Magnesium is a mineral and it is required for healthy bones and teeth as well as a host of other functions in the body. It is particularly important for individuals who suffer with migraine, perhaps because of the fact that it is essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Magnesium deficiency can result because of one or more of three factors:
1. We fail to take sufficient magnesium in our daily diet.
2. There is insufficient absorption of magnesium because of an existing problem for example cholestasis (bile is not able to flow from the liver because it is blocked or it is only flowing very slowly from the liver.
3. Excessive excretion of magnesium which can be caused by another existing problem such as diabetes
There are some indicators of magnesium deficiency such as muscle cramps, muscle twitches and depression to name but a few and excessive magnesium intake is rare but some of the signs which would indicate an excess include slurred speech and double vision. Of course these signs and symptoms are indicative of many disorders so it is imperative to consult your GP or neurologist.
A recent study in 2012 with 133 migraineurs found that magnesium supplementation of 500mg a day helped reduce the number of days lost to migraine each month and the number of migraine attacks per month. The results also demonstrated a reduction in migraine severity. Nonetheless, the researchers caution that a larger sample size is required to confirm their findings.
Seafood, green leafy vegetables and cereal are good sources of magnesium.