Does Choline Help With Migraines

Research shows that there is a correlation between neurological transmissions and choline. In addition, there is research that indicates a similar relationship between choline and the improvement of neurological diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Looking at all of this research can you conclude that choline will help with migraines as well?

To start with there is some research in the natural health arena's that supports a direct link between choline levels and migraine headaches. Most research in this area dates back to the mid 1980's. Research shows that the choline level in red blood cells was significantly lower in those suffering from migraines than in those who were not. The cause of these lower levels is unknown. Many natural health professionals have made the correlation that if you increase choline levels then you will reduce the occurrences of migraine headaches.

Adding additional choline to your diet if you are suffering from migraines will not adversely affect you or your health. There are no USDA or FDA recommendations for this nutrient. It is not a vitamin; scientifically it is considered an essential nutrient. In addition, you can not just add choline to your diet in the form of a supplement. It has to be in the form of lecithin, or phosphatidylcholine or glycerylphosphorycholine. Check the ingredients on any supplement for these items if you are looking to add additional choline into your diet.

It makes sense that the addition of choline into your diet will help reduce the occurrence of migraine headaches. Ensuring that proper neurotransmission are occurring in the body, including those from the spine and brain to the muscles, choline helps to reduce the instances of migraines. Many experts feel that migraines can be triggered by stress and muscle tension in the neck area. Proper signals from the spine to the muscles will reduce this tension. Overall circumstantial evidence is pointing to the fact that migraine headaches can be helped with the daily supplementation of choline in the diet. This can be in addition to consuming foods that are choline rich. It is difficult to overdose on choline as you would have to ingest mega-doses of supplements. Mega-dosing is never recommended.

It seems that choline does help with migraines. Although the evidence is circumstantial, the benefits of choline supplementation far outweigh doing nothing. There are many benefits to including this nutrient in your supplementation regiment as it not only helps with the reduction of migraines but it supports overall health as well.