Potassium is an essential nutrient that is needed for the body's cells and without it, your nerve and muscle cells may not function properly. The body normally keeps a balance of potassium through the work of the kidneys and excess potassium is excreted through the urine. When this cycle is disrupted, potassium levels may drop, resulting in hypokalemia. This condition can cause many negative symptoms, such as constipation, muscle weakness, heart arrhythmias and fatigue. It may also be associated with migraine headaches.
Magnesium
Potassium is not only a dietary mineral; it is also an electrolyte that is found within many body cells. For potassium to get across cell membranes and into the cells, it needs magnesium. Magnesium is a mineral found throughout the body in such places as the skeleton and muscle cells. It is responsible for transporting ions, such as potassium, into the cells. Without adequate magnesium, the body cells could not take up enough potassium, resulting in hypokalemia. Low levels of magnesium may also contribute to recurring migraine headaches.
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are severe headaches that can cause throbbing pain, light sensitivity or nausea. They may affect the head, face, jaw, teeth or neck. Migraines can be especially disabling for sufferers, as the pain may affect movement and activity. These types of headaches are most commonly treated with medications for pain, depending on the type of migraine attack, although some patients have had success with taking certain types of supplements.
Low Magnesium
According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, people who suffer from recurrent migraines may have lower levels of magnesium in their body cells than those who do not get migraines. These low magnesium levels can affect potassium levels within the cells as well. In some cases, taking magnesium supplements may help reduce the severity of migraine headaches as well as their frequency. You may be able to improve headache symptoms by taking magnesium supplements or increasing your intake of foods with magnesium and potassium, such as bananas, lima beans, oat bran and milk.
Supplements
Potassium and magnesium supplements are available over the counter, but check with your doctor before starting to take these minerals for help with migraines. If you take diuretic medication for another type of illness, you could lose potassium through your urine. If you suffer from migraines, see your doctor for the right kind of treatments available to you, whether through supplements or other medications. Rather than trying to cure your condition with supplements, you doctor may need to determine if your headaches are the result of migraines or another type of illness.
