The throbbing pain of migraine headaches can be triggered by a host of factors from foods and drinks to changes in the weather. Researchers have found that low levels of magnesium may be a trigger for some migraine sufferers, but major medical organizations report no link between selenium levels and migraines. If you're wondering whether magnesium or selenium are affecting your migraine headaches, check with your doctor before turning to any supplements.
Migraines
Migraines are a severe type of headache that can last for a few hours or days. They're characterized by throbbing, pounding or pulsating pain that often begins on one side of the head and may spread. If you get migraines, along with the pain you may experience other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances and irritability. Even after your headache has passed, you might feel tired, complain your thinking isn't sharp or clear and suffer from neck pain. Doctors don't know exactly what causes migraines, but many different triggers may set a migraine episode into motion.
Magnesium
Researchers have found that many people who experience migraines have lower magnesium levels than people who don't get migraines. Several studies have been done to try to determine whether magnesium supplements may help prevent or treat migraines, and the mineral has shown some promise, depending on the strength taken. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that some experts suggest you combine magnesium with the herb feverfew and vitamin B12 to help treat headache pain.
Selenium
You can find selenium in many foods. It's a mineral that works as an antioxidant, plays a role in thyroid function and is necessary to keep the immune system working properly. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis, malabsortion syndrome and some types of cancer have been found to have low levels of selenium, and researchers have tested selenium as a treatment for a range of conditions such as heart disease, prostate cancer, asthma, immune function and male infertility.
Warning
Because supplements such as magnesium and selenium can have side effects and interact with other medications, it's important to check with your doctor before taking them for migraines or any other conditions. Magnesium supplements can upset your stomach and cause diarrhea. In high doses, magnesium also can lower your blood pressure, slow your heart rate and lead to coma or death. Selenium supplements can cause nausea, vomiting, nail changes, loss of energy and irritability. High doses of selenium may increase your risk of developing diabetes and high cholesterol.
