Folate and Migraines

Lyn Griffiths led a research study through QUT’s Institute of Health to look at the effectiveness of certain vitamins and minerals for migraine sufferers.  Specifically the study focused on the affect dietary folate has on migraines.

In the research study, 141 women were observed.  All of these women suffered from migraines, and their folate intake was measured to see if there was any correlation between folate consumption and migraine symptoms.

The results showed a definitely a connection between dietary folate and migraine symptoms.  When folate consumption was lower, the migraine symptoms would increase and with higher folate consumption, there was a decrease in the frequency of migraine headaches.

The results of this study and other similar studies done on folate indicate that a change in diet would be an effective way to decrease the disabling effects of migraine symptoms.

In addition to helping migraine, folate has also shown to help reduce the prevalence of other serious health problems such as cancer, blood diseases, and birth defects.

So how the heck can you get ore folate in your diet?

Here’s a list of foods you should be including in your diet to increase your folate intake… even if you don’t have migraines

• Broccoli

• Turnip Greens

• Black Beans

• Navy Beans

• Kidney Beans

• Spinach

• Asparagus

• Pinto Beans

• Garbanzo Beans

• Lentils

As always, it’s best to get your nutrients from real foods instead of supplements.  But, if you have a difficult time getting a sufficient amount of folate from your diet, then you might consider using a high quality supplement as well.

If you do decide to use a supplement, be selective about the type of supplement that you’re buying to ensure the quality.  Often times folic acid (folate) supplements are synthetic products that don’t offer the same health benefits that are available from natural sources of folate.

Remember… foods first, supplements second.