Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese is a possible alternative for migraine sufferers who experience headaches triggered by cow's milk and cheese. Tyramine, an amino acid found in aged cheeses, is a common trigger for headaches and migraines. However, triggers vary from person to person, and some people with migraines can eat any kind of cheese without experiencing headaches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese causing headaches | No direct evidence found |
| Tyramine-triggered migraines | Yes |
| Foods with tyramine | Aged cheeses, meat, poultry, fish, chocolate, alcohol, yeast, cured meats, processed meats, canned foods, soups, snacks, seasoning, frozen foods, etc. |
| Migraine triggers | Caffeine, caffeine withdrawal, artificial sweeteners, aspartame, monosodium glutamate (MSG), bright lights, strong smells, loud noises, changes in sleep habits, unusual stress, etc. |
| Migraine prevention | Elimination diet, migraine tracker, food allergy testing, avoiding trigger foods, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, alternative remedies, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- Goat's cheese is a safe alternative for those who suffer from migraines
- Tyramine in aged cheeses can cause headaches
- Keeping a food journal can help identify headache triggers
- Migraines can be triggered by other factors, such as stress and hormonal changes
- Other foods that trigger migraines include chocolate, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners
Goat's cheese is a safe alternative for those who suffer from migraines
While no single factor can be the cause of migraine attacks, food is a common trigger. It is estimated that about 20% of headache and migraine sufferers are sensitive to certain foods. One of the most common triggers is tyramine, a chemical found in many foods, including cheese. Tyramine affects the diameter of the blood vessels in the brain, causing them to narrow, which can lead to throbbing migraine pain.
Aged cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, cheddar, and mozzarella, are known to contain high levels of tyramine. Therefore, those prone to migraines are often advised to avoid these types of cheese. However, fresh cheeses, which do not undergo the same aging process, are generally considered safe for migraine sufferers.
Goat's cheese, a type of fresh cheese, is a suitable alternative for those who suffer from migraines. In a study, patients who experienced headaches from cow's milk and cheese found that substituting goat's milk cheese eliminated their headache symptoms. Additionally, some individuals who suffer from migraines have reported that they can tolerate goat's cheese without any adverse effects.
It is important to note that triggers can vary from person to person, and while goat's cheese may be a safe option for some, it may not be for others. To identify specific triggers, it is recommended to keep a food journal or use a migraine tracker to document eating habits and patterns that may be associated with migraine attacks.
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Tyramine in aged cheeses can cause headaches
While goat's milk cheese may be a suitable alternative for those who suffer from migraines and headaches triggered by cow's milk cheese, it is important to note that tyramine in aged cheeses can cause headaches. Tyramine is an amino acid that affects the diameter of the blood vessels in the brain, leading to throbbing headache pain. It is classified as "vaso-active", meaning it can increase or decrease blood pressure.
Aged cheeses, such as Parmesan, Asiago, Mozzarella, and sharp Cheddar, contain high levels of tyramine due to the aging process. During aging, the cheese develops a deeper flavour and texture, and the longer it ages, the higher the tyramine content. As a result, aged cheeses are more likely to trigger headaches than fresh cheeses.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that about 20% of headache and migraine sufferers are sensitive to certain foods, particularly those containing tyramine. The National Headache Foundation explains that consuming tyramine can initiate a chain reaction that causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing, of some blood vessels in the brain. This is followed by dilation, or widening, of the blood vessels, resulting in the characteristic throbbing pain of a migraine.
To determine if tyramine-rich foods are triggering your headaches, it is recommended to keep a headache diary or food journal. This involves recording the time and date of each headache, as well as potential triggers, such as exposure to strong smells, bright lights, or changes in sleep habits. By identifying patterns, you can slowly eliminate suspected trigger foods from your diet and observe any improvements in your headache frequency or severity.
It is worth noting that individual sensitivity to tyramine can vary, and not everyone will experience headaches from consuming aged cheeses. However, if you suspect that tyramine is a trigger for you, reducing your intake of aged cheeses and other tyramine-rich foods may help prevent or lessen the occurrence and intensity of headaches.
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Keeping a food journal can help identify headache triggers
While there is no single cause of migraines, certain foods can trigger headaches in some people. According to the National Headache Foundation, up to 44% of adults and children with frequent migraines report that a specific food or drink can trigger an attack. However, it is challenging to determine whether a food is a trigger or just an association.
