I’ve been on a new branch of my health journey for the past eight months. My neurologist feels that my bouts of dizziness, vertigo and blurry vision are potentially due to migraine with aura, and has started me on a daily migraine prevention regimen of vitamin b2 (this is also known as riboflavin) and magnesium.
PLEASE NOTE: I am also being evaluated for multiple sclerosis while being treated for migraine with aura. I do not have a definitive diagnosis yet. If you are having similar issues, please contact your healthcare expert for guidance. You can read about my initial symptoms and concerns in “How a Swaying Tree Alerted Me to a Health Issue“.
Disclosure: This blog is reader-supported, which means this post contains affiliate links and advertisements. I earn a small commission if you shop through them, which helps fund this website so I can continue to bring you amazing content. Thank you! ~Angela
What is Magnesium? What Does Magnesium Do For the Body?
OK, first let’s get back to basics for a minute. You may have heard of magnesium, but what is it exactly?
Magnesium is an essential nutrient that regulates muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, protein production and DNA functioning according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements.
Sometimes our bodies get low in this mineral, or our bodies don’t do a good job of absorbing it from our foods. I have some issues with malabsorption due to having Celiac Disease (which affects the digestive system).
You get magnesium naturally by eating nuts, seeds, leafy green veggies, cow dairy products and foods that are fortified with magnesium, like breakfast cereals.
The NIH says that sometimes people who have migraine headaches have low levels of magnesium in their blood and other tissues. Taking magnesium in a supplement form may help boost these levels and help prevent migraines.
Supplementation of magnesium should always be initiated and monitored by a physician. Cool. That’s what I’m doing.
My Experience With Magnesium for Migraine Prevention
After a two-hour visit and evaluation of my symptoms, my neurologist suggested I start taking magnesium supplements to reduce the frequency and severity of my migraines with aura.
I just looked back at the summary of my after-care notes from her office, and it states, “You may try over-the-counter magnesium oxide 400-800 mg daily (reduce dose if diarrhea) and vitamin B2 400 mg daily for migraine prevention. Studies show it can take up to three months to be effective.”
I started taking Truvani Natural Dead Sea Magnesium Oxide Tablets (400mg) a little over two months ago. I started with 200mg each evening before bedtime since magnesium can cause drowsiness. I gradually worked my way up to 400mg over a few weeks and noticed that my auras and head pain were decreasing in frequency. I was having issues nearly daily. I feel like this supplement was a success after approximately one month.
However, this transition wasn’t easy.
Magnesium is a natural laxative. I did have to manage daily diarrhea, which eventually became loose stools. I will warn readers though — sometimes magnesium can cause fecal incontinence. That’s a nice way of saying you might poop your pants. I had a very close call once when I was outside and almost didn’t make it to the bathroom in time. So, if you are starting this supplement, always be aware of your nearest restroom because the need to go can come up quickly and unexpectedly. And, I’ll leave it at that!
I’m Trying a Prescription Medicine Too
I’m currently experimenting with reducing my daily dose of magnesium to find a better balance between migraine management and stool consistency/urgency. Sorry for the poop talk, but sometimes we have to go there when talking about health topics.
I’ve also started taking Topamax daily for migraine prevention (it’s only been a week) since having 3-5 migraines a week is still a lot. I was happy they were no longer happening daily, but my neuro wants to reduce their frequency even further. Maybe the magnesium, vitamin B2 and Topamax combo will be the winning mix.
Until next time,
Choose healthy!
Angela
PS: Wonder what I’m up to today? Visit me on Facebook at Cupcakes and Yoga Pants!
