Migraine patients are often encouraged to maintain a journal in order to determine personal triggers. Migraine triggers vary from person to person. While food and drink are actually some of the less common triggers, most who do experience migraines after eating or drinking attribute the problem to nitrates.
What Are Nitrates and How Do They Trigger Migraines?
Nitrates are commonly found in red wine, chocolate, and cured meats (to name few popular items). So while chocolate and wine are often held up as migraine triggers, the problem is actually that they contain nitrates. What do nitrates have to do with this common neurological condition?
Researchers are actually unsure about why nitrates trigger migraines, but some recent research attempts to connect nitrates to an increase in bad mouth bacteria. This, in turn, is thought to give way to migraines. Those who conducted the study admit that more research is needed to see if this connection is real or coincidental.
Migraine Triggers Versus an Underlying Cause
Avoiding migraine triggers can help to reduce how often migraines occur, but don’t confuse triggers for the underlying problem. Eating chocolate isn’t the reason a person begins experiencing migraines in the first place. There is one very common thing among migraine patients, however.
Many find the onset of migraines follows head or neck trauma such as whiplash or a concussion due to a car accident or sports injury. These injuries frequently cause a misalignment of the C1 and C2 vertebrae. A misalignment here can put pressure on the brainstem or spinal cord. Blood flow to the brain may be inhibited, or cerebrospinal fluid drainage may be blocked. These conditions can lead to migraines and other neurovascular problems.
Natural Relief from Migraines
Many have found that by having such a misalignment corrected, migraine severity and frequency is greatly reduced. Some have even found that migraines resolve completely. If you are suffering from migraines, especially if you have a history of head or neck injury, contact an upper cervical chiropractor near you to learn if a gentle adjustment may be your first step toward better overall health.
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Dr. Erwin
900 Fulton Avenue, Suite 102
Sacramento, CA 95825
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