Bushra Griffith
There is a possible connection between some types of dairy and migraines. Aged cheese, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, and cheddar, can trigger migraines within hours. This is due to the presence of tyramine, an amino acid that affects the diameter of the blood vessels in the brain and can cause throbbing pain. Goat cheese, however, is considered mild and has different hormone levels than cow's cheese, making it less likely to trigger migraines, especially in moderation. Keeping a food journal can help migraine sufferers identify potential triggers and determine which cheeses, if any, they can safely consume.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese as a migraine trigger | Yes, for some people |
| Possible reasons | Tyramine, an amino acid that develops in food as it ages or ferments; mould content; glutamates; different hormone levels to cow's cheese |
| Safe alternatives | Fresh cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese, American cheese, Colby, Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, Swiss made in America, baby Swiss, stracchino, tabor, provolone, queso quesadilla, pepper jack, pecorino fresco, muenster, gouda, bleu cheese, camembert, brie |
| Other triggers | Bright lights, loud noises, changes in sleep habits, unusual stress, strong smells, change in temperature, change in altitude, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, coconut oil, aged cheese, processed meats, raw onion, banana peels, nuts, mushrooms, fermented products |
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What You'll Learn
Goat cheese as a migraine trigger
Cheese has long been considered a problem food for migraine sufferers, and while there is good reasoning behind this, the issue is not as straightforward as it might seem. It depends on the type of cheese and certain characteristics of the aging process.
Goat cheese, for example, is generally considered safe for migraine sufferers when consumed in moderation. It is a fresh cheese that doesn't undergo the same aging process as other varieties, which is key to preventing migraines. Aged cheeses, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, and some cheddars, can trigger migraines within hours due to the presence of tyramine, an amino acid that affects blood vessels in the brain. However, individuals with migraines triggered by cheese may find that goat cheese is tolerable in moderation.
Goat cheese is milder and has different hormone levels than cow's cheese, which may be why it is less likely to trigger migraines. However, it's important to note that triggers can vary from person to person, and some individuals may still find goat cheese to be a trigger. Keeping a food journal can help identify specific triggers.
While fresh cheeses like goat cheese are generally safer options, it's worth noting that even within the category of goat cheese, there may be variations in tolerance. Some people may be able to consume lightly aged goat cheese without issue, while others may find that any amount of aging triggers a migraine. Additionally, the enzymes used in the cheese-making process may also play a role in triggering migraines, particularly if they are derived from molds, as molds are known to be migraine triggers for some individuals.
In conclusion, goat cheese is generally considered a safer option for migraine sufferers compared to aged cow's milk cheeses. However, individual sensitivities may vary, and keeping a food journal can help identify specific triggers. Experimentation is key to finding a diet that supports migraine management.
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Tyramine in goat cheese
Goat cheese is a fresh cheese that does not typically trigger migraines. However, some people have reported that consuming goat cheese has triggered migraines for them. The reason could be the presence of tyramine in goat cheese.
Tyramine is a natural compound found in plants and animals. It is a byproduct of the breakdown of tyrosine, an amino acid. High amounts of tyramine can cause several health problems, the most common being migraine headaches. People who suffer from migraine headaches often choose to avoid foods containing tyramine.
Aged cheeses typically have higher levels of tyramine than fresh cheeses. The aging process allows the cheese to develop a deeper flavour and a different texture, resulting in higher tyramine levels. Goat cheese is generally considered a fresh cheese, but some varieties may be aged, which could explain why it triggers migraines in some individuals.
It is important to note that individual tolerance to tyramine can vary, and not everyone will experience migraines from consuming goat cheese or other aged cheeses. However, for those sensitive to tyramine, it is recommended to limit or avoid foods with high tyramine content, especially if they are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or certain medications that interfere with monoamine oxidase production.
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Goat cheese alternatives
Goat cheese is made from goat's milk and has a creamy, spreadable consistency and tangy flavor. It is a popular ingredient in salads, bruschetta, and other recipes. However, some people may be allergic to it, or they may want to avoid it due to dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
- Cream cheese is a suitable substitute for goat cheese due to its smooth, creamy texture and mildly tangy flavor. It works well in both hot and cold recipes and is an affordable option.
- Fromage blanc is similar to cream cheese but has a slightly creamier texture, making it a great substitute for goat cheese.
- Tofu is a vegan and dairy-free alternative to goat cheese. It has a similar texture to goat cheese and can be used in creamy sauces, dips, or spreads. However, it does not have a strong flavor and may not be the best option if you are looking for a salty or tangy taste.
