Vitamins to Relieve Headaches

Millions of people around the world suffer from headaches. For many of these people frequent headaches disrupt their daily routines and tap the enjoyment from their days. Often the over-the-counter headache medicines do not do enough to provide relief and don't prevent the recurrent headaches they suffer from. More often than not a combination of vitamins and supplements will prevent the constant recurring headaches many people experience.

Below is a list of the most common vitamins and supplements shown to provide relief for people who suffer from headaches. It is best to consult your physician prior to adding any of these to your diet as certain vitamins and supplements may have an adverse reaction when taken in combination with certain prescription and non-prescription medications.

5-HTP: is used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. Serotonin appears to play significant roles in sleep, emotional moods, pain control, inflammation, intestinal peristalsis, and other body functions. 5-HTP is not present in significant amounts in a typical diet. The human body manufactures 5-HTP from L-tryptophan, a natural amino acid found in many dietary proteins. However, eating food that contains tryptophan does not significantly increase 5-HTP levels.

B-Complex vitamins: consist of all the known water-soluble vitamins except for Vitamin C. Each member of the B-complex is unique in structure and function but they will often work together. Among the many functions of B-complex are energy production, metabolism and cell division. A deficiency in one B vitamin often means that intake of all B vitamins is low.

Calcium and vitamin D: is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium is needed to form bones and teeth. Calcium helps as well with blood clotting, transmission of signals in nerve cells and muscle contraction. For calcium to be properly absorbed the body must have sufficient levels of vitamin D.

Ginkgo Biloba: is divided into two active components. The first component of ginkgo biloba, flavone glycosides, are bioflavonoids responsible for antioxidant activity and inhibiting platelet aggregation. The second ginkgo biloba component, terpene lactones, are associated with increased circulation to the brain as well as protecting nerve cells.

Vitamin B2: is needed to process amino acids and fats, activate vitamin B6 and folic acid, and help convert carbohydrates into ATP, the fuel the body runs on. Under some circumstances, vitamin B2 can act as an antioxidant.

Lecithin: is an essential natural compound found throughout the body. Lecithin is one of the main components of cell membranes and helps prevent those membranes from hardening. One of the elements that make up Lecithin is Choline, which helps the nervous system, liver and kidneys to function properly.

Cod Liver Oil: contains EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid); both are omega-3 oils. These special omega-3 oils, unlike other omega-3 oils, keep blood triglycerides in check (high triglycerides are generally linked with increased risk of heart disease). EPA and DHA keep blood from clotting too quickly. They also have anti-inflammatory activity. As a result, Cod Liver Oil is used to help people with various inflammatory conditions, including Crohn’s disease. Cod Liver oil may help people with a wide variety of disorders, including chronic kidney diseases. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease may be less likely to develop in those with a greater intake of omega-3 fatty acids.