Finding the right treatment for migraines is all about looking past the symptoms. Yes, migraine symptoms are debilitating and horrific- sharp, pounding headaches, nausea, fatigue, vertigo- but in order to get to the root cause of your migraines, you need to find a doctor who is willing to be your medical detective. That’s where functional medicine practitioners, such as the famed health expert Dr. Mark Hyman, can help.
What is functional medicine?
Functional medicine is a practical, investigative-type approach to medicine. Rather than simply treating the symptoms of chronic illnesses such as migraines, functional medicine doctors find out what’s causing your headaches and eliminate the threat.
By listening to the patient, examining her medical records, running necessary tests, and paying attention to oft-overlooked factors like diet, environment, comorbid ailments, and genetics, functional medicine practitioners are able to prescribe a multipronged approach that includes total body health.
Functional medicine doesn’t cure the disease- it cures the patient.
Here are some ways that functional medicine aids migraine sufferers:
Magnesium
Magnesium is used in hospitals for a wide range of health benefits; magnesium is an emergency room staple used for cardiovascular health, relief of occasional constipation, and to alleviate minor aches and pains associated with daily life.
Magnesium deficiency is a growing crisis for several reasons:
One, we just don’t eat enough foods that contain magnesium. Seaweed, dandelion greens, and fatty nuts are just not staples in the American diet.- Second, we are unknowingly depleting our migraine levels by mass-consuming foods that drain magnesium from our bodies. Sodas, sugar, coffee, salt, and alcohol all contribute to magnesium deficiency.
- Other causes for magnesium deficiency that apply to migraine sufferers include chronic diarrhea, vomiting, PMS, and emotional stress.
- Third, our current method of testing for magnesium deficiency, blood tests, is highly inefficient and inconclusive. So, even if a magnesium deficiency test comes out negative, you could still be suffering from symptoms of severely low magnesium levels.
Magnesium- for Migraines and Beyond
What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?
A long list of ailments indicates possible magnesium deficiency. They include:
Migraine headaches- Muscle cramps
- Fibromyalgia
- Hypersensitivity to loud noises
- Anxiety disorder
- Moodiness
- Chronic fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Digestive disorders
Brain Drain from Migraines…What’s Causing it?
Magnesium benefits
In cases where magnesium deficiency correlates with migraines, magnesium supplementation produces excellent results. Always consult a doctor before trying a new migraine regimen, including natural supplements.
- Take 400-1,000mg of magnesium supplements.
- Try to include magnesium-rich foods in your diet, like kelp, dark leafy greens, nuts, avocados, wheat bran, and beans.
- Soak in a bath filled with Epson salts.
Please tell us…
Which treatments do you currently use for migraines? Are you satisfied, or would you like to find something more efficient without all the side effects? Do you have any questions or suggestions? Please leave your comments below.
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Read more about natural migraine cures:
Conquer Allergies and Migraine Headaches with Butterbur- a Migraineur’s Best Friend
Natural Migraine Remedies: 9 Must-Take Vitamins, Minerals, and Herbs
Sources:
Magnesium deficiency in critical illness.
The multifaceted and widespread pathology of magnesium deficiency.