Migraine patients often hear doctors recommend the maintenance of a journal in order to determine personal triggers. 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.
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What Are Nitrates and How Do They Trigger Migraines?
Nitrates are common ingredients of red wine and chocolate. So, while the known migraine triggers are chocolate and wine, 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 what triggers episodes. 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 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 episodes 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. As a result, inhibition in blood flow to the brain, or blockage of the cerebrospinal fluid drainage may occur. These conditions can lead to neurological disorder and other neurovascular problems.
Natural Relief for the Neurological Condition
Many have found that by having such a misalignment corrected, migraine severity and frequency is greatly reduced. Some have even found that their headaches resolve completely. If you are suffering from this debilitating condition, 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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