We eat them every day! Foods that can cause frequent headaches are named
Foods that cause headaches have been named (photo: Freepik)
Frequent headaches can be caused by certain foods. Tyramine in food can even provoke migraine attacks, reports Infobae.
What is known about tyramine
Tyramine is an alkaloid that is similar to adrenaline in its effect on the human body and can provoke severe headaches, nervous excitability, increased muscle tone, blood pressure, and sugar levels.
Dr. Maria Teresa Goicochea said that, unlike a common headache, migraine is a neurological (not psychiatric) disease.
The doctor described the main symptoms:
- nausea
- vomiting
- intolerance to light, sounds, smells, or movements
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling of tension in the neck
What causes a headache
Migraine attacks are often caused by several factors. Not only stress can be a factor, but also food due to tyramine.
The National Headache Foundation has identified tyramine as a vasoactive amino acid found in some foods.
It causes headaches in some people and is a product obtained by converting tyrosine (an amino acid found in many proteins) into epinephrine (an active hormone produced internally in the adrenal gland).
Foods containing tyramine can cause headaches or migraines.
What foods contain tyramine
Thyramine is present in many foods, but it is especially concentrated in fermented foods and beverages. This is because, over time, microbes convert the amino acid tyrosine to tyramine.
Studies show that the longer food is aged or fermented, the higher the tyramine levels are.
Foods rich in tyramine include:
- cheeses, such as aged cheddar, Swiss and Parmesan, blue cheeses such as Stilton and Gorgonzola, Camembert
- cured meats processed with salt and nitrates or nitrites, such as sausages and salami
- smoked or processed meats, such as hot dogs, bacon, or smoked fish
- canned or fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, caviar, tofu, or pickles
- sauces such as soy, miso, shrimp sauce, and teriyaki
- soy products
- nuts and beans
- dried fruits such as raisins, plums, overripe bananas or avocados
- alcoholic beverages such as beer, red wine and liquors
In addition to avoiding foods that can trigger headaches, you should also follow these recommendations:
- Don't skip meals, as this can increase the risk of migraine attacks
- Breakfast should be rich in proteins. Eat within 30-60 minutes after waking up in the morning
- To feel fuller longer, try to include carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats in every meal
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks throughout the day
In addition to tyramine, some people may be sensitive to phenylethylamine, aspartame, monosodium glutamate, nitrates, nitrites, alcohol, and caffeine. Studies show that avoiding these substances can help reduce the risk of migraines.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
