We always recommend exercise as one of the most effective preventive treatments for migraines and tension-type headaches. However, it appears that some patients may have difficult time exercising because of low vitamin D levels. Vitamin D receptors are located within muscle and are important for normal muscle activity. Michael Hooten and colleagues discovered that pain clinic patients who had low vitamin D levels had lower exercise tolerance as well as lower general health perception than patients with normal levels. Most people are familiar with the role of vitamin D in bone health. However, it has many other functions in the body. In addition to exercise tolerance, another unexpected effect of vitamin D deficiency is to worsen symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux, which causes heartburn and other symptoms. Taking vitamin D supplements relieves reflux symptoms in some patients. Many people are not taking sufficient amounts of vitamin D. If deficiency is documented by a blood test, patients usually need to take 1000-2000 units a day.
