70 percent of Americans are deficient in magnesium, and only 30 to 40 percent of people get at least 75 percent of the daily recommended value of it, which is 400 milligrams. In relation to headaches and migraines, magnesium effects the production of pain managing chemicals in the brain like serotonin. It also helps to open blood vessels in the brain, thereby improving circulation and reducing tension. Dr. Burton Altura, professor of physiology and medicine at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn stated that 50 to 60 percent of his migraine patients were deficient in magnesium, but once they began treatment of the proper daily amounts they often experienced immediate relief.

Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and boosts production of the feel-good hormones called endorphins, which in turn help to fight migraines. Physical activity will also help to release and relieve muscle tension that adds to stress related headaches. A study of over 43,000 Swedish people showed that both men and women alike were less likely to experience migraines or recurring headaches if they got 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise 5 times a week.

In some cases you can prevent a migraine from coming to fruition by performing simple acupressure treatments on yourself when you feel their symptoms begin to materialize. Use your right thumb on the webbing at the base of your left thumb and index finger, and your right index finger on the palm side. Apply pressure and massage/squeeze the area with short, circular motions for a couple of minutes. Repeat the same action on the right.

A recent study performed at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH shows a link between gum/periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis.  The study found that when arthritis sufferers treated their periodontal condtitions that their arthritis related symptoms diminished.  This makes sense as both are inflammatory diseases, and further goes to show that improved oral health can lead to better overall health.  With that being said, don't forget to stock up on OraMD for your oral health or Daily Effects for helping to ease those daily aches and pains.

• Magnesium

Magnesium deficiencies can lead to numerous health conditions, but did you know that high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, was one of them? Magnesium helps balance calcium in your system by dilating the muscles in arteries that calcium causes to contract. If magnesium levels are too low, the muscles in the artery walls stay constricted and cause more pressure on the blood flowing through them. Not many foods other than fish are very high in magnesium, so a supplement or fish oil capsules are a good alternative to help keep balance as well as provide other helpful nutrients like vitamin d and omega 3 fatty acids.

• Potassium

The body’s cells need a balance of minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium in order to function. Most people ingest more sodium through salt and carbonated drinks than they do potassium, and this can cause an imbalance between the two. When sodium levels are too high, the kidneys may struggle to dispose of it, and in some cases vascular systems near them will close off in order to raise blood pressure, which will in turn push the kidneys to dump the excess waste products your body doesn’t need or want. Potassium supplements are available to help keep balance, but you can also get plenty from fruits and green vegetables, and even some fish like tuna or halibut.

• Garlic

Garlic contains an organic compound called allicin, which has been shown to affect lipids in the bloodstream. This can reduce cholesterol, and its damaging effects to the walls of your blood vessels. Supplements are available if you’re concerned about odor issues from whole garlic, although you get the maximum benefits of it when taken whole. Two to three cloves per day are recommended for treating hypertension.

• Fats

Everyone knows how bad saturated and trans fats are, but are you aware of the positive benefits of those good fats that exist? Polyunsaturated fats can help improve the levels of the good forms of cholesterol in your system, and also help keep blood pressure down. These are found mostly in plants like corn, soy, safflower and sunflower, whereas unhealthy saturated fats are mostly found in meats and dairy products.