Potassium is critical to helping your body maintain a good balance of fluids and electrolytes, which in turn affect the nerves, muscles, heart and even your blood pressure. Potassium is an ingredient in many migraine headache medications, and a potassium deficiency can cause symptoms like headaches and much worse.
How it Works
Doctors do not know exactly how potassium helps migraine sufferers, according to Migraine.com. However, contributing author Dr. George Obikoya of the Vitamins & Nutrition Center notes that potassium is a natural pain desensitizer, and as such may help control migraines and other headaches.
Potassium Deficiency
Potassium deficiency can be dangerous, and early symptoms non-descript and easy to misdiagnose. Symptoms that you are not getting enough potassium can include a bluish tint to your skin caused by poor circulation, earaches, fatigue and headaches.
Getting Enough Potassium
Adults need at least 4,700 mg of potassium each day according to the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine easily attainable by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. Bananas, sweet potatoes and winter squash are potassium-rich, and fish, dairy, dried fruits, nuts and chocolate contain high levels as well. Because of the potential for side effects and the chance of adverse medication interaction, do not take a potassium supplement without first checking with your doctor.
Medications Containing Potassium
Potassium bicarbonate is an ingredient in diclofenac, a pain medication prescribed for migraine headaches. Migraine sufferers may recognize the medication by its brand names -- Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren and Zipsor.
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