Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Target Migraines – InVite Health Podcast, Episode 383
migraines
InViteⓇ Health Podcast, Episode hosted by Amanda Williams, MPH
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A new study just came out from The British Medical Journal discussing the impact of omega-3 fatty acids in the setting of migraines. Today, I want to talk about this study and take a look at the science behind it.†
Research on migraines and omega-3 fatty acids
This study showed findings from a trial that indicated that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or from a diet rich in fish could be very helpful for lowering the incidence of migraines. Migraines are one of the most common neurological diseases. It is estimated that they affect more than a billion people globally.†
These researchers notated that diet should be at the forefront of helping with migraines. One of the areas of interest is looking at diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are known to help ease inflammation in the body, whereas omega-6 fatty acids tend to drive up inflammation. When people have a diet that is heavier in omega-6s, then this can actually continue to exacerbate that neurological pathway in which migraines are then triggered.†
In the study, the researchers go on to detail how omega-3 fatty acids can help with migraine headaches. Not only do they have these anti-inflammatory effects, but they also have an antinociceptive impact. This can help people who get nauseated when they get headaches, something that is very common in people who get migraines.†
Within this study, researchers had the subjects keep track of the different foods they were eating. They looked at their typical intake of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Then, they had one group take additional omega-3s. Through this, they found that the group who took the additional omega-3 had a significant reduction in the frequency and duration of their migraines.†
How omega-3s can help
A lot of people deal with migraines. Oftentimes, they’re trying to figure out what the best approach is. They have to see if their migraines are being triggered by hormones or diet, but we also need to recognize that people need to get the right nutrients on board. This includes things such as magnesium, coenzyme Q10 and, of course, omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are so incredibly important for anyone across the board, but especially for those who are dealing with chronic migraines.†
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There is enough science out there now that shows that omega-3 fatty acids have the capability to help fend off inflammation. If we have inflammation in the body or are prone to having these migraine attacks, then it would be advantageous to make sure that you’re taking, at minimum, 1000mg of omega-3 fatty acids a day.†
In this episode, Amanda Williams, MPH discusses research looking at the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and migraine headaches. She explains how omega-3 fatty acids function in the body, specifically in terms of inflammation.†
Key Topics:
- Other benefits of fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids
- Common treatments for migraine headaches
- Details on this study from The British Medical Journal
- How omega-3s function in the body
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