Patrick Oconnell
Migraines can be triggered by a variety of factors, including certain foods. While no single factor is solely responsible for causing migraine attacks, avoiding certain foods can reduce the frequency of attacks. One such food that is a common trigger is cheese, which contains tyramine, a substance that has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines. Feta cheese is a type of cheese that is high in tyramine, and therefore may be a trigger for migraine symptoms.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Feta cheese a migraine trigger? | Yes, feta cheese is a common trigger for migraine attacks due to its high tyramine content. |
| How does tyramine trigger migraines? | Tyramine causes nerve cells in the brain to release the chemical norepinephrine, leading to changes that result in headaches. |
| Other tyramine-rich foods | Aged cheeses, blue cheese, cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, Camembert, Parmesan, dry sausages, salami, pickled or smoked fish, and more. |
| Other migraine triggers | Chocolate, citrus fruits, caffeine, alcohol, cured meats, gluten, nuts, vegetables (pea pods, beans, corn, onions), bright lights, loud noises, temperature changes, sleep habits, stress, etc. |
| Identifying triggers | Keep a headache diary for several months to help determine specific triggers. |
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What You'll Learn
Feta cheese is high in tyramine, a common migraine trigger
Feta cheese is indeed high in tyramine, and tyramine is a common trigger of migraines. While no single factor can be the cause of migraine attacks, food is a common trigger, and avoiding certain foods can reduce the frequency of attacks.
Tyramine is a substance found naturally in some foods, and it has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines. It is formed when proteins break down in foods, and the longer the food has aged, the higher the tyramine content. Feta cheese is an aged cheese, and it is one of several types of cheese that contain high levels of tyramine. Other high-tyramine cheeses include blue cheese, Parmesan, cheddar, Swiss, and mozzarella.
If you are unsure whether tyramine is triggering your migraines, you can try keeping a headache diary for several months. This can help you and your doctor determine whether tyramine or another trigger is to blame. Take note of the time and date when your headache starts, and answer questions about your exposure to other common triggers, such as changes in altitude, temperature, sleep habits, or unusual stress. Remember that triggers are highly individual, and while tyramine may be a common trigger, it may not be the cause of your migraines.
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Other high-tyramine cheeses include blue cheese, Parmesan, and cheddar
Feta cheese is a well-known trigger for migraine headaches. This is due to the presence of tyramine, a substance found naturally in some foods, which has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines. Tyramine causes nerve cells in the brain to release the chemical norepinephrine, leading to changes that result in headaches.
Aged cheeses tend to have higher levels of tyramine, and other examples include blue cheese, Parmesan, and cheddar. Blue cheese, in particular, is often mentioned as a variety that can trigger migraines, appearing on several lists of foods to avoid. Parmesan is another aged cheese with a high tyramine content, and it is specifically identified as one to watch out for by Healthline. Cheddar, a popular variety of cheese, is also listed as a high-tyramine cheese to avoid by WebMD and Cove.
While feta and these other cheeses are commonly associated with triggering migraines, it is important to remember that triggers vary from person to person. Keeping a headache diary for several months can help identify if tyramine-rich foods are a personal trigger. This process of elimination can help manage and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
In addition to feta and the other high-tyramine cheeses mentioned, there are other types of cheese that are also potential triggers. These include Swiss, Camembert, Muenster, mozzarella, Brie, and Stilton or blue cheese. It is worth noting that not all cheeses are equally problematic, with some varieties like American cheese, cottage cheese, and cream cheese being lower in tyramine.
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Alcohol and cured meats are also high in tyramine
If you are prone to migraines, it is recommended to avoid cured meats and opt for fresh protein sources like beef, chicken, pork, and fish. When it comes to alcohol, bourbon, gin, rum, and vodka are better alternatives for those sensitive to tyramine.
It is important to note that the relationship between tyramine and migraines is not fully understood, and experts are still investigating the exact mechanisms. However, the link between dietary tyramine and migraines has been confirmed through studies, leading doctors to recommend a low-tyramine diet to reduce migraine frequency.
Keeping a headache diary can be a helpful way to identify if tyramine-rich foods are a trigger for your migraines. Note the time and date when a headache starts and reflect on whether you have consumed any tyramine-rich foods or been exposed to other common triggers, such as changes in temperature, strong smells, or unusual stress.
While avoiding tyramine-rich foods may help reduce migraine attacks, it is important to consult a doctor or a medical professional for personalized advice and guidance. They can provide recommendations based on your specific triggers and health history.
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Migraine triggers vary from person to person
In addition to tyramine-rich foods, other dietary triggers for migraines include chocolate, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and citrus fruits. Chocolate triggers migraine attacks in up to 42% of subjects in one study, while caffeine withdrawal or excessive intake can also be triggers. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and limes are also potential triggers.
To identify specific triggers, it is helpful to keep a headache diary for several months, noting the time, date, and potential triggers such as dietary intake, exposure to strong smells, bright lights, loud noises, changes in sleep habits, or unusual stress. Through a process of elimination, individuals can identify their unique triggers and cut back on their exposure to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
It is important to remember that triggers are highly individual, and not everyone will react to the same food triggers. Some people may be able to identify food triggers easily, while others may find it more challenging. Understanding one's unique triggers can help manage and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
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Keeping a headache diary can help identify triggers
Feta cheese is among the foods that are rich in tyramine, a substance that can trigger migraine headaches. Other tyramine-rich foods include aged cheeses, cheddar, blue cheese, Swiss cheese, and meat products like dry sausages and salami.
Keeping a headache diary can be a valuable tool to help identify triggers and manage migraine symptoms effectively. It can be challenging to rely on memory alone when trying to pinpoint triggers, so a diary provides a more reliable record of information over time. This can be especially useful for those experiencing headaches three or more times a month.
A headache diary can be kept in various ways, such as using a pre-printed form, a regular calendar, a notebook, or a headache diary app. It is recommended to keep the diary close by or in an easily accessible place and set reminders to fill it out every day, even on headache-free days.
When recording information in a headache diary, it is essential to note the time and date when the headache starts, its severity and duration, and potential triggers, including dietary, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some common headache triggers include stress, lack of sleep, bright lights, loud noises, and certain foods. By tracking these factors, individuals can work with their doctors to identify patterns and make informed decisions about treatment options.
Additionally, a headache diary can be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of any medications taken to manage headaches. It allows individuals to track the dosage and observe whether their treatment is providing relief over time. This information can then be reviewed and discussed with a doctor to assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, feta cheese is a common trigger for migraine attacks. Feta cheese contains tyramine, a substance found naturally in some foods, that has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines.
Other foods that are known to trigger migraines include cured meats, aged cheeses, fermented foods, chocolate, citrus fruits, caffeine, gluten, nuts, and vegetables like pea pods, beans, corn, onions, and soy products.
Keeping a headache diary for several months can help you identify if specific foods or ingredients are triggering your migraines. Note the time and date when the headache starts and answer questions about your exposure to other common triggers, such as changes in temperature, strong smells, bright lights, or unusual stress.
