What actually helps with headaches/migraines
Recurrent head pain ranging from tension-type headaches to severe migraines with potential aura, nausea, and light sensitivity.
Magnesium deficiency is found in up to 50% of migraine sufferers. Magnesium blocks cortical spreading depression, regulates NMDA glutamate receptors, inhibits excessive platelet aggregation, and stabilizes serotonin receptor signaling.
Dose: 400–600 mg
Elevated homocysteine is associated with increased migraine frequency. B12, along with folate and B6, lowers homocysteine through the methionine synthase pathway, reducing vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
Dose: 1000 mcg
CoQ10 improves mitochondrial energy production in neurons, reduces oxidative stress, and inhibits CGRP release. Brain energy deficiency and oxidative stress are key pathogenic factors in migraine.
Dose: 100–300 mg
High-dose omega-3 fatty acids reduce production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids (prostaglandins, thromboxanes) from arachidonic acid, and produce anti-inflammatory resolvins and protectins that reduce neurogenic inflammation in migraine.
Dose: 1800–2400 mg
Enhances mitochondrial energy production via FAD and FMN coenzymes, correcting energy deficits in cortical neurons that trigger migraines.
Dose: 200–400 mg