Key Highlights: 

• Tyramine is a naturally occurring amino acid 
• Found in some fermented and aged foods 
• May help regulate blood pressure, but excess can cause migraines and high blood pressure 
• Interaction with Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can be harmful 
• Knowing which foods are high in tyramine can help manage health issues 
• Following a low-tyramine diet may be beneficial for those with migraines or taking MAOIs 
   

Introduction 

Certain Food types can stir up health issues for some people. One’s diet can impact their health tremendously. One such component of the diet is Tyramine. This stuff might impact your health, more so if you catch migraines easily or use certain pills. It’s key to learn about the task of tyramine-rich foods in your meals and how to bring about the right diet tweaks. 

In this blog, we’ll look at what tyramine does, its natural sources, and what it does to health. We’ll also delve into the tie between tyramine and Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs). We’ll examine the reach of tyramine on headaches and blood pressure balance. Lastly, we’ll talk about food types to keep away from or lessen to hold to a low-tyramine diet. 

What Is Tyramine? 

Tyramine is formed from the amino acid called tyrosine. This acid forms an important link for proteins. Tyramine does many tasks in the body, one being blood pressure control. Most of the time, tyramine is harmless, but it can lead to health issues in specific events. 

Chemical structure and properties 

Tyramine falls under the large family of compounds known as monoamines. Among them are brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. Its form is close to these brain chemicals and helps with signal passing within the nerves. 

Natural occurrence in foods 

Certain food types, especially those that go through aging or brewing steps, house tyramine. It is seen often in aged cheeses, cured meats, soy items, wine, and some aged veggies. 

Formation during the fermentation and aging process 

As food ages and brews, proteins break down into smaller parts like tyramine. For some foods, tyramine amounts soar during the aging step. This causes high tyramine levels in the end product. 

Health Impact of Tyramine 

Tyramine is usually present in our bodies and it’s mostly harmless. But too much of it can spark health issues. This is more common in people who react intensely to its effects or are on certain pills. 

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tyramine 

Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme in the body that degrades monoamines like dopamine, noradrenaline, tyramine, serotonin, etc. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) inhibit the monoamine oxidase thus increasing the levels of monoamines and were made to handle mental issues like depression and worry. These pills work well but can cross paths with tyramine. This can result in bad side effects that could be damaging.MAOIs prevent the enzyme from breaking tyramine down in the body. Thus, those on MAOIs risk high tyramine levels in their blood. This could result in unwanted effects like a sudden blood pressure rise, also known as a hypertensive crisis. Now if someone using an MAOI eats food rich in tyramine, there can be a risky build-up of tyramine. High levels could then lead to serious health problems, such as a rise in blood pressure. This could result in a stroke, heart attack, or other life-threatening issues. 

Migraines and headaches 

Tyramine has been tied to migraines and headaches for some people. We don’t fully understand why just yet. However, it may be that certain substances released in response to tyramine may lead to the expansion and shrinking of vessels in the brain that may set off migraines. Therefore, by following a diet low in tyramine, one can reduce the risk of getting migraines. 

Blood pressure regulation 

As noted before, tyramine helps keep blood pressure in check by pushing out chemicals that make blood vessels expand and contract. But, if tyramine levels in the body get too high, it could lead to sudden blood pressure spikes. This could be bad news, more so in people who already have high blood pressure issues. Thus, monitoring the intake of tyramine via diet is of paramount importance. 

Tyramine sensitivity 

Some people might be more sensitive to tyramine than others. This sensitivity might be due to genes, existing health issues, or other causes we don’t fully understand as of now. 

Symptoms and causes 

People who are sensitive to tyramine might feel a range of things, like headaches, migraines, fast heartbeat, and flushing. High tyramine levels in the body trigger these feelings. This could come from eating foods loaded with tyramine. 

