Migraines and processed meats: The low-down
As a chronic sufferer of retinal migraines, and lacking in any effective medication, I turned to my own research. As a self-confessed carnivore, I found it incredibly difficult to learn, after some investigation, that meat (specifically, processed meat) could be the source of these increasingly traumatic attacks.
A study from the American Gut Project found that migraine sufferers typically contain a higher count of bacteria in their mouths that transforms the compound nitrate - found in processed meats - into nitrite. Unfortunately, this is what can cause health problems, in particular, migraines.
The significance of this is that processed meat (simply meaning to modify the meat from its original, fresh state) contains alarmingly high amounts of nitrate. The nitrate compound is added to certain meats to preserve the red colouring, prevent the growth of bacteria and prolong the shelf life, otherwise, meat would brown extremely quickly.
The science of nitrate
Nitrates are relatively harmless, with some medical professionals claiming that the health benefits include relieving chest pain, angina and heart failure. Nitrates can also be found in certain types of medication, as they relax the blood cells. However, it’s when the nitrate compound is transformed into nitrite by bacteria found in the mouth, that a health concern could occur.
If your mouth contains a high amount of bacteria that digest nitrate into nitrite, and suffer from migraines, this could be your trigger. Nitrite interrupts the blood flow and manipulates blood cells, causing sensitivity, which is what can trigger a vascular headache. The cause of this sensitivity and indeed the higher levels of oral bacteria remain under investigation.
How to identify if nitrate is your trigger
The simplest form of identifying if a certain vitamin or food triggers a health worry is to keep a food and health diary. Even if just in bullet point form, build this picture up over a number of weeks and note down when you suffer from a migraine. This diary will give you a good basis to identify what foods could be linked to your migraines.
After giving up meat for six months, I remained migraine-free. And, two years later, I’ve only suffered from two migraines - as opposed to my monthly attacks, prior to making my diet change. Turning meat-free Monday into a total lifestyle change hugely reduced my migraines.
What else contains nitrate
Surprisingly, lots of foods contain nitrates. It’s found in large quantities in leafy greens, beetroot, and celery, with varying degrees sourced from some cheeses and fish.
How to avoid nitrates
- Swap your strawberries for apples. Strawberries and other ground/vine-based fruits, including grapes and raspberries, are naturally high in nitrate as they grow closely, surrounded by nitrate-rich soil. The theory goes that the higher the fruit is growing from the ground, the less nitrate it includes, so apples or pears would be a suitable alternative.
- Go Organic. In the UK, over 95% of the ingredients of produce must be organic for the title to be applied, significantly reducing your nitrate intake.
- Check your water source. This is particularly important in rural areas where levels of nitrate are commonly higher as a groundwater contaminant.
- Avoid the ingredient potassium or sodium nitrate. These ingredients are alternative forms of preservatives often added to meat.
- Ditch the ‘cured’ or ‘smoked’ labelled foods. To prolong the shelf life, these meats will commonly contain nitrate.
Whilst at Nutritionist Resource, we think self-education is a powerful tool, it is always advisable to seek advice from your GP about any changes to your diet, particularly where health conditions are concerned. A nutrition professional can guide and advise you on any diet and lifestyle changes you hope to make.
The study of nitrate is ongoing with the healthy vs unhealthy debate still ambiguous. However, we’re all individuals and, if migraines are hampering your daily life, you might want to consider giving up the meat. Going veggie turned my life around.