We all get headaches from time to time, and for the most part they are easily treatable and short-lived. But for migraine sufferers, the onset of an episode can mean a debilitating headache that can disrupt life for hours or even days. Many medications are available for the treatment of migraines, but if you are seeking a more natural alternative to pharmaceuticals, taurine may hold some promise.
Migraine Headaches
The Mayo Clinic describes migraine headaches as a throbbing or pulsing pain in the head that is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine sufferers often experience sensory warning signals, referred to as "auras," that indicate an impending migraine. Flashes of light, blind spots and tingling in the arms or legs can all spell trouble. A migraine can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours and can vary in frequency from one individual to another. The cause of migraines is uncertain, but both genetics and environmental factors appear to play a role.
Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that is made in your body from two other amino acids, cysteine and methionine. Taurine is found naturally in food sources such as animal and fish protein, eggs and brewer's yeast. According to Mayo Clinic nutritionist Katherine Zeratsky, taurine works in the body to support neurological function and helps regulate water and mineral salt levels in the blood. Taurine is thought to have antioxidant properties and appears to improve athletic performance. Consuming up to 3,000 mg of supplemental taurine daily is thought to be safe. Taurine supplements are often used to treat migraines, seizure disorders and depression.
Taurine and Migraines
Taurine may be an effective treatment for migraines associated with epilepsy. A 1999 study of 420 epileptic subjects published in the international headache journal "Cephalalgia" found that 14 percent of them suffered migraines as well as seizures. The researchers were able to identify a direct link between seizures and migraines in seven of the subjects. A 2003 study published in "Advances in Experimental and Medical Biology" found taurine injections reduced the frequency and intensity of epileptic seizures and diminished seizure-associated brain damage in laboratory mice.
Pregnancy and Migraines
The March 2011 issue of the "American Academy of Pediatrics News" published new FDA data showing an increased risk of cleft lip and cleft palate in infants born to women who took Topamax during pregnancy, a drug commonly used to treat migraines. According to surgeon and nutrition expert Leonard Smith, taurine is an important amino acid for developing fetuses and newborns. Dr. Smith cites a study that found 62 percent of autistic children to be taurine deficient. Taurine may be a viable alternative treatment for expectant mothers who experience migraines. However, it is important to consult with your health care provider before ingesting taurine supplements.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Nutrition and Healthy Eating; Taurine in Energy Drinks: What is It?; Jennifer K. Nelson, RD, LD
- Body Ecology; Are You Dangerously Deficient in Taurine?; Leonard Smith, MD
- Mayo Clinic: Migraine
- "Cephalalgia"; Migraine-Related Seizures in and Epileptic Population; S.K. Velioglu, et al.; November 1999
- "American Academy of Pediatrics News"; Medication Used to Prevent Migraines, Treat Seizures is Linked to Oral Birth Defects; March 2011
- "Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology"; Prevention of Epileptic Seizures by Taurine; A. El Idrissi, et al.; 2003
