magnesium and migraine

Magical magnesium

A recent Iranian study, found that magnesium sulphate – the same mineral found in Epsom salt – was superior to common migraine drugs like ketorolac in improving the pain of migraine sufferers in the emergency room. 

Seventy adult patients with moderate to severe migraine headaches were treated at two different hospitals. At one hospital patients received ketorolac, while at the other patients got a one-gram dose of magnesium sulphate. 

Both of the treatments alleviated pain but magnesium turned out to be the real superstar: Up to two hours afterwards, those who received the mineral had greater improvement in their pain scores, compared to those who were treated with ketorolac. 

If you suffer with migraines, anything that can provide lasting relief is downright miraculous! This latest study confirms what previous research has found: people who get migraines tend to have lower blood levels of magnesium than those who are migraine-free. 

It also comes on the heels of another new study, involving over 2,000 patients followed for 20 years, that showed that men with lower blood levels of magnesium – an important component of strong bones – were more likely to suffer fractures, particularly of the hip. 

The bottom line is, if you want to stay out of the hospital, whether it's for debilitating migraines or a major fracture, get more magnesium in your diet. 

Dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fish, and avocado are some delicious, Paleo-friendly foods loaded with magnesium, but here's the kicker: As we age, it becomes harder for your body to absorb magnesium from food.

That's why you should also consider taking a high-quality magnesium supplement, which you can easily find at your local health food store. 

Magnesium oxide and magnesium sulphate are the least expensive forms of the mineral, but your body doesn't absorb these as well as magnesium lactate and magnesium aspartate. (Just steer clear of magnesium citrate – unless you need a laxative!) 

And if you suffer from conditions like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, hypertension, angina, asthma, and even panic disorder then speak to your doctor about the possibility of intravenous magnesium therapy. 

The benefits of this marvellous mineral don't stop there: Magnesium also promotes a good night's sleep, boosts your immune system, and slashes your risk of a heart attack.