{"id":50,"date":"2017-05-31T21:51:06","date_gmt":"2017-05-31T21:51:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.vldental.net\/blog\/?p=50"},"modified":"2017-06-09T21:52:46","modified_gmt":"2017-06-09T21:52:46","slug":"dentist-richmond","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vldental.net\/blog\/2017\/05\/31\/dentist-richmond\/","title":{"rendered":"Dentist in Richmond Explains a Surprising Cause of Headaches"},"content":{"rendered":"\"TheIf you frequently suffer from headaches or migraines, it\u2019s time to find some relief. You may be surprised to learn that the solution could come from cutting back on some of your favorite foods, like bacon, red wine, and chocolate. Worried? Let us explain. Your dentist in Richmond, <\/span>Dr. Hoa Vong<\/span><\/a>, discusses the link between headaches and nitrate-filled foods in this week\u2019s blog post.<\/span>\r\n\r\n\r\n

Oral Bacteria and Chronic Headaches: Connected?<\/span><\/h2>\r\nA recent study<\/span><\/a> from the descriptively titled <\/span>American Gut Project<\/span><\/a> suggests a connection between chronic headaches and a certain strain of gut bacteria. When this specific type of bacteria, which is also present in the mouth, comes into contact with nitrates from food and beverages, they let off nitric oxide — which can lead to headaches. In the study, migraine sufferers were also more likely to have this type of oral bacteria. <\/span>\r\n\r\nWhat could be the link? It has to do with your blood flow. When you eat nitrates, your body converts them to nitrite. For people suffering from heart problems, nitrites are good because they increase circulation. But this same dilation and inflammation also seems to trigger headaches in people who are prone to them. <\/span>\r\n

Adjust Your Diet to Reduce Headaches<\/span><\/h2>\r\nAs evidence surrounding the link between your oral bacteria and migraines mounts, it\u2019s possible that someday there may be a treatment to target this strain of bacteria. But today, the best method is to try reducing the amount of nitrates in your diet. <\/span>\r\n\r\nCommon foods containing nitrates include:<\/span>\r\n