Contributing Writer for Wake Up World
There are two types of “common” headaches: tension and migraine. Sadly, most medical doctors prescribe headache medications without even knowing the actual cause of the headaches, regardless of what type it is!
Although migraine headaches are not as common as tension headaches, they can be extremely debilitating to those who suffer from them. This type of headache occurs when blood vessels of the head and neck constrict, resulting in a decrease in blood flow to those vessels. The consequential throbbing pain, most often on one side of the head, is frequently accompanied with nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.
Migraines and Riboflavin
There are two enzymes that make up riboflavin (also known as vitamin B2): Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and Flavin mononucleotide (FMN). There is mounting evidence that a deficiency in these two enzymes plays a major role in the development of migraine headaches.
It appears that these enzymes are required by the mitochondrial electron transport chain. So then if Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) is insufficient, the mitochondrial oxygen metabolism in the brain results in the pathology of migraine headaches.
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Studies Prove Riboflavin Therapy Stop Migraines
Studies have been done to prove the benefits of riboflavin therapy with positive outcomes!
One such study was a randomized placebo-controlled trial done in 1998. The trial explored the effect of 400 mg of riboflavin per day for three months on fifty-four men and women with a history of migraine headaches. The treatment seemed to be most effective by the third month in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks along with a reduction in the number of days of the migraine’s duration.
The trial reported the following conclusion:
Because of its high efficacy, excellent tolerability, and low cost, riboflavin is an interesting option for migraine prophylaxis and a candidate for a comparative trial with an established prophylactic drug.
A 2004 study published in the European Journal of Neurology also explored the usage of “high dose” riboflavin on the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine sufferers aged twenty to sixty-five. Again the dosage used was 400 mg for a period of three months. The result proved to be similar to the 1998 study with a decreased frequency of headaches:
In line with previous studies our findings show that riboflavin is a safe and well-tolerated alternative in migraine prophylaxis.
It’s All About Stress!
One major “trigger” for migraines has long been known to be emotional stress. During such stressful periods, your body “constricts”, so-to-speak, reducing blood flow and oxygen delivered to all the areas of the body, including the brain. It is also known that stress depletes the body of vital nutrients, mainly the B vitamins, and that when people experience chronic emotional stress, they also feel fatigued.
This certainly can offer another explanation for a subclinical riboflavin deficiency resulting in migraine headaches, including ocular migraines. It’s important to note that all prescription drugs (as well as OTC drugs) generally taken for migraines result in further vitamin depletion.
This unfortunate cycle that many people continuously ride is unnecessary. Thankfully, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) has proven to be extremely effective in relieving migraine headaches with no side-effects.
Previous articles by Dr. Michelle:
- Chronic Headache Syndrome: True or False?
- STRESS!! Could Vitamin B5 be the Solution?
- America’s Love Affair with Pharmaceuticals
- The Sun & Skin Cancer: Examining the Truths, Pseudo-Truths & Lies of Mainstream Science
- “Blame It On Your Genes”: the Money-Making Myth of Modern Medicine
- Exposed: Monsanto’s Mission To Pharmaceutically “Enhance” GMO Foods
- Dogma and misinformation: a Fatal Mixture in Healthcare
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency is a Major Health Concern: Here’s Why!
- Natural Cure for Chronic Pain Syndromes Silenced by the Medical Establishment
- Can Cantaloupes Help Prevent Cancer?
- Illness vs. Industry: Will Scientists Ever Find a “Cure” for Cancer?
- Antipsychotics for ADHD? There is Something Wrong with Our Medical Establishment
About the author:
Dr. Michelle Kmiec is a board certified chiropractic physician who also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology, and a minor in Medical Research. She is a life-long athlete who after curing herself 100% naturally from MS and anxiety, became an avid nutrition health researcher/promoter. She has been featured in many Health magazines, and has been a guest on radio talk shows in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. She is the author of Health Freedom Revolution: Exposing the Lies, Deceit and Greed of the Medical Profession’, Founder of Online Holistic Health, and a contributing writer for other popular informative health website/blogs. She is also founder of The Triad of Life™ Holistic Lifestyle Program – the most comprehensive holistic program on the internet today.
For more information, visit Online Holistic Health or connect with Dr. Michelle Kmiec on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
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