Pahsa, highlighting that migraine is a condition that seriously reduces quality of life and emphasizing the importance of magnesium intake especially during migraine attacks, provided information on points that migraine sufferers should pay attention to, migraine triggers, and recommendations to alleviate migraine pain.

Not all headaches are migraines

Dr. Elif Pahsa, noting that headaches must be properly treated by first determining what type they are and what triggers them, stated: "Not all headaches are migraines. Actually, headaches vary depending on the location of the pain and whether they are one-sided or two-sided. It could be a reflection of a toothache or sinusitis pain. However, 90% of headaches are caused by tension-type headaches and migraines. Tension-type headache is the most common type of headache. Generally, it causes a tightening sensation around the head. It is closely related to stress, tension and fatigue, insomnia and work environment. It usually resolves with simple pain relievers and muscle relaxants. Migraine-type headache, on the other hand, typically involves severe, one-sided, and recurring pain at the same point in the head. It may be accompanied by vision and hearing disturbances, nausea and vomiting. Discomfort such as sensitivity to odor, sound and light can be accompanied by very severe dizziness. There are 2 types of treatment: preventive treatments and acute treatment. Migraine does not completely disappear, but the frequency and severity of attacks can be reduced.

Migraine significantly reduces quality of life

In people who have a genetic predisposition, environmental stimuli, changes in nutrition and sleep patterns trigger an alert (activation) in the brain. This alert causes blood vessels in the brain to expand and release chemical substances. These substances irritate nerves causing pain. Migraine pain can be felt several days before and turns into severe pain as time progresses. Migraine typically causes a throbbing pain in one half or all of the head. It comes in the form of crises (attacks) and these attacks can last 3-72 hours. The duration and frequency of attacks vary from person to person. Migraine headache may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. There may also be complaints such as double vision or blurred vision. The person becomes troubled by sound and light and may prefer to lie in a dark, quiet room. This pain, which comes in the form of attacks, can seriously reduce a person's quality of life; it becomes very difficult to concentrate on work or studies. Mood is affected, and the person may behave in a depressed or irritable manner.

Women are less fortunate when it comes to migraine

Providing information that migraine occurs at a rate of 15-20% in the population, Dr. Elif Pahsa drew attention to the fact that the disease is more common especially in women, stating: 'Especially the increased visibility of symptoms during the menstrual period suggests that hormonal changes trigger this. For this reason, hormonal changes in women can lead to more frequent migraine attacks' and continued as follows: 'To diagnose migraine, no tests are required; diagnosis can be made based on the patient's complaints. Tests can be performed to rule out other diagnoses by looking at accompanying symptoms and the age of migraine onset; therefore, one should first visit a neurologist and undergo examination.'

What triggers migraines?

Dr. Elif Pahsa, noting that there are many factors that trigger migraine attacks, explained what triggers these attacks by saying "migraine pain originates from brain blood vessels that constrict and dilate and causes attacks that can last between 3-72 hours. First, migraine patients become more sensitive to light and sound. Bright light or flickering light, loud and continuous noise can trigger an attack. Besides this, since smell sensations are also more sensitive, cigarette smoke, heavy perfume odor, other strong odors and chemical substances can also trigger migraines. Prolonged fasting, dehydration, skipping meals, sleeping too much or too little, sleep disorders, hormonal changes from birth control pills (menstrual period) can trigger migraines. Menstrual migraine in particular can have a much more severe course. Certain foods and beverages such as chocolate, cheese, peanuts, coffee and red wine can also trigger migraines. Keeping a food diary can help people identify which foods affect them. Finally, airplane and car travel, changes in altitude, air pollution, changes in weather conditions (changes in pressure, temperature and humidity, sirocco), seasonal changes (autumn and spring are the worst times) can also be counted among other triggers.

Preventive treatments for migraine

Elif Pahsa also discussed preventive treatments and lifestyle changes for migraines, stating: "In migraine, it is especially important for the person to observe their own attacks and know what increases and decreases them. Once aware of these, it will be easier to avoid triggering factors. Skipping meals is a factor that increases migraines. Meals should not be skipped, especially breakfast should not be neglected. Do not go hungry or thirsty for long periods. Milk allergy can also cause migraine attacks due to lactose contained in milk. For this reason, it is beneficial to reduce the consumption of milk and dairy products or, if possible, eliminate them completely for a period of time. People with migraines should also limit gluten consumption. Tyramine, a substance formed in stored foods, can trigger migraines. Salami, sausage, spicy sausage, aged cheese, grape vinegar, beer and wine contain tyramine. Monosodium glutamate and additives found especially in packaged products can also trigger migraines. Regular sleep and getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep per day is also important. Sometimes odors can also trigger migraines; bothersome odors should be identified and avoided. Relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation or prayer are beneficial for protection from stress. One should also stay away from triggers such as caffeine and alcohol. Most importantly, a neurologist should examine whether this headache is really a migraine or if there is another underlying cause.

Recommendations to relieve migraine pain:

A good neck and shoulder massage and some rest are among the leading soothing solutions for all headaches. For sinusitis-related or migraine-type headaches, a cold compress with an ice pack on the head and rest in darkness can be beneficial. In such cases, drinking turmeric tea or taking turmeric supplements may be helpful. Patients with migraines generally also have insulin resistance. For this reason, proper nutrition in migraines gains extra importance. Low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets both reduce inflammation in patients and reverse insulin resistance by reducing appetite. Magnesium supplementation is one of the most effective minerals in migraines. However, it is of course very important that it is a magnesium that has the ability to enter the cell, with high bioavailability… N-acetyl taurine magnesium (ATA Mg) crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts quickly in the brain. Due to its lipophilic properties, ATA Mg easily penetrates the cell membrane and effectively increases intracellular Mg levels. Effective Mg passage to brain cells reduces excitatory effects and regulates sleep. It provides an effect that reduces both the number and severity of migraine attacks. Chamomile, melissa, catnip tea, with its calming effect, benefits headaches triggered by tension and stress. Sage, rosemary tea and almonds can also help with headaches.