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10 Migraine Supplements to Relieve Debilitating Pain

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When you’re suffering from a bad migraine, you may find yourself willing to take just about anything to quell the pain, but research has shown that overuse of medication for chronic migraines can actually cause them to worsen — Yikes! As a result, many people are looking for a more natural solution to end their unrelenting suffering, and tracking down a top supplement for migraines is a great place to start. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most effective, natural pills you can take for the prevention and cure of these dreaded nuisances.

What is a Migraine?

Migraines are a severe form of recurrent headaches that can last anywhere from four hours to three to four days. They affect more than 37 million people in the United States alone.

In case there was any doubt of just how painful they can be, The World Health Organization lists migraines as one of the 10 most disabling medical illnesses on the planet. The takeaway? Migraines are no joke.

Migraine vs Headache — What’s the Difference?

While they’re technically both an ache in the head, comparing a migraine to a headache is akin to comparing a sprained ankle to a broken leg.

The main way to tell a migraine and a headache apart is to look at their accompanying symptoms — or lack thereof. Though painful and uncomfortable, a headache usually involves centralized pain in the head, which can usually be cured quite effectively with simple, over-the-counter remedies, such as aspirin or Tylenol.

Migraines, on the other hand, of which headaches are a symptom, may require the use of stronger pain-relieving prescription drugs, such as opioid medications or codeine. Over time, these medications have been known to cause medication overuse headaches (MOH).

What Causes a Migraine?

Unfortunately, a specific cause of migraines has yet to be discovered, but doctors speculate that they are the result of abnormal brain activity, which temporarily affects our nerve signals, blood vessels, and chemicals.

Another guess would be genetics, with certain people being more susceptible to possible migraine triggers. Triggers can be emotional (stress, depression, anxiety), hormonal (menstruation, menopause), physical (body exhaustion, poor sleep, jet lag), medicinal (hormone replacement therapy (HRT), sleeping aids, contraceptive pills), dietary (missed meals, alcohol, caffeine, dehydration), or environmental (pollution, bright lights, weather changes).

What are the Symptoms of a Migraine?

Migraines can ache on one or both sides of the head and the pain will usually throb or pulsate. During these episodes, patients may also experience an increased sensitivity to sound and light — including vision impairment — as well as smell and touch. Migraines can also cause nausea and vomiting. Other unpleasant symptoms include stiff neck, irritability (is it any wonder?), constipation, yawning, and thirst.

The Best Supplements for Migraines

As always, anyone suffering from any form of chronic pain should always refer to their doctor for the best course of action before embarking on any form of treatment. If you’ve already done so and are ready to feel relief, however, we’ve rounded up a selection of tried-and-tested supplements for nixing — and in some cases, preventing — migraines. Keep scrolling for Woman’s World’s picks for the best supplements for migraines to find out what each one does — and where to find them.

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