Recent studies on headaches suggest that perhaps there is less difference between migraine headache and other types of headaches than we first thought. Below are some tips that were originally designed to assist with migraine sufferers however the more we learn the more we realise the following suggestions may be helpful with all types of headaches.
Vitamin D
Up to 42% of people who suffer migraines also have a vitamin D deficiency. A daily supplement of 1000 IU is typically recommended but is now thought to be too low. Scientists researching this area take up to 10000 IU per day. Look out for next month’s newsletter which will cover more information on the benefits of vitamin D.
CoEnzyme Q10
In one study 61% of the patients halved their frequency of headaches by the end of four months. Take a daily supplement of 300mg for the first 5-12 weeks. If you are taking Warfarin, do not take a CoEnzyme Q10 supplement.
Water
Drink a minimum of two litres/ day. For many people, drinking a lot of water before a migraine starts can prevent the headache.
Sleep
Sleep disturbances are known to bring on migraine. Ensure that your alarm clock is set for the same time 7 days/week, wake at the same time every day, even on weekends. If you would like a lie-in you still need to wake at the same time and then have a morning and or afternoon nap. It is important to know your body clock is set by the time you wake up in the morning, and not by the time you go to sleep. 9 hours per night is best, 6 is the next best (should be a multiple of 3 hours which is the average adult sleep cycle).
Rose colored glasses
Bright light is another known precipitator of migraine. Red or rose colored light is less irritating to the brain. Normal grey sunglasses are fine, blue lenses are a no-no.
Coeliac Disease
Coeliac Disease is an auto immune gluten hypersensitivity that is ten times more common in migraine patients. There is a specific blood test to confirm this condition.
Magnesium
200mg of magnesium might be useful in people with menstrual or hormonal migraines.
Exercise
Recent studies show that running is the best. But any exercise is better than none.