There are many causes of migraines, and no one treatment works well for everyone. For some people, a combination of conventional and alternative approaches might be the best bet. One promising aid in the prevention of migraines could be Vitamin C.
Migraine Headaches
Migraine sufferers are all too familiar with the often debilitating pain caused by these severe headaches. Oftentimes all they can think about is lying down in a quiet, dark place and simply waiting for the throbbing to subside.
Migraine pain can last for hours, and sometimes it will drag on for days. These chronic headaches can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines can come on without warning, or they can be preceded by flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in your arm or leg.
Causes of Migraines
An imbalance in brain chemicals, including serotonin, is one common trigger of migraines. Serotonin levels drop during migraines, resulting in headache pain.
Migraines can be caused by several factors. Fluctuating hormone levels in women can trigger headaches in women who frequently suffer from migraines.
Certain foods can set a migraine in motion. They include beer and red wine, aged cheese, chocolate, excessive amounts of caffeine, as well as salty and processed foods.
Other factors that may provoke migraines are stress, too much or too little sleep or intense physical exertion.
Vitamin C Treatment
Vitamin C may boost the production of stress-relieving hormones. Since excess stress is believed to be a trigger of migraines, the theory is that Vitamin C might slow its progression.
Vitamin C is one of several vitamins which can have an effect on the hormonal factors that cause migraines. Although Vitamin C will not relieve the pain once a migraine has taken hold, it may offer preventive protection in some cases.
The regular intake of Vitamin C is believed to help to thwart the onset of migraines because of it helps the body fight disease and to repair itself. Since Vitamin C is not stored in the body, it must be taken every day. The recommended daily amount for migraine prevention is 30mg.
The body will naturally flush out any extra Vitamin C. Although unnecessary doses of Vitamin C are unlikely to cause harm, excessive amounts can result in nausea, diarrhea, kidney stones and inflammation of the stomach lining. In rare cases, megadoses can cause faintness, dizziness and fatigue.
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