Some Options To Prevent Migraines
Environmental Nutrition, April 2003

Migraines--those severe, debilitating headaches that can interfere with your daily activities--may be avoided by employing some preventive measures, and possibly some natural supplements. While no single treatment works for everyone, you could try some of the following:
 
•
 Engage in regular aerobic at least 20 to 30 minutes a day.
•
 Cut back on caffeine. (Cut back gradually if you're hooked, to avoid withdrawal symptoms.)
•
 Maintain a regular schedule for meals and sleep.
•
 Eat small meals frequently throughout the day.
•
 Avoid cigarette smoke--yours and other people's.
•
 Talk to your doctor about the medications you're taking; oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy increase chances of having migraines.
•
 Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, or some other relaxation therapy.
 
The following supplements might also help, but be sure to talk with your doctor before taking any:
•
 Feverfew: Studies in Europe have shown taking 125mg of dried feverfew leaf extract each day may prevent a drop of serotonin, which could be a cause of headaches in some people.
•
 Riboflavin: One preliminary study found that taking 400mg of this B vitamin each day can cut the frequency and severity of migraines nearly in half.
•
 Coenzyme Q-10: Some studies have shown that after taking 150mg of this supplement each day for three months, some migraine sufferers may reduce the frequency of their headaches.
•
 Magnesium: Researchers have discovered that low levels of magnesium could trigger migraines. To correct this problem, eat more whole grains, nuts, beans, avocado, and spinach. You might also want to consider taking a 300mg magnesium each day.