Frederic Melton
Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, sleep loss, dehydration, and certain foods. While the evidence linking specific foods to migraines is not strong, some people find that consuming tyramine-rich foods can trigger a migraine attack. Tyramine is a naturally produced compound found in protein-containing foods, and its consumption can lead to the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, potentially causing head pain. Aged cheeses, such as cheddar, are known to contain higher levels of tyramine, which forms as the proteins in cheese break down over time. Therefore, it is possible that consuming cheddar cheese may act as a trigger for migraine attacks in individuals sensitive to tyramine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does it cause migraines? | There is no consensus on whether cheddar cheese causes migraines. However, it is generally agreed that aged cheese is more likely to cause headaches. |
| How does it cause migraines? | Cheddar cheese contains tyramine, a naturally produced compound found in protein-containing foods, which is a potential trigger for migraines. |
| What are other potential triggers? | Monosodium glutamate (MSG), caffeine, chocolate, red wine, sleep loss, dehydration, stress, bright lights, changes in sleeping habits, tobacco, changes in hormone levels, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Tyramine in cheddar cheese
While there is limited research on cheese as a migraine trigger, it is generally believed that aged cheeses are more likely to cause headaches. Cheddar cheese, a mature cheese, contains tyramine, which is thought to be the main culprit.
Tyramine is a naturally occurring compound found in protein-rich foods. It is produced when the amino acid tyrosine breaks down, which can happen when foods are preserved, fermented, or aged. The longer a cheese ages, the more tyramine it contains. Other aged cheeses that contain tyramine include blue cheese, Swiss, Gouda, and Parmesan.
The human digestive system typically breaks down tyramine, preventing excessive amounts from accumulating in the circulation. However, higher-than-normal tyramine levels may cause the body to send incorrect signals, leading to the release of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. This can induce head pain and potentially trigger migraines.
To determine if tyramine is a trigger for your migraines, it is recommended to maintain a headache diary for several months. This involves recording the time and date of each headache, as well as details about potential triggers, such as exposure to bright lights, loud noises, or unusual stress. By identifying patterns, you may discover if tyramine-rich foods like cheddar cheese contribute to your migraines.
If you suspect tyramine to be a trigger, you can consider a low-tyramine diet. This involves opting for fresh cheese varieties, such as cottage cheese, yogurt, and farmer's cheese, which have lower tyramine levels. Making these dietary adjustments may help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.
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Other foods that trigger migraines
While there is limited research on the link between cheese and migraines, it is generally believed that aged cheeses with high levels of tyramine, such as cheddar, are more likely to cause headaches. Tyramine is also found in processed or cured meats, fermented foods, and other dairy products.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a common beverage that is thought to trigger migraines due to compounds such as histamine and tyramine. Red wine, in particular, has been reported by 77% of people as a trigger. Sulfites, used as preservatives in both white and red wine, are also considered a potential trigger.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a paradoxical trigger, as it can both trigger and help stop migraine attacks. The Migraine Research Foundation suggests that caffeine may trigger migraines when combined with other triggers. People who consume little to no caffeine or large amounts are more vulnerable to post-consumption headaches. Caffeine withdrawal is also a common trigger.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains caffeine and beta-phenylethylamine, which may trigger headaches in some individuals. However, it is also believed that chocolate cravings may be a symptom of an impending migraine rather than a trigger.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit, are commonly associated with triggering migraines. Other fruits that may contribute to migraine attacks include bananas, avocados, and dried fruits.
Processed Foods
Many processed foods contain artificial sweeteners, particularly aspartame, which is thought to trigger migraine attacks. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), a common additive and flavour enhancer, is also considered a trigger.
It is important to note that triggers vary from person to person, and a combination of triggers may lead to a migraine. Keeping a migraine diary or using a smartphone app to track symptoms and potential triggers can help individuals identify and manage their specific triggers.
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Migraine triggers besides food
While food is often blamed for triggering migraines, it is not the only culprit. There are multiple factors that can trigger a migraine attack, and these vary from person to person.
Environmental Factors
Weather changes, especially the summer heat, are a common trigger. However, this is something that cannot be controlled. But you can take steps to limit your exposure to heat, such as by staying indoors during the hottest part of the day.
