Migraines represent one area of health and disease that has very little concrete solutions. Scientists record what is happening in the brain, but since there are so many possible pathways, treatments are slow to surface.
The Brain Trust article obviously touches on many areas and brain functions which might be involved in the migraine process. First, here are some thoughts on where supplements might help: Mitochondrial energy production, neurotransmitter production, gut bacteria mix, since a large amount of neurotransmitters are produced there, hormonal balance, electrolyte and mineral level balance for nerve impulses and water balance, Vitamin B complex, plus antioxidant loads, such as Vitamins C, D, E, and CoQ10 for both antioxidant, anti-inflammatory states, and energy production. Certain herbs have brain influenced actions as well, such as feverfew and butterbur.
Of course, migraines can have a genetic link which is out of the realm of supplement activity. But when nerve channels and brain functions are improved through proper diet and supplements, the genetic influence could be reduced.
WHAT IS KNOWN?
More females get migraines than males. There is an estrogen connection during monthly cycle that can trigger headaches when estrogen suddenly drops. Women ages 30-49 most impacted. Over 50 there is a reduction in numbers and length of symptoms, which could be related to reduced estrogen levels not bouncing as much.
Energy production is involved in maintaining mineral balance in the brain. Migraines are often associated with low magnesium and either low or excess sodium. Sodium is one of the electrolytes that not only is involved in nerve impulses but also in hydration of fluids to balance levels in tissues. Excess sodium might increase blood pressure which could trigger episodes as well as too little sodium and low blood pressure.
While magnesium is involved in many of the channels impacting brain functions, studies on magnesium influence on migraines is mixed. This could be related to the fact that in the blood stream, magnesium levels are regulated and controlled at a certain amount. In the studies, blood magnesium levels may be checked and used to reveal if deficient or normal. But, these readings do not reveal the true amounts in cellular tissues. They often are deficient even when blood levels are normal. Quitre a few of the 300+ processes magnesium is involved in happen at the cellular level, especially for the control of calcium movement in and out of cells. This 2025 research has a lot of magnesium on migraine information>Magnesium and Migraine - PMC
CA/MG Ratio
The dietary ratio of calcium to magnesium is a vital part for nerve functions. The recommended RDA amounts in the USA reveal a 3/1 ratio for calcium/magnesium, which might not be ideal for migraines. A 3/2 would be better for both nerve and bone health. When calcium is high and magnesium is low, more calcium, usually blocked out by magnesium, gets into nerve cells and creates havoc. This could be a trigger for migraines.
FYI: Remember that if dairy is a part of the diet, it has a 10/1 Ca/Mg ratio which would really upset the ideal against migraines.
VITAMIN B COMPLEX AND MIGRAINES
There is some research on high dose vitamin B2, 400 mg, reducing migraine symptoms. here Should only be attempted with medical supervision. Vitamin B complex members have numerous functions for healthy nerves as well as digestive functions.
to be continued soon.