What Deficiency Causes Migraines?

Migraines can cause severe pain and make life miserable.

Migraines are severe headaches that can cause nausea, aversion to light and noise--and excruciating pain. Migraine sufferers often report a diminished capacity when experiencing an attack and may miss work, school or other daily activities.

Cause

According to A. Mauskop and B.M. Altura, of the New York Headache Center, research has shown that migraines can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, specifically a deficiency in magnesium.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral that can relax blood vessels and increase the body's efficient use of serotonin. The USDA has performed studies that show a high correlation between migraine sufferers and low levels of magnesium.

Serotonin

Magnesium steadies serotonin levels. A dip or rise in serotonin can cause blood vessels to dilate or constrict, which leads to migraines.

Consequences

Low levels of magnesium can lead to migraines. In the June 24, 2009 issue of "Neurology," Dr. Tobias Kurth of Harvard Medical School, stated that migraines, especially in women, are a health concern that can lead to more serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.

Treatment

Migraine sufferers should incorporate more magnesium into their diet through foods such as vegetables, legumes and nuts or through magnesium supplements.

References

• Migraine Studies
• USDA
• Your Health