omega 3

29 October 2018

Safflower Oil to Fight Migraine?

A case report this month in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience tells the story of a 45 year old woman with chronic migraine. This woman decided to do an experiment with edible oils.

But she didn’t eat the oils – instead, she used them as massage oils, testing to see which of two alleviated migraine symptoms.

The two are often used in massage – olive oil, and the much less common safflower oil.

This woman had tried many common medications (such as sumatriptan, amitriptyline and topiramate), but for various reasons couldn’t tolerate them.

But she found that safflower oil did help (not so much the olive oil). The report suggests that safflower oil, applied to the base of the neck, may be beneficial for fighting migraine (see Topically applied linoleic/linolenic acid for chronic migraine).

Of course this is just one person’s experience. But such a simple test would be easy to try yourself.

The evidence for safflower oil as a topical anti-inflammatory isn’t strong, but there are those who feel it is beneficial. One interesting suggestion is that safflower oil may be absorbed easily enough that it may have a nutritional effect – even if it’s only applied to the skin!

But there is reason for caution here. First of all, not all safflower oils are created equal. This report specifies linoleic/linolenic acids – this is, indeed, the edible form of safflower oil. But there is also refined and unrefined safflower oil. How it is made can make a difference in how safe it is.

And if safflower oil is absorbed nutritionally, there is a further concern about the omega 6 vs. omega 3 ratio. Today, you will often hear that most people are getting lots of omega 6, and not much omega 3, which can cause problems. Dr. Robert Cowan writes:

. . . mounting evidence suggests that shifting away from the omega-6 fatty acids to a diet richer in omega-3 fatty acids may decrease headache frequency. Many headache specialists, myself included, also feel that it is beneficial to maintain approximately the same ratios of good and bad fats, carbohydrates, protein, and fiber from day to day. This means maintaining not just a healthy diet, but a consistently healthy diet. [source]

Dr. Cowan isn’t the only migraine doctor who encourages patients to increase omega 3 (as opposed to omega 6).

Read another doctor’s thoughts about safflower oil here.

Different oils may help different people. Does safflower oil fight migraine? Only you can tell, at this point. And a little trial is not likely to cause much harm.

But before you make safflower oil massage a regular part of your life, you should be investigating how the oil was processed, and whether another oil might be more beneficial.

2 January 2017

5 Ways to Maximize Your Omega-3 Supplements

James Discoveries & Stats, Treatments 2

Omega-3 supplements are recommended by many doctors, not just for general help but also to help fight migraine.

But it’s easy to spend your money on something that really won’t be a big help. So here are some tips to help you get the most out of your omega-3 supplement.

Take your supplement with food. In fact, a fatty meal is your best bet to make sure the oil is absorbed. Good fats, of course. Whatever that looks like for you. But just be aware that you will absorb the oil far better with a hearty bacon and eggs breakfast than with a glass of skim milk.
If possible, use fish oil. If you’re a vegan, you won’t want to go this route. But if you can do it, this is probably your best bet.
Take with a healthy, balanced diet. It’s best to get your nutrients from food. Supplements are “supplements”, not “replacements”. Eat a healthy diet low in processed foods and high in fruits and vegetables. For omega-3 foods, try omega-3 fortified eggs, fish, ground flax seed, chia seed, and hemp seed.
Choose the right brand. Consumer Lab recently tested many different brands for accuracy on the label, freshness, etc. See below for some of the recommended brands.
Watch for EPA + DHA. These amounts should be on the label. 1000mg of fish oil is not the same as 1000 of the EPA/DHA combination. For plant based supplements, look for the ALA amount.

People with migraine often opt for the higher concentration omega-3 supplements. Consumer Lab recommends Viva Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil. Viva Naturals is tested to avoid contamination (mercury, PCBs, etc) (and Consumer Lab confirmed this), is fresh, and is also the lowest-cost approved fish oil in its category.

Although not certified gluten-free, this supplement is made gluten free in a dedicated gluten free facility.

This brand also received an “A” ranking from Labdoor (the brand was then “Viva Labs”, but according to the company the product hasn’t changed).

For certified gluten-free versions, try OmegaVia Pharma-Grade Omega-3, which is also enteric coated (which should help with absorption), or GNC Triple Strength Fish Oil, also enteric coated. As with the Viva Naturals brand, they were tested for contaminants and freshness.

The OmegaVia brand also made the top 5 in the Labdoor rankings.

Some brands that were not approved included Kirkland Signature, NutriGold, and Vitacost brands, because they contained less EPA/DHA than it said on the label, and/or they contained contaminants.

If you’re going to take omega-3 supplements this year, save your money and get the most out of what you buy. Following the above instructions can result in getting several times better absorption – much more benefit for your money!

17 May 2012

Magnesium for Migraine 2 – Combos?

James Treatments 1

Yesterday we talked about some of the things we’ve learned about magnesium supplements for migraine over the past few years. Today I just want to briefly talk about one more topic – supplements that contain magnesium and something else.

Again, this is something you’ll need to talk to your doctor about. But here are a few things that our visitors have said they are taking with magnesium. The ones mentioned most often come first:

Now that doesn’t include things like normal abortives and other medications. Remember, magnesium will not always eliminate migraine, so usually you’ll use it to cut down on attacks/symptoms, and then compliment it with other treatments.

Now, sometimes these are taken as separate supplements. But there are specially designed combinations of supplements that many have found useful for migraine.