Body Changes
Body changes, or internal factors, can also trigger a migraine attack. Dehydration is a frequent trigger, so staying hydrated is important. Hunger and blood sugar fluctuations can also trigger an attack, so it is recommended to eat on a regular schedule. Skipping meals or fasting can cause these fluctuations, which in turn can trigger a migraine.
Stress
For many people, stress is a migraine trigger. Migraine attacks can also cause more stress, creating a vicious cycle. Finding techniques to lower your stress levels may help reduce the number of attacks.
Medication
Ironically, taking medication to help with migraine attacks too often can lead to what is known as medication overuse headaches. If you find yourself in this situation, consult a doctor or migraine specialist about alternative treatment plans.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a paradox for many people with migraines. It may trigger an attack, especially if you consume large amounts or skip your usual dose. However, it can also help stop an oncoming attack. The latest science suggests that caffeine's impact depends on how much you regularly have. People who consume little to no caffeine or large amounts are most vulnerable to post-consumption headaches, while those who consume 1-2 servings daily are less vulnerable.
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Stress as a trigger
Stress is a common trigger for migraines, with as many as 80% of people who experience migraines listing it as a trigger. The link between stress and migraines is cyclical: stress can trigger migraines, and the chronic pain of migraines can, in turn, cause stress. This cycle can lower quality of life and lead to high-stress levels.
Stress is a trigger that varies from person to person, and it often takes more than one trigger to cause a migraine. For example, missing a meal one day might be fine, but missing a meal and not getting enough sleep the night before could increase the likelihood of a migraine.
The migraine brain is vulnerable to changes such as sleep and stress and is best kept stable. The effect of stressors on the brain can be additive or cumulative, and the brain's response to the same stressors can become maladaptive, resulting in changes to the brain. The migraine brain is hyperexcitable during migraine-free periods, and during attacks, the brain's response to some stimuli, such as light, smell, or noise, can be abnormal and exacerbate the migraine pain.
Stress management techniques can help to reduce the number of migraine attacks. These include yoga, meditation, biofeedback, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Other strategies include improving communication skills, learning to prioritize, and improving sleep hygiene by exercising every day, avoiding food or caffeine before bed, maintaining a consistent bedtime, and avoiding screens before bedtime.
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How to identify triggers
While there is limited research on the link between cheese and migraines, it is generally believed that aged cheeses, such as cheddar, are more likely to cause headaches. This is due to the presence of tyramine, which forms as the proteins in cheese break down over time. The longer a cheese ages, the higher its tyramine content.
Identifying migraine triggers can be a helpful way to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Triggers can be internal or external events, changes, acts, or stimuli that make a migraine attack more likely. They vary from person to person and are often related to stress, dehydration, sleep loss, or hormone changes. To identify your triggers, you can try the following methods:
- Maintain a headache diary: Record the time, date, and details of your headache or migraine episodes, including any potential triggers you were exposed to. This can help you identify patterns over time.
- Consider common triggers: Reflect on whether you have been exposed to common triggers such as bright lights, loud noises, unusual stress, changes in sleep habits, changes in temperature, or strong smells.
- Evaluate your diet: Assess your diet for potential triggers, such as tyramine-rich foods (aged cheeses, smoked fish, cured meats, fermented foods), monosodium glutamate (MSG), caffeine, or alcohol.
- Track symptoms and patterns: Utilize a notebook, diary, or smartphone app to track your migraine symptoms, frequency, and intensity. This can help you identify any patterns or correlations with specific triggers.
- Consider a low-tyramine diet: Try reducing your intake of tyramine-rich foods, especially aged cheeses, and opt for fresh cheese varieties, raw vegetables, and fresh herbs instead.
- Consult a healthcare professional: Work with your doctor or a migraine specialist to review your headache diary and discuss potential triggers. They can provide guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific situation.
By following these steps and paying close attention to your body's responses, you can improve your understanding of your migraine triggers and take steps to reduce the frequency and impact of migraine attacks.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese, especially when aged, is known to be high in tyramine—a common trigger of migraines.
Tyramine is a naturally produced compound found in protein-rich foods. It is produced when the amino acid tyrosine breaks down, which can occur when foods are preserved, fermented, or aged.
Migraines are caused by a combination of events, changes, acts, or other external or internal stimuli. Some common triggers include stress, sleep loss, caffeine withdrawal, red wine, and chocolate.
