Magnesium is a mineral which is required for more than 200 types of body functions. It plays an important role in assuaging the walls of the blood vessels as well as in inducing sleep. These two functions are also required to establish equilibrium and prevent the occurrence of migraine attacks.

Magnesium for migraine prevention vs. drugs:

Migraine is a vascular disorder that can be treated by proper intake of magnesium. The best part about taking magnesium to get relief from migraine is that this mineral is economical, very effective, safe and devoid of many side effects. Various factors like intake of diuretics, certain antibiotics and excessive intake of alcohol are the key factors that lead to the deficiency of magnesium in the body.

Some researchers believe that increasing the amount of magnesium in the body is a sure shot treatment for migraine even if the body is not undergoing any magnesium deficiency. The normal adult body requires about 310-420 mg of magnesium intake on a daily basis. An adult having a range of magnesium less than this is affected by the deficiency of magnesium.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency:

• Irregularity in the rate of heart beat
• Sleeplessness
• Anxiety
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Weakness and poor coordination of the muscles
• Feeling short of breath

Ways to increase the magnesium level of the body:

Following are some steps which if taken would lead to raising the level of magnesium:

Including foods that abound in magnesium such as soy, seafood, milk, wheat germs, whole grains and beans in the daily diet is the best way by means of which you can increase the level of magnesium in the body.

Processed foods should be eliminated from the diet since they brings down the magnesium level.

Magnesium supplements which have “ate” in the end like glycinate, gluconate, lactate and orate should be taken to increase the level of magnesium. It is however, important to remember that supplements that combine magnesium and calcium should be avoided as calcium tends to interfere with the absorption of magnesium.

Magnesium can be taken in the form of an injection or even intravenously under the supervision of a medical practitioner.