If you suspect that a particular food is causing your headaches, keeping a food journal can help you identify any potential triggers. A food journal can also help you recognize other factors that may be causing your headaches, such as sleep, stress, and exercise. It is important to keep a record of the date, time, duration, intensity, location, and symptoms of your headaches, as well as what you did to relieve them. Make sure to log your daily food intake, including drinks such as water, alcohol, and caffeine. Additionally, take note of your reactions to specific foods.
You can also try an elimination diet to identify potential triggers. Elimination diets involve removing specific foods that may be causing the headaches and then slowly reintroducing them one by one. Consult a doctor or dietician before starting an elimination diet to ensure you are still receiving proper nutrients and vitamins.
Some common foods that may trigger headaches include aged cheeses such as Parmesan, Asiago, Mozzarella, and sharp cheddar, which contain tyramine, an amino acid that can affect the diameter of the blood vessels in your brain and lead to headaches. Other foods that may trigger headaches include chocolate, caffeine, alcohol (especially red wine), artificial sweeteners (particularly aspartame), and cured meats.
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Migraines can be triggered by other factors, such as stress and hormonal changes
While tyramine-rich foods like aged cheese can trigger headaches and migraines, they are not the only factors that can cause them. Stress and hormonal changes, for example, are also common triggers.
Stress
Stress is a common trigger for headaches and migraines. It is important to note that changes in sleep habits can also trigger migraines, and stress can often lead to difficulty sleeping. If you suspect that stress may be triggering your migraines, consider finding healthy ways to manage it, such as through relaxation techniques or therapy.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can also trigger migraines. Menstruation, menopause, and the use of hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy may influence migraine occurrence. Studies suggest that migraine attacks can be triggered by a drop in estrogen levels, which occurs just before the start of a period. This is known as "menstrual migraine". Additionally, the administration of exogenous hormones, such as combined oral contraceptives, may worsen migraines and expose women to an increased risk of vascular disease and stroke. However, it is important to note that the link between migraines and stroke may be specific to migraine with aura.
If you suspect that hormonal changes are triggering your migraines, consider consulting a doctor or gynecologist. They may recommend keeping a headache diary for several months to help identify any patterns or triggers. Additionally, they may suggest alternative contraceptive methods or non-hormonal treatments for menopause symptoms.
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Other foods that trigger migraines include chocolate, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners
While there is no conclusive evidence that goat cheese causes headaches, other foods are known to trigger migraines, including chocolate, caffeine, and artificial sweeteners.
Chocolate has long been believed to be a significant migraine trigger. However, recent studies suggest that chocolate may not be a direct cause of migraines. A 2020 review of research on migraines and chocolate concluded that there isn't enough evidence to confirm a link between chocolate consumption and migraines. It is possible that the association between chocolate and migraines is due to other factors, such as hormonal changes or the premonitory stage of a migraine attack, where people may crave certain foods.
Caffeine, a common ingredient in many headache medications, can have varying effects on migraine sufferers. Occasional caffeine consumption may provide acute headache relief, but daily or near-daily exposure can lead to dependency and withdrawal symptoms, including headaches and fatigue. Caffeine affects adenosine, a brain substance that increases during migraine attacks, and can block its receptors, potentially contributing to pain relief. However, daily caffeine users may experience reduced effectiveness over time, and withdrawal may lead to increased blood flow in the brain, triggering migraines.
Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose have been identified as migraine triggers in a small number of case reports. However, it typically requires ingesting large quantities over an extended period to experience headache symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is generally safe to consume and does not cause headaches. In fact, it is often suggested as an alternative to cow's milk cheese, which is known to cause headaches.
Aged cheeses such as Parmesan, Asiago, cheddar, and mozzarella are known to cause headaches due to their high tyramine content.
Tyramine is an amino acid that affects the diameter of the blood vessels in the brain, leading to headaches and migraines. It is found in higher concentrations in aged cheeses.
Yes, several other foods can trigger headaches, including chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, cured meats, and processed foods containing MSG.
Keeping a food journal or using a migraine tracker can help identify potential triggers. Eliminating suspected trigger foods one by one can also help determine if they are causing your headaches.
