HEADACHES

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MAGNESIUM & TURMERIC VS IBUPROFEN & ACETAMINOPHEN

What are The Benefits vs The Risks? 

I’m guessing almost everyone has experienced a headache at some point in their life, for one reason or another.

There are many causes of headaches: Dehydration, Hormonal Imbalance, Illness, Physical Trauma, Tension, Eye Strain, Sinus Pressure, Migraine – are some that come to mind.

And there are many treatments too.

IBUPROFEN

As a pharmacist, my go to headache remedy was always ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). This worked for me most of the time and logically made sense. Most causes of headaches create some type of inflammation in the body and ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID). NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, temporarily reduce the amount of prostaglandins made by your body.

PROSTAGLANDINS

What are these things called prostaglandins?

Your body releases prostaglandins when you have an injury. These hormone-like substances contribute to inflammation, which includes swelling, fever, and increased sensitivity to pain.

Great! Ibuprofen! – A simple solution for a simple problem. Right?

BENEFITS VS RISKS OF IBUPROFEN

I’ve been taught to weigh the benefits versus the risks for any medication or treatment. This is good advice for anyone contemplating a health decision.

So the next logical question: 

Does the use of ibuprofen to treat a headache outweigh the risk?

Getting rid of a headache is definitely a benefit but ibuprofen has many potential side effects.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN

The more common side effects of ibuprofen are related to the  GI (gastrointestinal) system: :

  • Stomach Pain / Irritation of the Stomach Lining
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Gas
  • Constipation or Diarrhea
SEVERE SIDE EFFECTS OF IBUPROFEN

There are other side effects, they are more uncommon but more severe, and definitely more concerning risks:

  • Heart attack and stroke
    • This is a rare side effect, but your risk increases if you use too much ibuprofen or use it for too long. 
    • Your risk is even higher if you:
      • Have other risk factors for heart attack or stroke
      • Have a clotting disorder
      • Take other medications that affect how your blood clots
  • Decreased Kidney Function and Increased Blood Pressure
    • This is related to ibuprofen’s effect on prostaglandins.
    • Prostaglandins help keep the pressure in your kidneys at the right level to filter the fluids in your body and maintain blood pressure.
    • Since ibuprofen changes your body’s production of prostaglandins, this can cause an imbalance in your body fluid pressure, which can decrease kidney function and increase blood pressure.
      • Your risk is even higher if you:
        • Are an older adult
        • Have kidney disease
        • Take blood pressure medications
  • Ulcers and Bleeding in the Stomach and Intestines
    • Prostaglandins again! – they help maintain the constant repair of your stomach lining, which protects it from the stomach acid.
    • Since ibuprofen decreases prostaglandin production, it increases your risk for stomach damage such as bleeding and ulcers in the stomach and intestines.
    • This is not a common side effect, but the risk increases the longer you use ibuprofen. 
    • Other factors that increase your risk include:
      • Again, older age
      • History of ulcers or bleeding in your stomach or intestines
      • Use of oral steroids or blood thinners 
      • Smoking
      • Alcohol use
IS THE BENEFIT WORTH THE RISK?

That is a lot of potential risk for the benefit of getting rid of a headache!

What are your other options?

ACETAMINOPHEN

There is acetaminophen (Tylenol). This has not worked well for me personally for getting rid of a headache, but it is a top recommendation of many doctors and pharmacists, especially if there are reasons that a person should not take ibuprofen or NSAIDs.

It’s not fully known how acetaminophen works. It doesn’t reduce swelling or inflammation. Instead, it’s thought to block the release of certain chemicals in your brain that signal the sensation of pain.

CONCERNING SIDE EFFECTS OF ACETAMINOPHEN

Acetaminophen doesn’t have many of the more common side effects like ibuprofen but the potential harm it can do to your body’s liver is very concerning and worth considering before taking a dose for a headache.

Your liver is your main detox pathway in your body. It processes environmental toxins, pesticides or other toxins from your food and water, medications, alcohol and everything else that you put into or onto your body.

