3 Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies Responsible for Your Migraine Episodes

Migraine is one of the most common health complaints in adults. You may have experienced it or know someone with chronic migraines. For example, in your workplace, you probably have one or two colleagues who missed workdays or events due to the unbearable pain of migraine. It tends to bring excruciating pain and discomfort and interferes with a person’s daily activities. 

Those who seek migraine relief in Sioux Falls SD, are highly familiar with the pain and suffering it brings. But what they probably don’t know is how vitamin deficiencies can potentially set off a series of unwanted migraine episodes.

Vitamin D

A study found that vitamin D deficiency can trigger migraine-related headaches. Vitamin D is essential for your body to fight inflammation and nerve health. When suddenly you become vitamin D deficient, you become more prone to inflammation and nerve pain that influence the development and progression of migraine. 

You probably heard about the importance of exposure to a good amount of sunlight and vitamin D. This is especially true because your body can absorb vitamins from the sun through your skin. Hence, a short exposure of about 5-10 minutes two to three times a week can help maintain good vitamin D levels in your body.

You may also take vitamin D supplements to support your nerve health further. Alternatively, we strongly recommend adding Vitamin D-rich food like cheese, egg yolks, fish like salmon and tuna, beef liver, soy milk, and orange juice to your diet. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is another essential mineral that helps maintain bones and heart health. Additionally, studies note that they can help combat the effects of a migraine attack. As it turns out, people with magnesium deficiency experience frequent and severe migraines and headaches. Notably, some of these individuals also complain of having visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and other migraine symptoms.

Those suffering from chronic migraines often take magnesium oxide per their doctor’s instructions. That’s because studies show magnesium plays a crucial role in preventing migraine. It can also dampen the effects of sensory aura and menstrual-related migraine symptoms. 

If you suspect having magnesium deficiency, we strongly suggest making necessary adjustments to your diet. There are plenty of food and beverages rich in magnesium that you can incorporate into your diet if you suffer from chronic migraine. Cereals, black beans, nuts, and grains are rich in magnesium. Coffee and tea also contain a good amount of this mineral.

You can also take magnesium supplements with precaution and follow the recommended daily amount for men (400mg to 420) and women (310mg to 320). Men and women absorb vitamins and minerals differently; therefore, we strongly suggest following the recommended dosage for magnesium supplements. Otherwise, you might experience common side effects of magnesium overdose, such as diarrhea, cramps, and vomiting.  

Riboflavin

Riboflavin is one of the eight B vitamins your body needs. Most nutritionists and wellness professionals refer to it as vitamin B2. This vitamin plays a significant role in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins and turning them into energy. But you can only consume small amounts of B2 in the body. Because of this, some people don’t get enough riboflavin in the body, making them highly susceptible to migraine episodes.

Incorporating Vitamin B2-rich foods in your diet can help alleviate your symptoms. Avocados, eggs, fish, meat, and poultry products are rich in vitamin B2. We strongly suggest preparing and cooking them properly to prevent breaking down riboflavin and other nutrients they can give your body.

Managing your migraine through upper cervical care

Besides vitamin deficiencies, an often overlooked cause of migraine is an upper cervical spine misalignment. Patients in pursuit of migraine relief in Sioux Falls SD, usually get surprised when they find out that their top two bones – the atlas and the axis – in the neck have shifted alignment as there could be no outright sign to be able to know it. 

If you’ve made an extra effort to maintain a good level of specific vitamins and minerals, yet migraine keeps on happening, your upper cervical spine might be misaligned.

A misalignment in your upper cervical spine distorts the pain signals and messages sent to your brain. Rightfully so, your brain reacts only to what they receive. Hence a rise in migraine-related symptoms may occur. Additionally, your top two bones protect your brainstem. If they are misaligned, your brainstem will transmit incorrect signals to your brain. This increases your risk for abnormal brain activity and, later on, severe migraine symptoms.

Where to find effective migraine relief in Sioux Falls SD

Dr. Casey Weerheim has built a good reputation in providing migraine relief in Sioux Falls SD. His expertise in Blair Upper Cervical Technique has proven to give lasting relief to his patients. You, too, can experience the benefits of upper cervical care in managing your migraine symptoms. Some examples of these benefits include:

• Less pressure on the brainstem and nerve roots that play a role in the onset of migraines (trigeminal nerve)
• Improved blood circulation to ensure efficient delivery of oxygen and other essential nutrients to the brain tissue
• Proper drainage of cerebrospinal fluid – a naturally occurring substance that studies associate with severe migraine attacks
• Reduced pressure on the neck muscles, which may help alleviate your headaches
• Efficient nerve signal transmission to ensure smooth central nervous system function

We recognize that each case of an upper cervical subluxation is unique. Hence, we ensure to pay close attention to the consultation sessions and the diagnostic procedures we provide. You can expect us to consistently update and customize your wellness programs to best match your immediate needs.

We look forward to being part of your natural healing! 

Kindly call the office of Upper Cervical of Sioux Falls at (605) 275-6900. You can also send your questions and other concerns through our online contact form.