Randy Chandler
While there is no universal migraine trigger, certain foods, drinks, and additives can cause or contribute to migraine attacks in some people. One such food is cheese, which contains a substance called tyramine, a common migraine trigger. Tyramine is formed when proteins in the cheese break down over time, so the longer a cheese has aged, the higher its tyramine content. Parmesan is an aged cheese, and therefore contains high levels of tyramine. This article will explore the relationship between parmesan cheese and migraines, and suggest ways to reduce migraine frequency through diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does Parmesan cheese cause migraines? | Yes, Parmesan cheese is an aged cheese that contains tyramine, a substance that has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines. |
| How does tyramine cause migraines? | Experts believe that having higher levels of tyramine in your system can cause changes in the brain that lead to headaches. One explanation is that tyramine causes nerve cells in your brain to release the chemical norepinephrine. |
| How to identify if tyramine is a trigger? | Keeping track of what you eat in a migraine diary can help determine if tyramine is a trigger for you. |
| Foods to avoid | Aged cheeses, cheddar, Stilton, Camembert, Swiss, feta, Muenster, meat, poultry, fish, dry sausages, salami, pickled or smoked fish, aged chicken livers, soups or gravies made from meat extract. |
| Foods to choose | Fresh meat, poultry, fish, eggs, luncheon meats (other than salami), canned meats or fish, American cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, fresh milk, farmer's cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, soy cheese, soy milk. |
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What You'll Learn
- Parmesan is an aged cheese, which contains tyramine, a common migraine trigger
- Tyramine causes nerve cells in the brain to release norepinephrine, leading to headaches
- Other aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese are also high in tyramine
- Keeping a food diary can help determine if Parmesan is a migraine trigger for you
- Other common migraine triggers include caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and chocolate
Parmesan is an aged cheese, which contains tyramine, a common migraine trigger
Tyramine has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines. Experts believe that it causes nerve cells in the brain to release the chemical norepinephrine. Higher levels of tyramine in the body, along with unusual levels of brain chemicals, can cause changes in the brain that lead to headaches.
While tyramine is a common migraine trigger, it is important to note that not every food mentioned will trigger an attack in everyone with migraines. Individual sensitivity to tyramine varies, and other factors may also be at play. For example, some people may find that stress, changes in sleep habits, or exposure to strong smells or bright lights can trigger migraines.
To determine if tyramine is a trigger for you, it can be helpful to keep a migraine diary. Note down the dates and times when your migraines start and the foods you have eaten. This can help you identify patterns and determine if tyramine-rich foods, such as Parmesan cheese, are triggers for your migraines.
If you find that Parmesan cheese is a trigger, you may want to consider reducing your intake or choosing lower-tyramine cheese alternatives, such as American cheese, cottage cheese, or fresh mozzarella. Consulting with a healthcare professional can also provide guidance and support in managing migraine triggers and symptoms.
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Tyramine causes nerve cells in the brain to release norepinephrine, leading to headaches
Parmesan cheese is an aged cheese, and aged cheeses are known to contain higher levels of tyramine. Tyramine is a substance that forms as different proteins inside cheese break down over time. The longer a cheese has been aged, the higher its tyramine content.
Tyramine is a well-known trigger for migraine headaches. While experts are still unsure of the exact mechanism, one theory is that tyramine causes nerve cells in the brain to release norepinephrine, a chemical that can lead to changes in the brain that cause headaches.
To determine if tyramine is a trigger for your migraines, it is recommended to keep a headache diary for several months. Note the time and date when a headache starts, as well as any potential triggers, including food consumed. This can help identify if tyramine-rich foods are to blame. If tyramine is identified as a trigger, a low-tyramine diet may be recommended, which includes limiting aged cheeses like Parmesan and opting for lower-tyramine alternatives like fresh cheeses.
It is important to note that triggers can vary among individuals, and there is no universal migraine trigger. If you experience regular migraine episodes, consulting a doctor is advised, as they can provide guidance on migraine relief options and preventive medications.
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Other aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese are also high in tyramine
Parmesan cheese is an aged cheese that contains tyramine, a substance that has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines. Tyramine forms as different proteins inside cheese break down over time, so the longer a cheese has been aged, the more tyramine it will contain. Other aged cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese are also high in tyramine.
Aged cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, and blue cheese are commonly enjoyed in dishes like burgers or on cheese plates, but they can be a trigger for migraines in some people. The National Headache Foundation suggests limiting intake to four ounces for aged cheeses. However, if you are sensitive to tyramine or want to avoid any potential migraine triggers, it may be best to choose fresh cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta instead.
The mechanism by which tyramine triggers migraines is not yet fully understood. One theory suggests that it causes nerve cells in the brain to release the chemical norepinephrine, leading to changes in the brain that result in headaches. To determine if tyramine-rich foods are a trigger for your migraines, it is recommended to keep a headache diary for several months. This involves recording the time and date your headache starts and noting any potential triggers, including dietary factors.