  • Severe liver damage
    • Acetaminophen poisoning can happen from taking too much acetaminophen. 
    • Your liver processes acetaminophen and converts it into a different substance. If you take large amounts of acetaminophen, your liver produces more of that substance. And when there is too much of it, that substance can damage your liver. 
    • Permanent liver damage is not likely if you take it at the recommended dose for a short period of time.
    • Unfortunately acetaminophen overuse is more common than you think. This can occur in:
      • Adults who take more than 3 g (3,000 mg) of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period – That is just 6 tablets of 500mg each.
      • Children who take more than five doses in a 24-hour period
      • People who already have liver disease or who take other medications that can damage the liver
      • People who drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day, even when they take acetaminophen at the recommended dosage

The risks of ibuprofen or acetaminophen are a lot to consider but those aren’t your only options.

MAGNESIUM

Magnesium is a vital nutrient that plays a part in more than 300 of the body’s processes. Magnesium deficiency can cause many issues, including headaches. 

MUSCLE MOVEMENTS

Because of the role magnesium plays in muscle contraction and relaxation, it can be effective for reducing tension headaches and migraines.  Magnesium has the potential to both prevent headaches as well as eliminate an existent headache.

NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION

Magnesium plays a role in regulating neurotransmitters, which send messages throughout your brain and nervous system. This is part of the body’s stress response system. A reduced magnesium level in the body can decrease your ability to deal with stress, which can lead to headaches, among other things.

DEHYDRATION / SWEATING

Most people aren’t consuming enough magnesium per day and some people may be more susceptible to magnesium loss. When you sweat – due to exercise, menopausal hot flashes or illness – you lose water and electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, etc). This can lead to dehydration if both water and electrolytes (sodium, magnesium, etc) are not replenished. 

MAGNESIUM IN YOUR DIET

Adding magnesium rich foods into your diet is essential. These include:  dark leafy greens, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds (almonds and pumpkin seeds), and even organic dark chocolate.

Many people are deficient in magnesium. This can be a result of eating refined and processed food, the increasing prevalence of chronic disease and because of mineral depletion in our soil, and subsequently in our food. 

MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTATION

Magnesium supplementation is a great option. Choose a supplement that is readily absorbed like Natural Vitality’s Calm (Mg carbonate) or Advanced Magnesium (Mg Malate, Mg Glycinate).

Magnesium is a safe and well-tolerated option for preventing headaches and can be used as an acute treatment option as well. 

Magnesium supplementation does have the potential to cause diarrhea for some people. This occurs with certain forms of magnesium that are not well absorbed, like magnesium oxide or when taking high doses of any form. 

Too much dietary magnesium is typically not a problem for healthy people, as any excess will be processed by the kidneys and be excreted in urine. 

TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

Turmeric is an herb closely related to the ginger family. It is native to India and is one of the main ingredients in curry dishes. The bright yellow color of turmeric is due to the curcumin it contains. Whether you love curry dishes, dislike them or have never tried them, the benefits of turmeric / curcumin are amazing.

Most of the research on turmeric centers on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This can be helpful with preventing and managing headaches since Inflammation is one of the underlying causes of headaches and migraines. The research is not conclusive but it is promising. 

Most studies test the effects of curcumin — the active component in turmeric — because it’s much stronger than the powdered spice.

It’s important to know that curcumin supplements contain a much higher concentration of the beneficial polyphenols than the amount you’d get from eating curry — even if you love curry and eat it every day.

SIDE EFFECTS OF TURMERIC / CURCUMIN

There are many more benefits than side effects with turmeric / curcumin when eaten or taken in typical amounts (turmeric: consumed in teas, soups or curry dishes or curcumin: 400 – 600 mg per day) . When taken at higher doses, curcumin can cause some unpleasant side effects like nausea, diarrhea — and yes —  even headache.

Pure turmeric powders are considered safe for most people. When you are consuming turmeric, make sure you are buying it from a trusted source. Your best bet is to choose turmeric that has been certified by a reputable agency. Many powders, unfortunately, are adulterated. This means that cheaper and potentially toxic ingredients have been added and are not listed on the label.

Some commercial turmeric powders may contain fillers like barley, wheat or rye flour, which can cause adverse symptoms in people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Some turmeric powders may also contain questionable food colorants, which are added to improve color when the powder is diluted with flour. Some turmeric powders may also be high in lead, a heavy metal that is especially toxic to the nervous system.

CURCUMIN SUPPLEMENTS

Weighing benefits vs risks is always the best way to decide if this supplement is something that may work for you. 

