According to the Psychology Today website, more than 28 million Americans suffer from migraine headaches. These headaches can be painful and recurrent; some also cause visual disturbances, like blurry vision or nausea. The exact causes of migraines are unknown, but they involve a chain in your blood's flow to the brain, usually due to constriction of the blood vessels and a reduced blood flow. After constriction, the blood vessels often dilate, triggering a rush of blood to the head that can increase the severity of a headache. Luckily, there are several things you can try to prevent migraines. Naturopathic medicine promotes a holistic approach to health with minimal use of surgeries and drugs. Please make sure to consult your physician before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
Vitamins and Minerals
Many times, you can prevent the onset of migraines by providing sufficient nutrients to your body that are likely to prevent blood vessel constriction. The Psychology Today website recommends the use of several different vitamins and minerals to prevent migraines, including Vitamin B2, also known as riboflavin. Take 300 to 400 mg of the vitamin in the morning, according to placebo studies cited by the Psychology Today website. Alone, this can decrease the frequency of migraines by as much as 67 percent over the course of six weeks. You can also take 200 mg magnesium at night. Including a multivitamin will ensure you're getting adequate levels of other nutrients, too.
Herbal Prevention
Butterbur and feverfew are both known as herbs that can help prevent migraines. Butterbur can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking 50 to 75 mg of standardized butterbur extract twice daily; pregnant and nursing women are advised against using the herb. Feverfew has been found in some medical studies to help prevent and treat headaches. Take 50 to 80 mg of this herb daily as a treatment, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. As with butterbur, pregnant or nursing women should not take this herb, nor should individuals on blood thinners.
Lifestyle Prevention
While the exact cause of migraines is unknown, several factors can induce them in any situation. Removing these risk factors can also reduce your risk of developing migraines, or it can lead to a decrease in the frequency of your migraines. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends avoiding cigarettes, alcohol and caffeine. You should also exercise regularly and get adequate amounts of sleep every night and be sure to eat meals regularly.
