Want to stop your migraines naturally? A new study published in the journal Headache says that riboflavin, or vitamin B2, may be the key.
According to the study, people who took 25 milligrams of riboflavin for three months experienced a reduction in headache pain stemming from chronic migraines, one of the most common headache complaints in the United States. There were few side effects reported from its use.
Scientists believe that riboflavin specifically reduces the impairment of mitochondrial metabolism, a key factor they believe may cause more migraines. By repairing this impairment, people may experience less migraine attacks naturally, without having to take a single drug.
Unfortunately, many migraineurs do not consume enough of this vitamin–but here’s how they can.
How to Consume more Riboflavin
For migraineurs, riboflavin may be the key to having less migraines. Here’s how you can incorporate more riboflavin into your lifestyle.
1. Eat a diet rich in riboflavin products. Almonds, whole grains, mushrooms, soybeans, dairy products, broccoli and spinach are great sources of riboflavin. Be careful of trigger foods, however—for example, some people may get migraines from eating too many almonds. Consider mixing in these foods with your favorite meals.
2. Pick processed foods fortified with B vitamins. Think healthy, fortified cereals made from whole grains–those are the products you want to consume regularly. Watch out for their sugar content, however, as too much sugar may also trigger more migraines.
3. Consider a multivitamin. They contain the perfect amount of riboflavin that you need to reduce your migraine risk, along with other essential vitamins, such as vitamin A, C and D. Take only the amount as listed on the bottle; taking too much could lead to vitamin overdoses, which could cause serious side effects.
Remember there are risks involved with riboflavin–it could possibly interact with some medications. For example, it can interfere with the absorption of tetracycline, an antibiotic, making it less effective. Other medications can also interfere with the absorption of riboflavin, such as antipsychotic and anticholinergic drugs. Always speak with your healthcare provider before starting any vitamin regimen.
Tags: migraine nutrients, migraine vitamins, natural migraine treatments, riboflavin, study