Curcumin has many benefits beyond preventing or treating headaches. It has anti-inflammatory properties; inflammation is the root cause of almost all diseases. It is rich in antioxidants, promotes liver health, improves brain function, improves heart health, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood glucose and helps to prevent blood clots.

The typical daily dosage is 400 to 600 milligram of curcumin per day, this is equivalent to approximately 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder.

You can try this to prevent or manage a headache.

Because of the effect that curcumin supplements have on the different functions of the body they may conflict with other medications you are taking. If you are taking medications for various disease states, consult your physician before taking curcumin supplements.

My go to curcumin supplement is  Super Bio-Curcumin Turmeric Extract. It contains 400 mg of curcumin per capsule.

DECIDE WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU

Next time you have a headache or if you suffer from recurring headaches, weigh your options and the benefits and risks they have to offer.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

WHY MAGNESIUM?

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MAGNESIUM IS CONSIDERED THE MASTER MINERAL

Magnesium is known as the “Miracle Mineral”. It is responsible for over 300 metabolic processes in the body.

Entire books have been written on this mineral. The Magnesium Miracle by Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, is a fantastic book on all aspects of magnesium.

Without enough of this important mineral, your body can’t function optimally.

WHAT DOES MAGNESIUM DO?

Magnesium helps with essential activities in your body, it…

  • Produces and transports energy
  • Assists in synthesis of protein
  • Helps to transmit nerve signals
  • Helps to relax muscles
  • Acts as an enzyme cofactor serving as a catalyst to many chemical reactions in your body

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE SPECIFIC WAYS MAGNESIUM HELPS?

Magnesium…

  • Plays in important role in the regulating the neuromuscular activity of the heart
  • Maintains normal heart rhythm
  • Is necessary for proper calcium & Vitamin C metabolism
  • Converts blood sugar into energy
  • Is vital for many metabolic functions such as the activation of enzymes for proper metabolism of protein and carbohydrates for energy production
  • Is a integral part of bones and teeth and is important for the metabolism of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, sodium, B-Complex vitamins, and vitamins C & E
  • Is absorbed in the small intestine and Vitamin D is necessary for proper utilization of magnesium
  • Is necessary in the production of Testosterone and Progesterone
  • Is essential for normal heart beat, nerve transmission, bone growth, body temperature and atrial health
  • In proper balance with calcium, is important for neuromuscular contractions
  • Is vital for DNA & RNA production. 

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM DEFICIENT IN MAGNESIUM?

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY:

  • Changes in nerve and muscle function such as muscle weakness or spasm
  • Heart conditions such as arrhythmia, irregular contractions, and increased heart rate
  • Weakening of the bones
  • Imbalanced blood sugar
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • High excitability
  • Inadequate hormone production
  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Depression/Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Lack of appetite 

WHY ARE SO MANY PEOPLE DEFICIENT IN MAGNESIUM?

  • Our soil is depleted of minerals and we have lost precious topsoil
  • The standard NPK (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium) fertilizer that farmers commonly use is able to restore the soil enough to grow fruits and vegetables, which are healthy “looking”, but may be entirely lacking in trace minerals.
  • To replace one inch of topsoil may take anywhere from 200-1000 years, depending on climate. This is why regenerative farming is SO important!!
  • Organic food tends to have a higher mineral content but is still lacking because of our soil conditions.
  • Refined/Processed foods inhibit mineral absorption, which then are not efficiently digested because of diminished enzyme activity
  • Blocked Colon – a Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) packs layer upon layer of plaque into your colon – this prohibits you from reabsorbing water and minerals properly from your colon
  • Secondary Deficiency – an excess of one mineral can cause a direct deficiency of another mineral (they compete for the absorption – compete for the same binding site) – kind of like musical chairs. Secondary deficiency is almost always due to overdosing or improperly dosing mineral supplements.

HOW CAN I ADD MAGNESIUM TO MY DIET?

Food is always the best way to obtain nutrients that are easily assimilated by your body:

  • FOOD SOURCES:
    • Avocado, barley, black beans, blackstrap molasses, cacao, dark chocolate, figs, garlic, green leafy vegetables, kelp, licorice, lima beans, millet, molasses, nuts, oats, peaches, peas, pumpkin seeds, quinoa, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach, sunflower seeds, swiss chard

SHOULD I SUPPLEMENT?

