Tyramine is a natural substance found in protein-based foods and forms from the breakdown of protein which can trigger a severe hypertension resulting in migraine. It is an amine which causes elevated blood pressure and tachycardia by displacing norepinephrine from storage vesicles. It is generally produced by decarboxylation of the amino acid tyrosine during fermentation of food products.
Foods containing high levels of Tyramine that must be avoided by migraine sufferers are:
1. Cheeses. Most aged cheeses have high concentrations of tyramine. Example: blue cheese, Camembert cheese, Cheddar cheese, Roquefort cheese, Stilton cheese, and Swiss cheese.
2. Fruits. Avocados contain tyrmine especially overripe ones. Banana peels contain significant levels of tyramine and dopamine. Other fruits that may contain tyramine are overripe and dried fruits. Common fruits that may contain significant levels of tyramine include eggplant, grapes, figs, pineapples, oranges, prunes, plums, raspberries, papaya, tomatoes and raisins.
3. Processed Food. Example, vegemite, sauerkraut and shrimp paste contain high tyramine levels.
4. Meat and Fish. Matured liver and meat contain high amounts of tyramine. Also, processed meat, cured or pickled meats and meat by-products and broth often contains high levels of tyramine. Example, chicken liver and beef liver.
5. Soy. Basically all soy products but mainly fermented ones contain high levels of tyramine. Aside from soybeans, other soy products such as soy sauce, tofu, miso and teriyaki sauce. Also, fava beans, garbanzo beans, lima beans, and pinto beans.
6. Nuts and Chocolate. Chocolate does not contain appreciable amounts of tyramine but does contain other ingredients such as caffeine and phenylethylamine, substances that can constrict blood vessels that can lead to migraine headache.
Great amounts of nuts, peanuts, peanut butter, coconuts and Brazil nuts may trigger hypertensive reactions and headache.
