5 Ways to Stop a Migraine Before it Starts

Countless people suffer from debilitating migraines that seriously disrupt their lives. While experts still don't fully understand the exact causes, they have identified specific triggers that can make an attack more likely. If you suffer from migraines, learn how to stop an attack before it ever has a chance to start.
Get plenty of sleep. Poor sleeping habits are a well-known risk factor for migraines. In fact, research has shown that many people experience a dramatic reduction in attacks when they get seven to nine hours of sleep every night. That said, too much sleep and irregular sleeping patterns have also been shown to increase the risk of migraines in certain people. This is why it's so important to go to bed and get up at the same time every single day, even on weekends and holidays.
Exercise more. According to research appearing in the journal Cephalalgia, regular exercise can be just as effective as migraine medications, when it comes to preventing attacks. While they can't say for sure, experts believe exercise helps to reduce the risk of attacks by promoting the release of endorphins, while also increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood. To get the full benefits, however, it's important to exercise for a minimum of 40 minutes, at least three times a week.
Get more riboflavin. A study published in the European Journal of Neurology found that people were able to reduce migraine occurrence by taking 400 mg of riboflavin daily. Also known as vitamin B2, riboflavin is found in nuts, eggs, meat, milk, green vegetables and enriched flour. While you can increase your intake by taking supplements, you are more likely to experience any potential benefits by getting your riboflavin from natural food sources.

Consume more magnesium. According to research appearing in NeuroSciences, migraine patients tend to have significantly lower levels of magnesium when compared to the general population. Magnesium can be found in a variety of healthy foods, including spinach, pumpkin seeds, almonds, black beans, avocados, bananas and dark chocolate.
See a doctor. While there is no cure for migraines, there are a variety of modern medications that have been shown to offer relief for many people. For some patients, these medications can stop a migraine right in its tracks. For others, they can significantly lesson symptoms. Talk to a doctor to find out if these medications are appropriate for your migraine symptoms.