Check with your doctor before taking a magnesium supplement, especially If you have a medical condition or are taking prescription medications. 

Magnesium supplements are generally safe, beneficial and well-tolerated but they may not be safe for people with particular medical conditions or those who take certain diuretics, heart medications or antibiotics.

  • The RDA (recommended daily allowance) of Magnesium is low and may only offset daily losses. 
    • Women: 320mg/day
    • Men: 420mg/day

Depending on how much you are assimilating from your diet and how much your body is utilizing for its metabolic processes, supplementation is most often necessary for optimal health.

WHAT SUPPLEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE & WHICH ONES ARE BEST FOR ME?

AMINO ACID CHELATES

Magnesium supplements that are attached (chelated) to amino acids offer better bioavailability and increased stability, which allows for more of the nutrients to be properly utilized by the body and the amino acids themselves offer their own benefits.

  • The chelates can bypass the intestinal process of having to bind the mineral with its own carrier protein – the chelate with the amino acid is at a molecular weight that makes it readily absorbable
  • The chelate is bound tight enough that it does not separate in the stomach acid – it is not available to bind with the intestinal carrier proteins and the chelate is absorbed intact, thus making it more bioavailable.
  • Available magnesium chelates: 
    • Glycinate, Orotate, Malate, Threonate, Taurate
    • These amino acids all have their own individual benefits in addition to making the magnesium more bioavailable.

MAGNESIUM OXIDE & MAGNESIUM CITRATE

Magnesium bound to oxygen or citrate has a higher amount of elemental magnesium but elemental magnesium is poorly absorbed. This is why these two forms of magnesium cause the biggest laxative effect. If constipation is an issue you are battling, this type of magnesium may be helpful but cleaning out your intestinal tract through cleansing and cleaning up your diet is your best solution to overall health. Liana Shanti’s 66 Day Health Mastery Program is a fantastic way to do both.

MAGNESIUM SULFATE & MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE

Magnesium sulfate is best known as Epsom Salts.

Magnesium chloride is available from Ancient Minerals as bath salts, oil and lotion. 

These forms are both generally used topically. Both are a great way to absorb magnesium transdermally. When these salts are used in a bath it is extremely relaxing to the muscles and can ease aches and pains in addition to helping systemically through transdermal absorption. 

Magnesium salt baths can also help to lower high blood pressure and reduce stress levels. 

Magnesium chloride lotion and oil preparations (Ancient Minerals) can be used topically for muscle cramps and relaxation. They work quickly at the site to relax the muscles.

So many people living in the Western World are deficient in magnesium and minerals in general. Supplementing has become a necessity for our bodies.

WHAT ACTION STEPS CAN I TAKE TO GET MY MAGNESIUM INTO BALANCE? 

Ways to increase your magnesium levels.

  • REMOVE Processed/Refined foods and ADD more organic foods with higher mineral content!!! This is a great place to start. 
  • CLEARING toxins in addition to CLEANING UP your diet will BALANCE your body inside and out. 
  • Health Mastery Institute’s 66 Day Health Mastery Program is a fantastic way to help you on this journey to optimal health.
  • Try a magnesium bath before bed.
  • Use magnesium oil on your forearms or feet twice daily.
  • Consider taking a magnesium supplement daily, after checking with your physician.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

WHY ZINC? What is its relationship with Copper?

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Zinc is considered an essential nutrient, meaning that your body can’t produce or store it. For this reason, you must get a constant supply through your diet.

Zinc is important for many essential functions in your body. It supports immunity, energy production, hormone function, mood and the cardiovascular system.

The body uses Copper in energy production and to support bone, skin, and neurological and cardiovascular health.

Zinc and copper are two essential minerals that balance each other out. If you take too much zinc, this can decrease copper levels in your body, but together they create a powerful antioxidant enzyme (copper-zinc superoxide dismutase), which is a critical defense against oxidative stress.

Dietary Zinc and Copper intake has fallen over the past hundred years due to modern farming practices. Modern fruits, vegetables and conventional meats are lower in mineral and vitamin content.

Zinc needs to be replenished daily because it is only stored for short periods of time.

Unlike Zinc, Copper can readily accumulate in the body into toxic concentrations.

WHICH FOODS ARE HIGH IN ZINC?

