Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSide Effects of High TyramineFoods High in TyramineDo I Need to Restrict My Intake?Frequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Side Effects of High Tyramine
Foods High in Tyramine
Do I Need to Restrict My Intake?
Frequently Asked Questions
Tyramineis formed from the amino acid tyrosine and plays a role inblood pressureregulation. It is found naturally in the body and a variety of foods.
People prone tomigrainesor those who takemonoamine oxidase inhibitors(MAOI) may need to limit their intake of foods rich in tyramine.
Learn more about how naturally occurring sources of tyramine affect the body and whether you need to avoid certain foods.
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Ingestion of high tyramine-containing foods in people taking MAOIs producesheadaches,blurry vision, chest pain, andpalpitations(a change in the way the heart beats) associated with hypertension,intracranial hemorrhages, and myocardial injury.
Migraines and Headaches
The enzyme monoamine oxidase breaks down tyramine.For people taking MAOIs, this enzyme is stopped, increasing levels of tyramine in the blood.
Higher levels of tyramine are associated with an increased risk of headaches and migraines; therefore, people who use MAOIs may experience more migraines.These headaches are likely to occur because tyramine causes nerve cells to releasenorepinephrine, changing chemical levels in the brain, which leads to pain.
High Blood Pressure
MAOIs treat various symptoms, including anxiety disorder, depression, and early stages ofParkinson’s disease. High levels of tyramine can cause ahypertensive crisis, which occurs when a sudden rise in blood pressure is considered a medical emergency. Symptoms include:
Some foods are naturally higher in tyramine. Tyramine levels also increase when food is aged orfermented. Foods higher in tyramine may need to be omitted or limited. Your amount will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and medications. Some foods high in tyramine include:
Foods Low in Tyramine
Other foods contain little to no tyramine. Eating fresh foods and avoiding leftover, spoiled, or overripe foods is recommended.
Sample Low-Tyrosine Meal PlanBreakfast: Whole-grain cereal or oatmeal with low-fat milk (or milk alternative), berries, chia or hemp seed, and a dash of cinnamonLunch: Grilled chicken salad with herbed vinaigrette and roasted sweet potatoes, and an appleSnack: Hummus and carrotsDinner: Pan-seared salmon with sautéed vegetables and quinoaSnack: Low-fat Greek yogurt with chopped cherries
Sample Low-Tyrosine Meal Plan
Breakfast: Whole-grain cereal or oatmeal with low-fat milk (or milk alternative), berries, chia or hemp seed, and a dash of cinnamonLunch: Grilled chicken salad with herbed vinaigrette and roasted sweet potatoes, and an appleSnack: Hummus and carrotsDinner: Pan-seared salmon with sautéed vegetables and quinoaSnack: Low-fat Greek yogurt with chopped cherries
Breakfast: Whole-grain cereal or oatmeal with low-fat milk (or milk alternative), berries, chia or hemp seed, and a dash of cinnamon
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with herbed vinaigrette and roasted sweet potatoes, and an apple
Snack: Hummus and carrots
Dinner: Pan-seared salmon with sautéed vegetables and quinoa
Snack: Low-fat Greek yogurt with chopped cherries
You may need to restrict your tyramine intake if you suffer from chronic migraines. This is especially true if you notice that certain foods trigger your migraines. A healthcare provider or registered dietitian (RD) can help youidentify triggersand create a meal plan that fits your individual needs.
If you take MAOIs, you will need to limit your intake of tyramine. If you have any questions, discuss them with your medical team.
Summary
Tyramine is a natural compound found in many different types of foods. High levels of tyramine are associated with headaches, migraines, and high blood pressure. People who take certain medications and are prone to migraines may need to follow a low tyramine diet and choose foods like fruits and vegetables, dairy, fresh chicken, nuts, and seeds. Foods high in tyramine include aged cheeses, chocolate, cured meats, fermented foods, and more. Discuss your needs with your healthcare provider.
A Word From Verywell
Frequently Asked QuestionsPeople who suffer from chronic headaches, migraines, high blood pressure, and those who take certain medications should follow a low tyramine diet.Monoamine oxidase inhibitors interact with tyramine and can result in high levels of tyramine, increasing the risk of headaches and hypertensive crises.This amount will depend on whether or not you are taking any medications that can cause elevated tyramine levels in your blood. Discuss exact amounts with your healthcare provider.
People who suffer from chronic headaches, migraines, high blood pressure, and those who take certain medications should follow a low tyramine diet.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors interact with tyramine and can result in high levels of tyramine, increasing the risk of headaches and hypertensive crises.
This amount will depend on whether or not you are taking any medications that can cause elevated tyramine levels in your blood. Discuss exact amounts with your healthcare provider.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Carpéné C, Galitzky J, Belles C, Zakaroff-Girard A.Mechanisms of the antilipolytic response of human adipocytes to tyramine, a trace amine present in food.J Physiol Biochem. 2018;74(4):623-633. doi:10.1007/s13105-018-0643-zBurns C, Kidron A.Biochemistry, Tyramine.StatPearls.Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A.Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI).StatPearls.Andrews, Lisa.Integrative nutrition: nutrition for headaches and migraines.Today’s Dietitian. 2021; 23(9):16,National Headache Foundation.Tyramine.American Heart Association.Hypertensive crisis: when you should call 911 for high blood pressure.National Headache Foundation.Low-tyramine diet for migraine disease.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Carpéné C, Galitzky J, Belles C, Zakaroff-Girard A.Mechanisms of the antilipolytic response of human adipocytes to tyramine, a trace amine present in food.J Physiol Biochem. 2018;74(4):623-633. doi:10.1007/s13105-018-0643-zBurns C, Kidron A.Biochemistry, Tyramine.StatPearls.Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A.Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI).StatPearls.Andrews, Lisa.Integrative nutrition: nutrition for headaches and migraines.Today’s Dietitian. 2021; 23(9):16,National Headache Foundation.Tyramine.American Heart Association.Hypertensive crisis: when you should call 911 for high blood pressure.National Headache Foundation.Low-tyramine diet for migraine disease.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Carpéné C, Galitzky J, Belles C, Zakaroff-Girard A.Mechanisms of the antilipolytic response of human adipocytes to tyramine, a trace amine present in food.J Physiol Biochem. 2018;74(4):623-633. doi:10.1007/s13105-018-0643-zBurns C, Kidron A.Biochemistry, Tyramine.StatPearls.Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A.Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI).StatPearls.Andrews, Lisa.Integrative nutrition: nutrition for headaches and migraines.Today’s Dietitian. 2021; 23(9):16,National Headache Foundation.Tyramine.American Heart Association.Hypertensive crisis: when you should call 911 for high blood pressure.National Headache Foundation.Low-tyramine diet for migraine disease.
Carpéné C, Galitzky J, Belles C, Zakaroff-Girard A.Mechanisms of the antilipolytic response of human adipocytes to tyramine, a trace amine present in food.J Physiol Biochem. 2018;74(4):623-633. doi:10.1007/s13105-018-0643-z
Burns C, Kidron A.Biochemistry, Tyramine.StatPearls.
Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A.Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI).StatPearls.
Andrews, Lisa.Integrative nutrition: nutrition for headaches and migraines.Today’s Dietitian. 2021; 23(9):16,
National Headache Foundation.Tyramine.
American Heart Association.Hypertensive crisis: when you should call 911 for high blood pressure.
National Headache Foundation.Low-tyramine diet for migraine disease.
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