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What Vitamins Need to be Taken to Reduce Headaches?

Headaches have a variety of causes. Tension and stress are 2 of the most-frequent reasons people get headaches. Sinuses are another; they cause pressure in the head and face. Migraines affect many, causing much pain and anguish. Vitamins can be a way to help reduce the number and the severity of headaches, especially migraines. Be sure to discuss the supplements you are taking with your doctor because taking too much of certain vitamins can have undesirable side effects.

  1. B Complex Vitamins

    • Vitamin B-2, also known as riboflavin, has shown promise in decreasing migraine pain and frequency. B-2 is needed for your body to absorb certain nutrients, such as iron and Vitamin B-6. You may also find B-2 in the foods you eat, such as eggs, milk, broccoli, enriched cereals and breads. Vitamin B-6 helps manufacture serotonin in the brain and is also effective in the reduction of headaches. Vitamin B-12 helps eliminate so-called "brain fog" or lack of concentration which, in turn, can cause headaches to occur from the tension of not being able to focus on your work.

    Magnesium

    • If you are low on magnesium, you can suffer from headaches, especially migraines. Since magnesium helps the arteries to relax which eases blood flow, headaches are held at bay. You may be low in magnesium because of certain dietary issues, such as too much coffee, sugar, sodium, alcohol and certain colas. Other non-dietary items causing a magnesium deficiency would be high perspiration, drugs, chronic pain and diuretics. Taking 400 mg of magnesium 3 times a day can help to eliminate headaches.

    Calcium

    • Besides being good for your bones and to delay the onset of osteoporosis, calcium relaxes the muscles, provides better blood flow throughout the body and helps prevent headaches. Many headaches originate because blood vessels are constricted. By calming the muscles surrounding the blood vessels, you can inhibit the spasms from occurring.

    Fish Oil Supplements

    • Good for your heart, fish oil supplements contain omega-3 fatty acids and help to reduce inflammation. Fish oil will work with magnesium and calcium to provide a regular decline in the number of headaches you have. Foods with omega-3 acids include sardines, tuna, mackerel and salmon.

    Bioflavonoids

    • Bioflavonoids are antioxidants that provide absorption of Vitamin C which promotes healthy blood vessel walls and improves your circulation. Good circulation makes blood flow easier, so headache frequency declines. You can find bioflavonoids in certain foods and drinks, such as cranberries, celery, broccoli, green beans and black tea.

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