Migraine headaches are often debilitating, under-diagnosed, and quite common.Currently only 12 percent of individuals with migraine in the U.S. use any form of preventative therapy, while 98 percent use some form of acute treatment. Given that most natural therapies are effective for migraine prevention, rather than acute treatment, and without adverse effects, they may be the best choice for people who get migraines.

Why Are You Getting Migraines? What’s Causing Them To Be Chronic?

New research points to Mitochondria Dysfunction as being part of the underlying etiology of migraine headaches.

What Does Mitochondria Dysfunction Mean?

Mitochondria are the organelles responsible for energy (ATP) production, and are part of every cell in the body. If mitochondria in the neurons aren’t working properly, and working irradicably, they won’t be able to maintain good cell function. That can lead to a collapse in synaptic communication and an increase in inflammation. Inflammation is often seen in people who suffer from chronic migraines so all of this goes together.

How Do You Treat Migraines and Support Mitochondrial Dysfunction?

1| Identify Triggers

Most people who get migraines have a certain trigger, such as certain foods, stress, allergens, hormonal changes, lack of sleep, etc. However, these triggers can be hard to identify.

2| Use Nutrients To Improve Mitochondrial Function

The #1 nutrient for improving mitochondrial function is CoQ10. Use a highly absorbable form. CoQ10 is typically available as a crystalline powder, which isn’t absorbed very well. Fortunately, there are a number of oil-based products on the market that are much better absorbed. Have your doctor routinely measure CoQ10 levels to make sure you’re getting enough. Quite often, a person needs to take 200+ mg/day to get the effect you’re looking for.

In addition to CoQ10, also use Magnesium (100-300 mg/day), a mineral people are commonly deficient in. It’s very helpful for most people with migraine, likely due to its support of mitochondrial function as well as muscle relaxation.

Quercetin is an anti-inflammatory compound shown to induce mitochondrial biogenesis, and is also shown to be an anti-inflammatory agent that stabilizes mast cells.

Do you get migraine headaches? What are your triggers? Which supplements help you?

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

Reference: Robert Rountree, MD. How lifestyle and nutrition can support migraine treatment.