Migraines – Part 2

In part 1, I explained the difference between a headache and a migraine.  In this article I want to explore evidence for nutritional fixes to assit migraine sufferers.

5-HTP

5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophane is a naturally occuring amino acid that may help prevent chronic headaches of various types including tension headaches and prevent migraines.  In one study, 5-HTP was just as effective at preventing migraines as methysergide (a perscription migrane drug) and it was espeically good at reducing the intensity and duration of attacks.

Magnesium

A lack of magnesium has been linked to migraine, and several trails suggest taht supplementing with the mineral can reduce the frequency of attacks.

Reference

Titus F, Dávalos A, Alom J, Codina A. 5-Hydroxytryptophan versus methysergide in the prophylaxis of migraine. Randomized clinical trial. Eur Neurol. 1986;25(5):327-9. PubMed PMID: 3536521.

Facchinetti F, Sances G, Borella P, Genazzani AR, Nappi G. Magnesium prophylaxis of menstrual migraine: effects on intracellular magnesium. Headache.  1991 May;31(5):298-301. PubMed PMID: 1860787.

 

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