Mouth Bacteria May Be Linked to Migraines
Are you suffering from headaches and migraines? You might have to blame your mouth. Though it has long been considered that certain foods trigger migraines, a new study suggests that the bacteria from the food left in the mouth may be one of the reasons causing the unbearable headaches.
According to a new research, people with migraines also had significantly larger amounts of bacteria in their mouth. This bacteria has the ability to break down nitrates found in certain foods. Nitrates, when converted to nitric oxide, widen blood vessels and help circulation.
What are Nitrates?
Nitrates are found in foods such as leafy green vegetables and processed meats as well as in certain medicines. They can be modified into “nitrites” by the bacteria in the mouth. The nitrites can be converted to nitric oxide under certain conditions.