According to The Headache Clinic (treatment arm of the Migraine Research Institute), a countless number of people with migraines are moving away from toxic prescription medications and turning to alternative treatment options which are comparatively free of any side-effects. Recent studies have found that there are a number of foods and supplements that can be used which affect the multifaceted processes that cause migraines.

Magnesium

Magnesium is essential for over 300 reactions in the human body, therefore making it essential for good health. The magnesium content of the soil and drinking water in many of South Africa's regions are very low, this has lead to experts believing that there are many individuals in our country that are magnesium deficient. Magnesium helps with muscle and nerve function, blood pressure and it also regulates blood sugar levels which have all been proven to trigger migraines. Foods high in magnesium are black beans, broccoli, nuts, oysters, rockfish, scallops, soy milk, tofu, whole grain cereal and whole wheat bread.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

There is a constant need for this vitamin as the body can only store it in small quantities. Vitamin B2 helps the brain cells utilise energy and this will assist with migraine attacks. It is also essential in red blood cell formation assisting with antibody production, growth and also with cell respiration. The body makes use of more of this vitamin when individuals use oral contraceptives, when consuming alcohol, while exercising and most of all when under a lot of stress. Foods which are rich in B2 are cottage cheese, milk, buttermilk, yoghurt and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin B6

This vitamin is essential for numerous bodily functions. The most important one though is formulation of hemoglobin (which is what carries oxygen around the body). It assists the nervous system to function normally and wards off disease. The body uses more of this vitamin just before menstruation, while making use of oral contraceptives, during pregnancy and breastfeeding and when using hormone replacements therapy. Vitamin B6 has been used to treat anemia, nerve disorder, depression, premenstrual tension and also migraine. Good sources include meats, whole grain products, vegetables, nuts and bananas.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Vitamin B3 is vital during the production of sex hormones in the body; it is also required during cell respiration and for accurate blood circulation. It can be used as a memory-enhancer, to treat mental illnesses and also assists with the dilatation of blood vessels that occur during a migraine attack. Vitamin B3 is beneficial in treating premenstrual headaches, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and dizziness. B3 is found in variety of foods, including liver, chicken, beef, fish, cereal, peanuts and legumes.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids

Omega 3 essential fatty acids are crucial for good health. The body is unable to make omega 3 on its own, as a result you have to get them through food or supplements. Omega 3 can be obtained from most fish (especially tuna and salmon), in some plants and also in nut oils. The intake of omega 3 is critical in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Omega 3 is beneficial for those suffering from stress, anxiety and it also assists with a balance in ph levels (which has been known to cause inflammation). An omega 3 essential fatty acid deficiency has been directly linked to the reason why people suffer from stress, headache tension and a number of other diseases. Dietary sources for Omega 3 essential fatty acids are fish, fish oil, krill, green-lipped mussel, butternut, flaxseed, eggs and in meat.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is well known for its responsibility in production of nervous system messengers, particularly those that are connected to relaxation, sleep and restfulness. The body uses this essential amino acid to produce the proteins it needs and tryptophan is also a useful and safe pain reliever. This amino acid helps specifically with migraine and dental pain as it seems to increase ones pain threshold. Dietary sources for Tryptophan are egg whites, soybeans, cheese, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, turkey, chicken, beef, salmon, rich, oatmeal, potatoes and also in banana’s.