Kamil Perry
Many factors can trigger headaches and migraines, including certain foods and drinks. While there is limited research on cheese as a migraine trigger, it is generally agreed that aged cheese is more likely to cause headaches. This is due to a substance called tyramine, which forms as the proteins in cheese break down over time. Tyramine is an amino acid that causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing, of the blood vessels in the brain, followed by dilation, or widening, resulting in the characteristic throbbing pain of a migraine. Cheddar is an aged cheese, and therefore contains higher levels of tyramine, which may explain why consuming it leads to headaches.
Why would cheddar cheese give me a headache?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Aged cheese | Contains tyramine, which can trigger headaches |
| Tyramine | Affects the diameter of the blood vessels in the brain, causing a throbbing headache |
| Other foods with tyramine | Processed or cured meats, fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, raw onion, blue cheese, and pickled food |
| Migraine triggers | Noise, light, over-the-counter painkillers, barometric pressure and weather changes, tobacco, caffeine, stress, sleep habits, bright lights, strong smells, etc. |
| Food diary | Keeping a food and symptom diary can help identify if tyramine or other triggers are the cause of migraines |
| Low-tyramine diet | May be helpful to avoid foods with tyramine, such as aged cheeses, red wine, ramen noodles, and chocolate |
| Mild cheddar | Fresh cheeses like mild cheddar, ricotta, cottage cheese, and American cheese are less likely to trigger migraines |
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What You'll Learn
- Aged cheese contains tyramine, a natural compound that can cause headaches
- Tyramine levels increase with age, so older cheddars are more likely to cause headaches
- Other tyramine-rich foods to avoid include smoked, aged, pickled, or fermented products
- Migraines can also be triggered by lifestyle factors, such as light, sound, or over-the-counter medication
- Keeping a food diary can help identify dietary triggers, including cheese and other tyramine-rich foods
Aged cheese contains tyramine, a natural compound that can cause headaches
Aged cheese, such as cheddar, contains tyramine, a natural compound that can cause headaches. Tyramine is an amino acid that forms as the proteins in cheese break down over time. The longer a cheese ages, the more tyramine it contains. Aged cheeses, like Parmesan, Asiago, Mozzarella, and sharp cheddar, have higher levels of tyramine than fresh cheeses.
Tyramine can trigger headaches by affecting the blood vessels in the brain. It causes the release of norepinephrine, a brain chemical, and leads to changes in the brain that result in headaches. Specifically, tyramine causes vasoconstriction, or narrowing, of some blood vessels in the brain, followed by dilation, or widening. This back-and-forth narrowing and widening causes the throbbing pain characteristic of migraine headaches.
In addition to aged cheese, tyramine is also found in processed or cured meats and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in soy sauce and some food additives, is another common dietary trigger for headaches. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose have also been linked to headaches in some people, although the evidence suggests they are not strong triggers for most.
If you suspect that tyramine-containing foods are triggering your headaches, you can try keeping a food diary to help identify any potential triggers. This involves recording what you eat and any subsequent symptoms. Simple dietary changes, such as reducing tyramine intake or choosing fresh cheeses, may help reduce headache severity and medication use. The National Headache Foundation recommends limiting intake to four ounces for aged cheeses. However, if you want to avoid any chances of triggering a headache, it's best to opt for fresh cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta.
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Tyramine levels increase with age, so older cheddars are more likely to cause headaches
It is well-known that certain foods can trigger headaches and migraines, and for many sufferers, cheddar cheese is a common culprit. While there are various potential causes, one of the key reasons lies in the amino acid tyramine. Tyramine is found in many foods, including aged cheeses like cheddar, and its levels increase with the aging process. This means that older cheddars are more likely to contain higher concentrations of tyramine, which can trigger headaches in susceptible individuals. The link between tyramine and headaches is due to its ability to affect blood vessels and brain chemistry. Normally, our bodies break down tyramine with an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO). However, if there is too much tyramine, or if our MAO levels are low, it can lead to a build-up of this amino acid. This build-up can cause the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which can constrict blood vessels and lead to headaches.
Additionally, tyramine can stimulate certain receptors in the brain, leading to changes in blood flow and increased sensitivity to pain, further contributing to headache symptoms. In terms of cheddar cheese, the aging process involves bacterial cultures that produce enzymes, which break down proteins into smaller compounds, including tyramine. The longer the cheese ages, the higher the tyramine levels can become. This is why older, more mature cheddars are often associated with headaches. For individuals prone to migraines or headaches, it is recommended to avoid aged cheeses, especially those that are particularly mature or pungent. Fresh cheeses, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, and ricotta, tend to have lower tyramine levels and are less likely to trigger headaches.
