Migraines caused by certain bacteria in mouth, study reveals

Migraines can be costly, personally and professionally. Philippine Daily Inquirer report notes that migraine affects at least 17.6 percent of women, and 5.7 percent of men in the Philippines.

Source: Radio One

Migraines can simply be classified as chronic or episodic. Chronic Migraines are frequent, severe, pulsating headaches accompanied by nausea, vomiting, with light and sound sensitivity. It can occur over 15 times a month for at least 150 times yearly. The episodes could last from hours to a few days and occur less often. 

American Gut Project research reveals that people who suffer from migraines had more microbes in their mouth. Microbes break down the nitrates in certain food and converts them to nitric oxide. Once introduced to the bloodstream, nitric oxide widens the blood vessels and improves circulation. 

Food Triggers

Source: NHS Sources

Certain greens and leafy vegetables process nitrates naturally. Manufacturers add nitrates to meat as a preservative to improve flavor and color. The findings suggests that too much of this bacteria breaks down nitrates quicker than needed. As a result, the blood vessels and scalp dilate, triggering the dreaded severe head aches. Processed foods are more likely to cause severe headaches as well: chocolate, cheese, red wine, monosodium glutamate, and artificial sweeteners.

Dr. Zitney of Toronto Headache & Pain Relief Centre mentioned that migraine sufferers are advised to avoid processed food for years now. In general, temperate changes, vigorous physical exercise, hypertension, heat, fatigue, flickering lights, extremely bright lights, and strong aromas of gasoline and perfume can spark migraine. For women, factors such as menstruation, menopause, oral contraceptives, pregnancy and postmenopausal therapy may likewise trigger the pain.

 The Study

The groundbreaking research was from the American Gut Project, which crowd sources oral and fecal samples from citizen-scientists. They investigated the bacteria found in 170 oral samples and 2000 fecal samples. The researchers found a huge amount of nitrate-reducing microbes on the fecal samples of those who suffer from migraines. The researchers extracted more specimens in their oral samples, significantly. They are conducting further studies to verify the link between the bacteria and migraines. Dr. Zitney is optimistic that the data could be used to discover migraine medicine to control bacteria in the mouth.

“This may be just a glimmer of hope in terms of pursuing possible treatments,” he says.