If a person experiences pounding headaches, examining the diet and lifestyle should be key. Headaches are often a sign of a variety of vitamin deficiencies. In some cases, a vitamin deficiency leads to a worsening of headaches or even migraines. Studies have shown that a diet deficient in vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B6, folic acid, magnesium, and vitamin B12, could contribute to frequent migraines and other health issues.
Magnesium deficiency
Magnesium help the body regulate nerve and muscle function, maintain blood sugar levels, and regulate blood pressure.
There is also good evidence that magnesium deficiency can contribute to migraines. Magnesium is considered a natural “relaxer” of the muscle and nervous system.
When a person has a lack of this vitamin they can experience muscle tension, cramps, insomnia, pain and headaches.
Eat more foods like legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy vegetables and fortified foods like breakfast cereals.
Vitamin B2
Although all of the B vitamins play a role in protecting you from headaches, vitamin B2 seems to the one that stands out the most.
Doctor Kelcie Harris said: “Eating foods high in vitamin B2 or supplementing with a quality vitamin may help improve mitochondrial energy metabolism and therefore, decrease the incidence of migraine headaches.”
Eating more foods such as lean meats, milk, kidneys and liver will help to top up your vitamin B2 levels.
Doctor Christine Gerbstadt said: “A trend has clearly emerged showing that people with healthy vitamin D levels have a lower incidence of chronic headaches.”
Foods like fatty fish, eggs and fortified milk and cereals have high levels of vitamin D.
The NHS said: “Vitamins and minerals are nutrients your body needs in small amounts to work properly and stay healthy.
“Most people should get all the nutrients they need by having a varied and balanced diet, although some few people may need to take extra supplements. People who choose to take supplements must be careful as taking too much or taking them for too long could be harmful.
“The Department of Health recommends certain supplements for some groups of people who are at risk of deficiency.”
