Melatonin treats migraine headaches

Melatonin treats migraine headaches


(NaturalNews) A recent study showed that melatonin is an effective treatment for migraine headaches.

The study

Study
participants had a history of 2 to 8 migraines per month. They were
divided into three groups, those taking 3 mg of melatonin, 25 mg of
amityptyline (an antidepressant drug commonly used to prevent
migraines), and placebo. The melatonin group had better results than
either of the other two groups. The criteria for improvement included
less headaches per month, reduced migraine intensity and duration, and
reduced use of pain killers.

Melatonin not only resulted in fewer
headaches, but also less side effects and less daytime sleepiness than
the antidepressant. A common side effect of amitriptyline is weight
gain, and melatonin was associated with weight loss in this study.

Dosage

The
proper dosage for melatonin is 3 mg at night between 10:00 and 11:00
PM, mimicking the body's natural rhythm of melatonin production. Use a
fast-acting as opposed to a time-released form of melatonin.

Holistic treatment

Melatonin
is a safe component of a holistic treatment plan for the managing
migraines. Another supplement, butterbur, has also shown effectiveness
in clinical studies of migraine. Take 50- 100 mg of PA-free butterbur
twice/day.

Other components of an integrated plan include
acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and correction of other
neurotransmitter imbalances besides melatonin.

It is also useful
to identify things that trigger migraines. These can include stress,
certain foods, and food additives. Alcohol, chocolate, and nitrates in
processed meats are common triggers that many people notice. Other
triggers may include aspartame, soy products, ripe cheeses, and red
wine. Maintaining a healthy exercise program and controlling weight have
also been shown to reduce the pain level and frequency of migraines.

Source:-
http://www.naturalnews.com/039722_melatonin_migraine_headaches_treatment.html