Andy Montoya
Certain foods and drinks can trigger headaches or migraines, and tyramine-rich foods are among the most common. Tyramine is a chemical that forms when the proteins in food break down over time, and it is found in high concentrations in aged cheeses such as blue cheese, cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan. While there is limited research on cheese as a migraine trigger, experts suggest that the presence of tyramine may be the culprit, as it can cause nerve cells in the brain to release norepinephrine, leading to changes that result in headaches. Therefore, individuals prone to migraines may benefit from a low-tyramine diet, which includes limiting the consumption of aged cheeses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aged cheese | High in tyramine, a substance that has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines |
| Types of aged cheese | Blue cheese, Swiss, Cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, brie, Camembert, feta, Muenster, and more |
| Tyramine | A chemical that causes nerve cells in the brain to release the chemical norepinephrine, leading to changes in the brain that can cause headaches |
| Tyramine content | Varies with the aging process, with older cheeses containing more tyramine |
| Other foods with tyramine | Processed meats (e.g., salami, hot dogs), cured meats, fermented foods (e.g., sauerkraut, kimchi), nuts, pickled foods, fermented soy products (e.g., miso, soy sauce) |
| Migraine triggers | Alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, red wine, diet soda (due to aspartame), MSG, bright lights, loud noises, changes in sleep habits, unusual stress |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Aged cheese and tyramine
While there is limited research on cheese as a migraine trigger, it is generally believed that aged cheeses are more likely to cause headaches. This is due to the presence of tyramine, a substance that forms as proteins in cheese break down over time. The longer a cheese ages, the higher the concentration of tyramine.
Tyramine is a chemical that has been linked to triggering headaches and migraines. It is believed that tyramine causes nerve cells in the brain to release norepinephrine, a brain chemical. Higher levels of tyramine, along with abnormal levels of norepinephrine, can cause changes in the brain that lead to headaches.
Aged cheeses such as brie, blue cheese, cheddar, Swiss, gouda, parmesan, stilton, camembert, feta, muenster, and parmesan are high in tyramine. Other foods that contain tyramine include processed meats, cured meats, fermented foods, nuts, and soy products.
If you suspect that tyramine may be triggering your headaches, you can try a low-tyramine diet or consult a doctor or headache specialist. Keeping a headache diary for several months can also help identify if tyramine or other triggers are the cause of your migraines.
Keep Cheese Fresh: Seal and Store Right
You may want to see also
Alcohol and caffeine
Caffeine has a complicated relationship with headaches. It can be used to alleviate headaches, as it has vasoconstrictive properties that narrow the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow and easing the pain. Caffeine is included in some over-the-counter headache treatments and can make painkillers more effective.
However, caffeine can also cause headaches, especially when you skip your daily intake, leading to caffeine withdrawal headaches. These headaches can last for a couple of weeks as the body adjusts to the absence of caffeine. About half of people who withdraw from caffeine experience headaches. The pain is usually at its worst 20 to 51 hours after the last intake of caffeine. The headache is typically throbbing or pulsing, and other symptoms of caffeine withdrawal include fatigue.
Additionally, consuming too much caffeine can also lead to headaches. People who are sensitive to caffeine or have built up a dependence on it may experience headaches when they reduce their intake or consume caffeine at a different time of day.
To manage caffeine-related headaches, it is recommended to keep track of your caffeine intake and its effects on you. If you experience frequent headaches, consider reducing your caffeine intake gradually rather than abruptly stopping.
Regarding alcohol, there is no specific mention of its direct impact on headaches in the sources provided. However, alcohol is known to contain tyramine, which is found in aged cheeses and processed meats and is believed to trigger migraines. Therefore, it is possible that alcohol, particularly alcoholic beverages that have been aged or fermented, may contribute to headaches in some individuals. It is advisable to monitor your alcohol consumption and observe any patterns of headaches that may be associated with it.
Cheese and Liver Health: Is It a Concern?
You may want to see also
Food and symptom diary
Keeping a food and symptom diary can be a useful way to identify patterns and triggers for headaches. It can be challenging to recall specific details about a headache episode, such as what you ate or drank the previous day or when the headache was most severe. A food and symptom diary helps to overcome this ambiguity by providing a focused way to gather information about your symptoms.
- Detail: The more detailed your diary entries, the more useful they will be. Include the time and date when the headache starts, any other symptoms you experience alongside the headache (such as dizziness, sensitivity to light or sound, etc.), and any medications you take. It is also beneficial to note potential triggers, such as changes in sleep habits, unusual stress, or exposure to strong smells or bright lights.
- Consistency: Record an entry for every day, even if you didn't experience any symptoms that day. This consistency ensures that you don't miss any potential patterns or triggers.
- Format: You can choose to keep your diary in a format that suits your preference and lifestyle. Options include a physical notebook, a digital document on your computer or phone, or a dedicated app. Many apps provide predefined details for you to fill in, and some even allow you to create custom categories.
- Troubleshooting: If you're experiencing headaches, stomach problems, or trouble sleeping, it may be helpful to include details about your diet, such as the foods and drinks you consumed. Note that headaches may not start until up to 24 hours after consuming certain trigger foods.
By maintaining a detailed food and symptom diary, you can work with your healthcare provider to identify patterns and triggers and develop strategies to manage your symptoms.
White Cheese Singles: How to Spot the Bad Ones
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Natural sources of MSG
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer that occurs naturally in many foods. It is derived from L-glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid that is necessary for the creation of proteins.
MSG is found in protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, and cheese. It is also present in fruits and vegetables, with the riper ones containing more MSG. For example, a deep red, glossy tomato will have more MSG than a firm, pale one.
MSG also occurs naturally in ingredients such as hydrolyzed vegetable protein, autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extract, soy extracts, and protein isolate. It can also be found in tomatoes and cheeses.
Some other natural sources of MSG include:
- Anchovies
- Mushrooms
- Parmesan cheese
American Cheese: Friend or Foe for Weight Loss?
You may want to see also
Tyramine in other foods
Tyramine is a chemical that has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines. It is found in higher concentrations in aged cheeses, but it can also be found in other foods.
Processed meats, including salami and hot dogs, can be high in tyramine. The nitrates used as preservatives in these meats may also dilate blood vessels and trigger headaches in some individuals. Pickled foods, such as pickled vegetables, meats, and olives, as well as fermented soy products like miso, soy sauce, and teriyaki sauce, often contain high levels of tyramine.
Nuts are another source of tyramine and should be avoided if you are sensitive to this amine. Dry sausages, salami, pickled or smoked fish, caviar, aged chicken livers, and soups or gravies made from meat extract are also high in tyramine.
On the other hand, fresh meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and luncheon meats (other than salami) are lower in tyramine. Canned meats or fish are also lower in tyramine if consumed immediately after opening.
It is important to note that the impact of tyramine on headaches and migraines is not fully understood. Experts believe that it may cause nerve cells in the brain to release norepinephrine, a brain chemical, leading to changes in the brain that result in headaches. However, more research is needed to confirm this mechanism.
Keep Shredded Cheese Fresh: Tips to Avoid Wastage
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, cheese, especially aged cheese, is bad for headaches. The longer the cheese has aged, the higher its tyramine content, a chemical that has been associated with triggering headaches and migraines.
Some examples of aged cheese include blue cheese, Swiss, cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, and brie.
You can find out by keeping a headache diary for several months. Take note of the time and date the headache starts, and answer questions such as whether you have been exposed to other common headache triggers.
