Migraine headaches differ from other types of headaches, such as stress headaches and sinus headaches. Migraines can interfere with your daily life and normal activities, depending on the severity and frequency of these attacks. Although potassium supplements can guard against nutritional deficiencies and may play a role in your overall health, there is no evidence this mineral helps prevent or alleviate migraine headaches.
Migraines
Migraine headaches can vary in length and intensity, although most last between 4 and 72 hours. Some migraines begin with an aura, a symptom that can cause visual disturbances or burning sensations. Headache pain may occur on one or both sides of your head. Other common symptoms of migraine include nausea, vomiting, throbbing, confusion, light sensitivity and light-headedness. Migraine headaches commonly occur in response to the shrinkage and dilation of blood vessels, a condition that may occur due to fluctuations in serotonin levels. Certain foods, such as raisins, soy sauce, papaya, aged cheese and red wine, may increase your risk of migraine. Dietary potassium is not a recognized factor in alleviating or contributing to migraine headaches.
Potassium
Potassium is an important nutrient that supports the proper functioning of your organs, tissues and cells. This nutrient plays an important role in skeletal and smooth muscle contractions, including the contractions of your heart. Excessive amounts of sodium can increase your potassium requirement. A healthy diet usually supplies all the potassium you require, although a supplement can help guard against nutritional deficiencies. The recommended daily intake of potassium is 2,000 mg per day for adults. There is no evidence that taking more than this will help alleviate migraines, although excessive doses can cause muscle weakness and abnormal heart rhythm.
Prescription NSAID
Diclofenac potassium is a type of drug your doctor may prescribe for migraine headaches. This is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, or NSAID, not to be confused with dietary potassium or potassium supplements. Diclofenac potassium may help treat migraines with or without auras. This medication requires a prescription and can cause side effects, such as blurred vision, fever, nausea or bruising.
Precautions
Avoid taking large doses of nutritional supplements to treat medical conditions, such as migraine headaches. There is no evidence that increasing your intake of potassium through mineral supplements can help alleviate migraine headaches. Talk to your doctor about standard medications and lifestyle changes that may help reduce the frequency and severity of your migraine attacks. Taking certain medications, such as beta-blockers and NSAIDs, can increase the level of potassium in your body.
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