Additionally, limiting other dietary sources of tyramine, such as cured meats, aged soy products, and certain types of alcohol, may also help reduce the frequency and severity of headaches. While tyramine is a common trigger, it is important to note that headaches can be caused by various factors, including dehydration, stress, and dietary habits. Keeping a food diary and identifying patterns can help individuals pinpoint specific triggers and make informed choices to reduce the occurrence of headaches. In summary, the relationship between cheddar cheese and headaches is often attributed to the high tyramine content in aged cheeses. As tyramine levels increase with the aging process, older cheddars are more likely to cause headaches, especially in those susceptible to migraines or with low MAO levels. By understanding this link and making appropriate dietary choices, individuals can take a proactive approach to managing their headache triggers and overall well-being.
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Other tyramine-rich foods to avoid include smoked, aged, pickled, or fermented products
Cheddar cheese, especially aged cheddar, is known to be a common trigger for headaches and migraines. This is due to the presence of tyramine, an amino acid that forms as the proteins in cheese break down over time. The longer a cheese ages, the more tyramine it contains. Tyramine causes the release of norepinephrine, a brain chemical, leading to changes in the brain that result in headaches.
In addition to these, processed meats, including hot dogs, bacon, and deli meats, contain nitrates that can dilate blood vessels and lead to headaches. Monosodium glutamate (MSG), commonly found in soy sauce and other food additives, is another common headache trigger. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose have also been linked to headaches, although the evidence suggests they are not strong triggers for most people.
To identify specific triggers, it is recommended to keep a food diary to track what you eat and any subsequent symptoms. This can help determine which foods are migraine triggers for you, as triggers can vary from person to person.
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Migraines can also be triggered by lifestyle factors, such as light, sound, or over-the-counter medication
While cheddar cheese has not been proven to cause headaches, it does contain tyramine, a natural compound that may trigger migraines in some people. Tyramine is an amino acid that causes the blood vessels in your brain to constrict and then dilate, resulting in the characteristic throbbing pain of a migraine. Aged cheeses, such as cheddar, have higher levels of tyramine due to the breakdown of proteins during the aging process.
In addition to tyramine-rich foods, migraines can also be triggered by lifestyle factors, such as light and sound. Bright lights, particularly when combined with loud noises, can induce a migraine in individuals who are predisposed to them. This may include exposure to screens, which emit strong light and can often be accompanied by sound.
Additionally, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can play a role in triggering migraines. For those with a history of migraines, excessive use of painkillers can lead to an increase in headaches over time. This phenomenon is observed even with medications specifically formulated for migraines, such as Excedrin Migraine®. It is recommended that these OTC pain medicines be taken no more than twice a week to avoid potential negative consequences.
Other lifestyle factors that can trigger migraines include changes in sleeping habits, stress, and hormonal fluctuations. These factors, combined with exposure to certain bright lights and sounds, can contribute to the onset of migraines. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of one's environment and habits to help manage and prevent migraine attacks effectively.
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Keeping a food diary can help identify dietary triggers, including cheese and other tyramine-rich foods
Keeping a food diary can be an effective way to identify dietary triggers for headaches and migraines. This is because the effects of certain foods on the body can vary from person to person, and a food diary can help you recognise patterns specific to your body.
Tyramine is a substance found naturally in some foods, especially aged and fermented foods, and is a well-accepted migraine trigger. It is formed as proteins in food break down over time, so the longer a food is aged, the more tyramine it contains. Tyramine may also be found in processed or cured meats and fermented foods.
Aged cheeses, such as cheddar, blue cheese, Camembert, Swiss, feta, Muenster, and Parmesan, are known to contain higher levels of tyramine. Other dairy products, such as American cheese, cottage cheese, yoghurt, fresh milk, farmer's cheese, cream cheese, and sour cream, are lower in tyramine.
If you suspect tyramine-rich foods may be triggering your headaches, keeping a food diary can help you identify them. Note down all the foods and drinks you consume, including any mentioned above, and the times and dates of your headaches. This will help you determine if tyramine-rich foods are a trigger for you and inform your dietary choices.
It is important to note that other factors, such as changes in temperature, strong smells, bright lights, loud noises, and stress, can also contribute to headaches and migraines. Combining a food diary with awareness of these other potential triggers can help you identify a comprehensive range of factors that may be causing your headaches.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheddar cheese, especially aged cheddar, contains tyramine, a natural compound that may trigger migraines in some people. Tyramine causes the release of norepinephrine, a brain chemical, leading to changes in the brain that result in headaches.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG), found in soy sauce and some food additives, is a common trigger. Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose, as well as caffeine, have also been linked to headaches.
Yes, non-food triggers include noise, light, changes in temperature or barometric pressure, sleep habits, stress, and hormonal changes.
Keeping a food diary or a migraine diary can help you track your triggers. Note the time and date the headache starts, along with potential triggers.
Mild or fresh cheddar has lower tyramine levels than aged cheddar. Therefore, it may be less likely to trigger a headache.