Possibly the most popular is MigreLief, which is a combination of magnesium, riboflavin and feverfew. I would say it’s the magnesium supplement most often mentioned by our visitors, and it has a lot of research behind it.

Another is actually not a preventative, but an abortive. It’s called Migralex, and it contains magnesium and aspirin. People have reported that taking magnesium supplements during an attack helps – and in fact, magnesium has long been given intravenously for migraine.

Now you can check some of the links above for more on these additional supplements, but here’s some of the things our visitors have said. Note that I’m not always quoting their entire comment, just the relevant part.

Angela: I was researching on your website, and came across the articles about magnesium, feverfew, and riboflavin. I said to myself, why not try it?? Well, after only a week of taking the supplements, I was able to quit the daily headache powders, and now, after couple months, the headaches are non-existent most days, and just a dull ache that I can manage on one or two days a week!!

Laurie: I have found after suffering from migraines since a child that taking the magnesium and 200 mg of co-enzyme Q 10 in the morning with breakfast is the golden ticket. Would recommend taking a multi-vitamin and calcium with the evening meal.

okiegem: Then, about two years ago, I read something somewhere about magnesium and coenzymeQ10, and tried them. After a few weeks, I realized my migraines were GONE! I take 400mg CoQ10 and 500mg magnesium oxide, which I get at the local Wal-Mart, and I really am migraine-free! It has truly been life-altering.

Angie: A friend from work told me that her Dr had told her about a Magnesium/Riboflavin (B2) combo that seemed to be helping her, I felt like I had nothing to lose by giving it a try. IT WORKED! The Mag Oxide was not overly helpful, but the Mag Citrate made all the difference in the world.

Liz: I tried everything under the sun as well as multiple doctors and was at the end of my rope. I too decided to take things into my own hands and weaned myself off topamax and zonisimide, then later depakote. I now am ONLY taking supplements. Magnesium, feverfew and CoQ10.

Dawn: Magnesium, feverfew, butterbur, Vit. B and CoQ10 are what Iâ€™m using to control the migraines â€“ doing much better and NO side effects!!

Does magnesium work for everyone? Of course not. Obviously I’m quoting from people who have found some success. That way you can see what actually works in real life.

A note on Cluster Headaches

Before closing, one note about cluster headaches. People with cluster have also responded to magnesium supplements, and intravenous magnesium. Here’s an article about magnesium and Botox. And here is what one website visitor had to say:

Terri: I was very suspicious, after leaving the hospital, as to what affects the antibiotic was going to have on my body. After leaning on YOUR SITE that, indeed, an antibiotic can deplete your system of magnesium (3 days ago), I started taking Magnesium 500 and B2 200 and noticed an immediate improvement. We had some bad (rain) weather yesterday which increases my clusters so I can’t tell yet how much improvement I will ultimately have, but I’m thinking this may be the answer for me.

Thanks again for your emails and comments – they are a huge help to others! Keep up the great commenting!

Speaking of commenting, if you have had success with a combo supplement with magnesium, now is your chance to leave a comment!

14 May 2011

Review of i-omega premium fish oil

James Treatments 0

I keep wanting to dismiss the benefits of fish oil, but I just can’t do it. The evidence continues to be strong that it can help you in a number of ways. I won’t rehash everything here – but you can read a little about the benefits of fish oil and omega-3s in this post.

However, several months ago I told you that I was going to try a new fish oil supplement, called i-omega premium fish oil. Well, I did! So I’m back to report.

For some people the common complaint is the fishy smell of these supplements, or “fish burp” (yes, tasting fish when you burp after taking the supplement). In the case of i-omega premium fish oil, there is very little fishy smell. However, I’m convinced that if you’re getting real, potent, fish oil, there will be some.

This supplement is very pure and the gelcaps are very small, so you’re taking less and they’re easier to swallow than some. You can further minimize any problems by taking them in the morning or afternoon with a meal.

Two or three of the small softgels pack quite a punch – 806mg or 1209mg, around the right quantity for fighting migraine (from the studies we’ve seen so far). And it’s a lot better than some of the horse pills that are out there, filled with some questionable ingredients. Instead, these come with an anti-oxident blend (rosemary extract, mixed tocopherols, ascorbyl palmitate, citric acid).

In the end, I would consider these the best that I’ve tried so far. If you’re going to spend the money on a supplement, go for quality rather than something with generic on the shelf.

You can find i-omega premium fish oil here.

27 August 2010

A better Fish Oil for Migraine?

James Treatments 6

We’ve talked before about the benefits of fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acid is popular enough today that there are a lot of brands out there. But sometimes I’ve found it hard to find something that’s good quality.

For example, some have low amounts of EPA and DHA (two key ingredients in fish oil). Others don’t list the source of the oil (just where did this come from??). Others are packed with impurities. Some have a strong fishy flavour and smell, and cause fishy burps long after you’ve taken them.

A while ago I was reading about a new fish oil supplement that looks quite promising. I didn’t have time to follow it up, but when I noticed a sale on this brand at vitacost.com, I thought it would be worth mentioning to you.

i-omega premium fish oil is a concentrated and purified fish oil. Because it packs such a punch, it’s a smaller capsule, making it easier to swallow. Two small softgels contain 528mg of EPA and 278mg of DHA – a total of 806mg. Three capsules would give you 1209mg, a common dosage for migrainuers. The odour is minimal or non-existent. It even contains an anti-oxidant blend.

I will be trying i-omega premium fish oil, and I’ll let you know how it goes. But I wanted to mention it to you while the sale is still on.

Take a closer look at i-omega premium fish oil here.