MAGNESIUM for MIGRAINES/HEADACHES (Benefits + Dosage) 2021

Summary

In this video, Jason from FeelAwesomeCompany.com explains the benefits of magnesium for headaches and migraines. He discusses how magnesium helps reduce the frequency and severity of various headache types, including migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. Key mechanisms include balancing calcium levels and reducing inflammation. Jason highlights that magnesium deficiency can lead to cortical spreading depression, contributing to headache pathogenesis. He also covers the recommended daily intake of magnesium (310-420 mg for most adults), and suggests that magnesium supplements can be used if dietary intake is insufficient.

Takeaways

• 😀 Magnesium has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of various types of headaches, including migraines with or without aura, chronic migraines, cluster headaches, and tension-type headaches.
• 😀 Magnesium helps by balancing calcium levels and reducing inflammation, which are key factors in preventing headaches and migraines.
• 😀 An imbalance in the calcium-to-magnesium ratio can lead to excessive neuronal excitability, triggering headaches and migraines.
• 😀 Magnesium deficiency can contribute to cortical spreading depression, which involves a massive release of glutamate and other substances, leading to migraines.
• 😀 Most adults need between 310 and 420 milligrams of magnesium per day to maintain adequate levels.
• 😀 Individuals with magnesium deficiencies may need higher doses (600-1000 mg) temporarily to see relief, but this should be done under medical supervision.
• 😀 It's better to get magnesium through food, but supplements can help if your diet is lacking.
• 😀 Magnesium supplements are not pure elemental magnesium; different types of supplements have varying levels of bioavailability and magnesium content.
• 😀 When choosing a magnesium supplement, it's important to check the label to understand how much magnesium you're actually getting.
• 😀 Magnesium plays an essential role in neuronal health, helping to prevent the release of substances that can contribute to headaches and migraines.
• 😀 If you want to learn more about magnesium and its benefits, check out the speaker’s other videos on the topic.

Q & A

What types of headaches can magnesium help reduce?

Magnesium has been shown to help reduce the frequency and severity of various types of headaches, including migraines with aura, migraines without aura, chronic migraines, cluster headaches, and chronic tension-type headaches.

How does magnesium help in reducing headaches and migraines?

Magnesium helps balance calcium levels and reduce inflammation. A high calcium to magnesium ratio can cause hyperexcitability within neurons, triggering the release of neuropeptides that increase cerebral vasodilation, blood vessel edema, and inflammation, ultimately leading to headaches and migraines.

What happens when there is a magnesium deficiency in the body related to headaches?

A magnesium deficiency can contribute to cortical spreading depression, which involves intense depolarization of neuronal and glial membranes. This leads to the release of glutamate, potassium, and increases intracellular sodium and calcium, potentially causing headaches and migraines.

How much magnesium do most adults need daily?

Most adults need between 310 and 420 milligrams of elemental magnesium per day.

Do people with magnesium deficiency need more than the usual daily amount?

Yes, individuals with magnesium deficiency may need more than the usual daily intake, possibly between 600 and 1000 milligrams per day, at least temporarily.

Should magnesium be obtained from the diet or supplements?

It is ideal to obtain magnesium through the diet. However, if the diet is lacking, magnesium supplements can be used to compensate for the deficiency.

Are magnesium supplements all the same in terms of elemental magnesium content?

No, magnesium supplements are not pure elemental magnesium, and there are different types of magnesium supplements available. Each type has a different percentage of elemental magnesium and varies in bioavailability, meaning the amount of magnesium the body can absorb and use.

What should you do if you choose to take magnesium supplements?

When choosing a magnesium supplement, it is important to figure out how much elemental magnesium you are actually getting, as different supplements contain varying amounts and may have different levels of bioavailability.

Can magnesium supplementation be harmful if taken in excessive amounts?

Taking high doses of magnesium supplements can be harmful, as it may cause side effects such as diarrhea or digestive discomfort. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before taking high doses of magnesium.

Where can you learn more about magnesium and related topics?

You can learn more about magnesium, its different types, and other related topics by checking out other videos on the same channel.