  • Animal sources contain a form of zinc that your body easily absorbs
    • Meat: Beef, Pork, Lamb, Bison
    • Shellfish: Oysters, Crab, Mussels, Lobster, Clams
    • Fish: Flounder, Sardines, Salmon, Sole
  • Plant-Based sources are absorbed less efficiently because of other plant compounds that inhibit absorption
    • Legumes: Chickpeas, Lentils, Black Beans, Kidney Beans
    • Nuts
    • Seeds: Hemp, Pumpkin, Sesame
    • Eggs
    • Whole Grains: Quinoa, Oats, Rice
    • Certain Vegetables: Mushrooms, Kale, Peas, Asparagus, Beet Greens, Potatoes, Green Beans
    • Dark Chocolate

WHICH FOODS ARE HIGH IN COPPER?

  • Liver
  • Oysters
  • Lobster
  • Spirulina
  • Shiitake Mushrooms
  • Leafy Greens
  • Nuts & Seeds (Almonds, Cashews, Sesame Seeds)
  • Dark Chocolate

WHAT DOES ZINC DO?

  • Helps your immune system defend against viruses and bacteria
  • Supports your body’s protein production
  • Helps your body make DNA (genetic material in all cells)
  • Supports your senses of Smell and Taste. Because one of the enzymes crucial for proper taste and smell is dependent Zinc, a zinc deficiency can reduce your ability to taste or smell.
  • Helps wounds heal
  • Fundamental to Skin Health
  • Helps reduce your risk of age-related diseases

WHO IS AT RISK FOR ZINC DEFICIENCY?

  • Vegans/Vegetarians
  • People who consume large amounts of alcohol
  • Pregnant and Lactating women
  • Older infants who are exclusively breastfed
  • People who consume too much copper
  • People who are malnourished, including those with anorexia or bulimia
  • People who are not absorbing nutrients effectively
    • Those Taking Acid Blockers
    • Those Who Have Gut Dysbiosis/Leaky Gut
  • People with Certain Diseases
    • Chronic Renal Disease
    • Chronic Liver Disease
    • Diabetes
    • Sickle Cell Disease
    • Crohn’s Disease
    • Ulcerative Colitis

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF MILD ZINC DEFICIENCY?

  • Diarrhea
  • Decreased Immunity
  • Thinning Hair
  • Decreased Appetite
  • Mood Disturbances
  • Dry Skin
  • Fertility Issues
  • Impaired Wound Healing

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF GETTING TOO MUCH ZINC?

  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Low Copper Levels
  • Lower Immunity
  • Low Levels of ‘Good’ Cholesterol – HDL

WHAT ARE SIGNS OF A ZINC/COPPER IMBALANCE? (Most likely from elevated copper & low zinc)

  • Night Blindness
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Emotional Disturbances
  • Stress Intolerance
  • Frequent Panic Attacks & Headaches
  • Slow Wound Healing
  • Chronic Infections/Illnesses
  • Mental Lethargy
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • GI Issues, Diarrhea
  • Reduced Appetite/Weight Loss
  • Skin Issues: Acne/Eczema
  • Difficulty Digesting/Absorbing Protein

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED DAILY INTAKE (RDI) OF ZINC?

  • Men – 11 mg/day
  • Women – 8 mg/day
  • Pregnant & Breastfeeding Women – 12 mg/day
  • Unless a medical condition is hindering absorption, you should easily reach the RDI for zinc though diet alone
  • High-Dose zinc supplements can lead to dangerous side effects
  • Follow recommendations from your health professional and only take supplements when necessary. Typically a ratio of 15 mg of Zinc to 1 mg of Copper is recommended.
  • Ingesting too much zinc can cause deficiencies in other nutrients, like copper and iron
  • If you take supplements, choose chelated forms (the zinc is attached to an amino acid which makes it easier to pass into your intestines for absorption) like Zinc Picolinate (Thorne Brand or NOW Brand) or Zinc Orotate (Solgar Brand). Stay away from Zinc Oxide which is poorly absorbed

ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT YOUR LEVELS OF ZINC AND COPPER?

  • Try Thorne’s at-home Heavy Metals Test
  • This test provides insight into levels of heavy metals – cadmium, lead, and mercury – as well as the essential minerals zinc, copper, magnesium, and selenium, along with a personalized plan for optimizing your health.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases