Vitamin B2 & Migraine Headaches
It is estimated that up to 26 million Americans suffer from
Migraine headaches and it is considered one of the top reasons
for missed work and loss of production. A debilitating Migraine
headache can last from 4 to 72 hours and can be accompanied by
intense pain, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, vertigo,
nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. After affects of a migraine can
leave the sufferer drained and without energy accompanied by a
low grade headache with oversensitivity to light and sound and
can last for another 24 hours.
Most Migraine headaches sufferers cannot identify what triggers
the headaches and a long and varied list exists that differs
with each individual. The same factors do not necessarily
trigger a Migraine on a consistent basis either. Statistically,
women are more prone to Migraines than men with claims that the
decline in estrogen during menstruation is the trigger and the
onset can begin immediately to a few days delay.
Considered a vascular headache, Migraines start with the
enlargement of the temporal artery which is located between the
skin and skull at the temple. This enlargement stretches the
nerves that coil around the temporal artery causing these nerves
to release chemicals into the system. A snowball effect takes
places since these chemicals cause inflammation and pain which
further enlarge the temporal artery and stretching the nerves
further. A Migraine will often activate the sympathetic nervous
system which is reported to react to stress and pain. This
increased activity affects the intestines causing vomiting,
nausea, and diarrhea and contributes to the sensitivity to light
and sound.
Due to the inconsistency of triggering factors and the
headaches themselves Migraines have been difficult to treat.
Many prescription drugs are available including the
controversial and highly expensive use of Botox that is claimed
to interrupt the pain pathways but these medications offer
treatment and not prevention.
With prevention being the goal it appears that Vitamin B2
(riboflavin) may prevent Migraines in almost 40% of sufferers.
In clinical studies patients taking 400mg of Vitamin B2 daily
displayed a 37% decrease in Migraine headaches and a drop in the
number of days the headache affected them. The effects of the
increased Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) ingestion begin in as little
as 30 days and appear to work best after 3 months and benefited
those who suffer from moderate Migraines 3 to 4 times a month.
Vitamin B2 is required for proper cell mitochondria function and
when a deficiency occurs it is suggested that this may trigger
Migraines in many individuals. This low cost alternative may not
work for every Migraine sufferer but to knock out 30% to 40% is
a big plus.
Other inroads into preventing this complex interaction of
genetic, environmental, and neurological variables include
stress release since anger or frustration is being narrowed down
as one of the key triggers, again with a delayed action of one
to two days. Wheat, sugar, and some grains are also being held
responsible for Migraines but more often this appears to affect
individuals with specific blood types other than sufferers in
general. But, diet is quite possibly playing a major role with
many avenues that need to be explored. Another effective therapy
may be administering bright light in 30 minute doses every other
day, much like treating seasonal disorders, where a clinical
reduction in Migraine headaches was reported. This treatment may
sound surprising since Migraines sufferers usually avoid light
during the onset of a headache. The bright light is claimed to
possibly elevate concentrations of several neurotransmitters,
including serotonin, in the brain.
With Migraine headaches costing $18 Billion in drugs, emergency
room and doctor visits, time off work and loss of productivity,
not to mention the loss of quality lifestyle a cure or
prevention may only be a Vitamin B2 supplement away.
Thomas Recker is a contributing editor for www.iwantvitamins.com
http://www.iwantvitamins.com<
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