How to manage tyramine sensitivity 

If you think you might be sensitive to tyramine, it’s crucial to talk to a healthcare expert. They can help figure out why you have those symptoms. They might suggest sticking to a low-tyramine diet to cut down the risk of a reaction. They can guide you on food choices and other options that are right for your specific needs and likes. 

 Here’s a quick summary of the above-mentioned points: 

Foods High in Tyramine 

Knowing high-tyramine foods will help people pick which ones to stay away from or limit in their diet. Below, we’ll show you a list of high, moderate, and low or no tyramine foods. 

Categorizing tyramine content in foods 

Food can be divided into three big groups based on their tyramine levels: high, moderate, and low or no. 

1. High tyramine foods 

These include: 

• Aged cheeses (like cheddar, blue, Swiss, and Parmesan) 
• Fermented or cured meats (like salami, pepperoni, summer sausage) 
• Fermented soy products (like miso, tempeh, soy sauce) 
• Some fruits and veggies (like overripe bananas, and avocados) 
   

2. Moderate tyramine foods 

These include: 

• Some dairy items (like American cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta) 
• Certain fruits and veggies (like citrus, raspberries, eggplant) 
• Chocolate 
   

3. Low or no tyramine foods 

These include: 

• Fresh, frozen, canned meats and fish 
• Fresh, canned, frozen fruits and veggies 
• Dairy products that are not fermented (like milk, and yogurt) 
   

Examples of foods to avoid or limit 

To better track your tyramine intake, take note of the following foods to steer clear of or limit: 

1. Protein-rich foods and aged/fermented products 

Some high-tyramine protein foods include aged cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese, cured meats, salami, and smoked fish. It’s key to eat these sparingly or not at all if you’re trying to limit your tyramine intake. 

2. Certain vegetables and fruits 

Overripe bananas and avocados, along with some veggies like eggplant and raspberries can also carry lots of tyramine. Aim for fresh produce to keep tyramine levels low. 

3. Alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks 

Alcoholic drinks, like beer and red wine, can have different tyramine levels. Some coffee or tea drinks may also carry tyramine. It’s best to drink alcohol sparingly and opt for decaf versions of your favorite drinks if you’re concerned about tyramine intake. 

Here’s a quick heads-up on the next box: 

Following a Low-Tyramine Diet 

If a healthcare provider has suggested you stick to a low-tyramine diet, follow these steps to make the change smoother: 

1. Tips for limiting tyramine intake 

• Go with fresh instead of aged or brewed foods 
• Store food right and eat it as soon as you can 
• Cook food in ways that cut down tyramine levels (like steaming or boiling) 
   

2. Low-tyramine meal plan example 

Here’s a meal plan sample including low-tyramine foods: 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas 

• Fresh fruit smoothie with yogurt 
• Grilled chicken salad with fresh veggies and a light vinaigrette 
• Steamed fish with quinoa and mixed veggies on the side 
   

3. Snack options 

• Apple slices with almond butter 
• Carrots with hummus 
• Low-fat Greek yogurt with a few berries 
   

When to seek professional advice 

If you think a low-tyramine diet might be good for you, talk about it with a dietitian or a healthcare provider. They can help you build a food plan that fits you. 

Have a look at the next box: 

Conclusion 

Knowing the role of tyramine in health and where high-tyramine foods come from can help people make smart food choices. For those who react strongly to tyramine or are on MAOIs now, following a low-tyramine diet is key to avoid the risk of harmful side effects. 

It’s important to keep in mind how tyramine can affect health. Also, know which foods to cut down on or skip. Talking with a dietitian or a healthcare provider can go a long way in dealing with tyramine issues and boost overall health. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

References: 

1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848 

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10. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Biochemistry, Tyramine [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK563197 

11. American Heart Association. Hypertensive Crisis: When You Should Call 911 for High Blood Pressure [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/hypertensive-crisis-when-you-should-call-911-for-high-blood-pressure 

12. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Hypertensive crisis and cheese [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738414 

13. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines, and salicylates: a review of the evidence [Internet]. [cited 2023 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4604636