Nitrate Allergy: Understanding Headaches & Symptoms

Nitrates are chemicals found in many foods and are used as preservatives. Many people are sensitive to this chemical and can develop serious headaches or even migraines from a nitrate allergy.

Nitrate Allergy

• Nitrates can cause different symptoms in different people. Many suffer from headaches, but often they experience other symptoms such as asthma, urticaria or rhinitis.

Natural Sources of Nitrates

• Nitrates are found naturally in a number of vegetables, such as potatoes, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and lettuce.

Foods Preserved with Nitrates

• Many cured pork products, including ham and salami, are preserved with nitrates. It is also commonly used in making wine.

Nitrate Reaction

• Nitrates react in the body to become nitrites, and this chemical reaction leaches oxygen out of the bloodstream.

Nitrite Reactions

• Nitrites are the real cause of the headache. They can also cause flushing of the skin of the face and neck or a gray pallor due to a lack of oxygen.