Food nitrates are chemicals used as preservatives, particularly in processed meats. The primary compound prevents botulism from forming. When cooked in meat, nitrates attract amines to form potentially carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds that are associated with bladder, brain and stomach cancer, according to the Cancer Prevention Coalition. Nitrates may lead to a number of conditions, especially if you have an allergy or sensitivity to the chemical.
Headaches
Migraine headaches are a source of anxiety for those who suffer from the pounding pain. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 30 percent of migraine headaches are related to a sensitivity to chemical preservatives. Physical symptoms of migraine headaches include sensitivity to light, abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea and blurred vision. Most migraine patients get warning signs within an hour of the onset of the pain. Depression, fatigue or anxiety precedes a migraine about 80 to 90 percent of the time. You should keep a food diary if you have migraines to identify the source of your reactions. You may be able to eliminate a significant number of migraines if you avoid nitrates.
Natural Sources
Nitrates are a common form of nitrogen found in most soil. Plants use the nitrates for nutrition. According to Colorado State University, nitrates are found in fertilizer, septic systems and feedlots for animals. Nitrates often leach into the groundwater; when the soil contains excessively high amounts, you may experience side effects when you drink the contaminated water.
According to Colorado State University, many parents experience severe anxiety when they discover their babies turning blue from nitrate exposure. Adults who have a reduction in stomach acidity and pregnant women also may be susceptible to nitrate poisoning from plants. The most common symptom is a bluish color to the skin. Blue baby syndrome or methemoglobinemia, requires immediate emergency medical care.
Medicine
Doctors use nitrates for medicinal purposes to treat angina and chest pain. Symptoms of congestive heart failure are relieved with nitrates that cause blood vessels to dilate and expand. Veins relax, allowing a smoother flow of blood and taking pressure off your heart. Nitrates are prescribed in pill, topical lotion or spray form. Nitrates can interact with other medications. If you take drugs for sexual dysfunction, you could experience symptoms that include restlessness and anxiety, dizziness, low blood pressure and blurred vision. You shouldn't use nitrates if you have severe headaches, kidney or liver disease or if you've recently had a stroke or heart attack.
Warning
You can't rely on nitrates to prevent all bacteria from forming in food. Food preservatives don't guarantee that you won't develop foodborne illnesses or infections from the processed food you eat. Listeriosis is a serious illness that commonly develops after eating processed meats, hot dogs and soft processed cheese, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Older adults, pregnant women, newborns and people with compromised immune systems are most vulnerable to the effects of the listeria bacteria. Confusion, anxiety, headaches and a stiff neck are common side effects of listeriosis. Pregnant women contaminated by listeria may miscarry, have a premature delivery or deliver a baby with a life-threatening infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