By identifying specific triggers through a process of elimination, you can make informed choices about your diet and potentially reduce the frequency of migraine episodes. It is important to note that not all triggers are food-related, and factors such as changes in temperature, strong smells, bright lights, loud noises, and stress can also contribute to migraines. Consulting with a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance on managing migraine triggers and exploring relief options.
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Keeping a food diary can help determine if Parmesan is a migraine trigger for you
Keeping a food diary can be an effective way to determine if Parmesan cheese is a migraine trigger for you. This is because the impact of food on migraines is highly individualized, and while Parmesan may trigger migraines in some, it may not be the case for others.
A food diary can help you identify patterns and connections between your diet and migraine episodes. It can also assist in narrowing down specific trigger foods or ingredients. For example, aged cheeses like Parmesan contain tyramine, a natural compound that may trigger migraines in certain individuals. By maintaining a food diary, you can track your consumption of tyramine-rich foods and observe any subsequent migraine occurrences.
When keeping a food diary, it is important to be consistent and detailed. Note down the date, time, and specific foods consumed, including ingredients and quantities if possible. Also, consider including other potential migraine triggers, such as changes in temperature, sleep patterns, or stress levels. It is recommended to maintain the diary for several months to gather sufficient data and account for any variations in your diet and lifestyle.
By analyzing your food diary, you may start to identify patterns, such as migraines occurring within 24 hours of consuming certain foods. This information can then be discussed with your doctor, who can help you interpret the data and make informed suggestions for dietary adjustments.
In addition to a food diary, it is worth noting that the National Headache Foundation suggests limiting intake of aged cheeses like Parmesan to four ounces if you are concerned about migraines. Opting for lower-tyramine cheeses, such as mozzarella or ricotta, may also be a preventative measure.
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Other common migraine triggers include caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and chocolate
While parmesan cheese does not seem to be a common migraine trigger, other foods and ingredients, such as caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and chocolate, are known to set off migraine attacks in some individuals.
Caffeine is a common ingredient in many headache medications as it can provide modest acute headache relief. However, caffeine's effects on the brain vary depending on usage frequency. Occasional caffeine consumption may provide headache relief and a sense of alertness and well-being. On the other hand, daily or near-daily caffeine intake can lead to the brain developing a tolerance for it, resulting in decreased effectiveness over time. Caffeine dependency can form, and withdrawal symptoms may include headaches, fatigue, nausea, and other symptoms suggestive of migraines. For example, "weekend migraines" may be associated with delaying that first cup of coffee in the morning. Additionally, caffeine affects the activity of adenosine, a naturally occurring brain substance, by blocking its receptors. Adenosine levels in the blood increase during migraine attacks, and injecting it into a vein can trigger such attacks. While the exact mechanism is unclear, caffeine can stop adenosine's effects, providing anti-migraine and pain control benefits. Daily caffeine users, however, experience reduced caffeine impact on brain action and blood vessel size.
Artificial sweeteners, like aspartame and sucralose, are increasingly suspected of triggering migraines in certain individuals. Aspartame, found in various low-calorie products, may trigger migraines due to its impact on neurotransmitters in the brain. Sucralose, found in products like Splenda, has also been mentioned by migraine sufferers, although there is less research connecting it to migraines. Individual sensitivities vary, and not everyone will experience migraines after consuming artificial sweeteners. However, for those sensitive to these sweeteners, reducing or eliminating them may lessen migraine attack frequency and severity.
Chocolate is widely believed to be a significant migraine trigger, but the evidence is inconclusive. It may be linked to menstrual migraines as hormone changes can trigger migraines in many women, and chocolate is commonly craved during this time. Additionally, the craving for chocolate may be a symptom of the premonitory stage of a migraine attack, indicating that the migraine may have already begun before chocolate is consumed. Keeping a migraine diary can help individuals identify whether chocolate or other suspected triggers, like changes to routine, sleep patterns, dehydration, or alcohol consumption, are genuine triggers for them.
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Frequently asked questions
Parmesan cheese is an aged cheese, and aged cheeses contain a substance called tyramine, which is a common trigger of migraine headaches. The longer the cheese has been aged, the more tyramine it contains.
Experts are still trying to understand the exact process, but one theory is that tyramine causes nerve cells in the brain to release the chemical norepinephrine. Higher levels of tyramine in the body, along with unusual levels of brain chemicals, can cause changes in the brain that lead to headaches.
Keeping a migraine diary can help you determine which foods trigger your migraines. Note the date, time, and what you ate, as well as any other potential triggers like changes in temperature or sleep habits. If you notice a pattern between eating parmesan and getting migraines, try removing it from your diet for a month. If your migraines become less frequent, parmesan cheese may be a trigger for you.
There is no universal migraine trigger, but some common ones include caffeine and caffeine withdrawal, artificial sweeteners like aspartame, alcohol, cured meats, and chocolate.
If you suspect that parmesan cheese is triggering your migraines, the best course of action is to limit or avoid consuming it. You can also consult a doctor for a diagnosis and advice on migraine relief options.
