The link between Tyramine and Migraines
BlogsThe link between Tyramine and Migraines
By,
Yulia Maly, MD | 10/15/2015
In some people certain foods and beverages can trigger a
migraine. One well-known migraine trigger is Tyramine.
Tyramine is a substance found naturally in many foods,
particularly in aged and fermented foods. Such foods include, among others:
- Aged cheese
- Aged chicken liver
- Pickled and smoked seafood
- Canned soups
- Cured meats
- Beer (on tap and certain other types)
- Some
red wines (such as Chianti)
The concentration of Tyramine in the foods will increase
exponentially due to extended or improper storage of the food.
Discovery of a Link
Between Tyramine and Headaches
Scientists have long known that Tyramine is harmful to
people's health in some cases. The discovery of the Migraine triggering effect
of Tyramine dates back to the 1940s. Tyramine is biogenic amine compound
derived from amino acid Tyrosine. In the human body Tyramine releases
catecholamines epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. Ingestion of
Tyramine-rich foods, coupled with reduced activity of an enzyme responsible for
breaking it down - Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) - can trigger vasoactive response
leading to migraines, cluster headaches and even hypertensive crisis. In some
individuals this enzyme is not produced in sufficient quantities due to either
an organic condition or effect of medications known as Monoamine Oxidase
inhibitors. These drugs, used to treat depression, have been on the market for
over half a century, and are directly linked to headaches in some people. Foods
rich in Tyramine are specifically contraindicated for individuals on MAO
therapy.
In a 2010 study, headache researchers interviewed 200 people
with migraines regarding factors that triggered their headaches. 18% reported
that their diet was a triggering factor. The specific foods that came up most
often included cheese and hot dogs.
Another study from the same year included 126 people who had
migraine with an "aura." It also found that cheese triggered
migraines in some individuals.
Certain other factors contributing to high levels of
Tyramine in the blood stream include smoking, excessive consumption of alcohol,
and elevated estrogen among others.
How to Check if
Tyramine is Your Migraine Trigger
Keeping a diary of your headaches for several months can
help you and your doctor determine whether Tyramine or another trigger (food
related or not) may be linked to your migraines. Document the time and date
that a migraine begins. Then answer these questions:
- How exactly does the migraine feel?
- If you're a woman, where does the migraine episode fall
in your menstrual cycle?
- What have you eaten recently?
- Have
you been exposed to other common headache triggers, such as a change in
altitude, change in temperature, strong smells, bright lights, loud
noises, changes in sleep habits, or unusual stress?
It's worth keeping in mind that headaches may not begin for
24 hours or later after you eat certain trigger foods. As a result, including
the foods you've eaten during the past day or two may help you learn if
Tyramine could be a trigger for your migraines.