Supplements Could Reduce Frequency Of Migraines

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Migraines stop millions of people in their tracks every day.

Now, some are turning to options other than medication to find relief and are finding success.

"You can't really function. You can't do your job. You don't want to get out of bed," Lindsay-Elizabeth Hand said.

Not long ago, migraines stopped Hand in her tracks several days a week.

"It feels like someone is taking a brick and like pushing on the back of my head," Hand said.

Hand didn't want to take daily medications to prevent her migraines.

"My goal actually was something more natural. I don't like to take like medicine in general," Hand said.

"Our goal is to cut down the number of headaches people are having and then making sure that the few headaches they do have are easily treated," Dr. Juline Bryson said.

Dr. Bryson prescribed a treatment plan for Hand that includes taking a daily Vitamin B2 supplement.

"Riboflavin, also known as B2, taken at 200 milligrams twice a day has been proven to reduce headache frequency," Dr. Bryson said.

"I probably get one or two a month now as opposed to three or four a week," Hand said.

Dr. Bryson said magnesium supplements can also help prevent migraines.

Eating foods rich in Vitamin B2 and magnesium, like eggs, leafy greens, nuts and seeds can also be beneficial.

Butterbur root is an herbal supplement that's also an effective treatment, but it's not found in foods.

"It was proven to be almost as effective as Topomax in reducing headache frequency," Dr. Bryson said.

Feverfew is another herbal supplement that is related to the daisy plant. But, it's not for everyone.

"Some studies have shown it can make some people's headaches actually a little worse," Dr. Bryson said.

Hand also gets regular exercise, tries to get eight hours of sleep and watches her diet.

She avoids processed foods and has given up drinking red wine.

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