Migraines have been a big part of my life for over 45 years. Nearly always unpredictable, striking without warning. The first sign usually a visual disturbance, flashing lights or blurred vision. Difficult on sunny days or where there are lights, because reflected light hitting the eyes, makes it appear as though an attack is starting, creating another heart stopping moment – not another Migraine!
Recently, April 2022, I found some kind of pattern and relief. From January up to April I had 7 attacks, mostly after exercise. Not immediately, but within a few days. I have always exercised, cycling, swimming, running. So I looked back in order to find something. I noticed that in the past, after exercise, I had usually had a post training drink or fruit, during these recent attacks I hadn’t bothered. But even with this intake my migraines had still occurred, though not as often.
Then quite by chance, I found an article about Magnesium, a lack of which could cause many problems, one of which could be increased, or more severe, migraines. After reading this I checked for foods and supplements that included Magnesium. I found there was a connection between the foods and supplements I hadn’t been taking over the previous months and a lack of Magnesium in my body. As a result I changed my diet to include more Magnesium rich foods and made sure I took something containing Magnesium, either before or after exercise. I also started to take Magnesium tablets ( the ones I am taking also have vitamin B6) daily.
Other influencing factors in my life, such as work and family have also increased in stress and anxiety, which in the past have had an effect on my migraines. However since becoming more aware of Magnesium this doesn’t seem to be affecting me as much. I have been busier at work, causing more stress. Home life has also been busier, teenage boys to get to events, either ones they are participating in through sport, or just through their social life. This in turn affects anxiety levels, as to where they are and who they are with.
I must be aware not to make it sound as though taking more Magnesium is a cure for me. There could be other things going on that I’m unaware of, especially the psychological aspect, ‘it’s supposed to work, so I’ll think its working’. The big test would be if I stopped taking the supplements or cut down my daily intake, but, why would I do that? It seems to be working, my life is improving, migraines have been fewer and not as severe. I’m not going to stop doing what appears to be working in order to test whether it is or not.
Where does Magnesium appear in foods. The Recommended Dietary Amount (RDA) for an adult is; Men19-51+ 400-420 and women 19-51+ 310-320. The tablet supplement I have been taking is 375mg. As this is slightly lower I make sure there is some Magnesium in the food I eat, especially if the day has been busy or stressful, or if I have exercised for a long period.
Foods with Magnesium include: Avocados, Nuts, Seeds, Fatty fish, Bananas, Leafy greens.
Man on a bike. 