- Feta is usually a mixture of sheep and goat milk, so it has a similar flavor to goat cheese but with a milder "goatiness" due to the presence of sheep's milk.
- Boursin is a cow's milk cheese with a similar tang to goat cheese and can be easily found in most supermarkets.
- Ricotta is a fresh cheese that is often suggested as an alternative to goat cheese, especially for those who are looking for a substitute in pizza recipes.
- Mozzarella is another fresh cheese that is well-tolerated by migraine sufferers and can be used as an alternative to goat cheese.
- Mascarpone is a good alternative to goat cheese in bruschetta recipes as it is already whipped and creamy without the tangy flavor of goat cheese.
- Sheep's cheese may be a suitable alternative, although it may not always match the flavor of goat cheese.
- Other cheeses such as blue cheese, pecorino, or parmesan can be used as substitutes, depending on the specific recipe and personal preference.
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Fresh cheeses and migraines
Cheese has long been considered a problem food for migraine sufferers, with certain characteristics of the ageing process triggering migraines within hours. However, this does not mean that migraine sufferers need to cut out cheese altogether. Fresh cheeses, which don't sit as long as aged cheeses, don't typically trigger migraines. Examples of fresh cheeses that are safe for migraine sufferers include American cheese, Swiss made in America, Baby Swiss, mild chedder, ricotta, cottage, and goat cheese.
Goat cheese, in particular, has been found to be a suitable option for migraine sufferers. Goat cheese is mild and has different hormone levels to cow's cheese, which some people find to be a migraine trigger. However, goat cheese may not be suitable for everyone, as one person's experience highlights that eating goat cheese on Mother's Day was followed by a migraine the next afternoon.
In addition to fresh cheeses, there are other types of cheese that are safe for migraine sufferers to eat. These include mozzarella, haloumi, and ricotta. It is important to note that different migraine sufferers have different triggers, so it is recommended to keep a food journal to track exactly what causes you pain. This will help you identify any patterns and pinpoint any potential offenders.
Tyramine, an amino acid that develops in food as it ages or ferments, is considered the major culprit behind cheese-triggered migraines. It causes blood vessels in the brain to constrict and then dilate, leading to a pounding headache. Other foods that contain tyramine include processed meats, raw onion, alcohol, and chocolate. Therefore, it is advisable to keep these foods out of your diet if you are prone to migraines.
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Aged cheeses and migraines
Aged cheeses are a well-known trigger for migraines. The longer a cheese is aged, the more likely it is to cause a migraine. This is due to the presence of tyramine, an amino acid that forms as a result of the ageing process. Tyramine affects the diameter of the blood vessels in the brain, causing them to constrict and then dilate, which can lead to a pounding headache.
While fresh cheeses are generally considered safe for migraine sufferers, it's important to note that not all aged cheeses are equally problematic. Different cheeses contain varying amounts of tyramine, and individual tolerance levels also play a role. For example, some people find that they can tolerate small amounts of aged goat or sheep cheese without triggering a migraine.
Goat cheese, in particular, has been a subject of interest for many migraine sufferers. Its mild flavour and different hormone levels compared to cow's cheese make it a potentially safer option. However, some people have reported migraines after consuming goat cheese, so it's not a guaranteed safe choice. Individual triggers can vary, and keeping a food journal can help identify specific triggers.
To minimise the risk of migraine triggers, it's recommended to stick with fresh, pasteurised cheeses or soy-based cheese substitutes. Examples of fresh cheeses that are typically safe include American cheese, Swiss made in America, Baby Swiss, mild cheddar, ricotta, cottage cheese, and goat cheese. Aged cheeses that are particularly high in tyramine include cheddar, Parmesan, Asiago, mozzarella, Gruyere, and blue cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is generally considered safe for migraine sufferers when consumed in moderation. However, it's important to note that individual triggers may vary, and some people may still experience migraines after consuming goat cheese.
Cheese, particularly aged cheese, contains tyramine, an amino acid that affects the dilation of blood vessels in the brain and can lead to headaches. Other compounds in cheese, such as vasodilators, may also contribute to migraine triggers.
Fresh, pasteurized cheeses are generally safer options for migraine sufferers. Examples include mild cheddar, ricotta, cottage cheese, American cheese, Colby, and Monterey Jack.
Keeping a food journal or headache diary can help identify specific triggers. Note down what you eat, when you eat it, and any subsequent migraine symptoms. Pay attention to patterns and overlapping triggers to better understand your personal triggers.
