About this topic
Tyramine comes from breaking down proteins in food. It is not something that is added to foods. The amount of tyramine goes up when a food is not fresh. Foods that are aged, fermented, or stored for a long time also have a higher tyramine level. Eating food with a lot of tyramine can cause a problem if you are taking certain drugs. Some of these drugs are monoamine oxidase inhibitors. They are also called MAOIs. ‚
What will the results be?
Using this diet may lower your chances of having: ‚
- Migraines or headaches
- High blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Abnormal heartbeat
What changes to diet are needed?
Talk to your doctor or dietitian about the right foods for you. Learn what foods have high or low tyramine levels. ‚
When is this diet used?
Use this diet when you are taking drugs called MAOIs. People who have side effects from tyramine should use this diet. This diet may help you if you have migraines or headaches. ‚
What foods are good to eat?
- Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables
- Bread, cereals, pancakes, rice, and pasta
- Dried beans and peas
- Eggs
- Dairy products such as yogurt, ice cream, milk, sour cream, and processed cheese, such as cream cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta, mozzarella or American cheese
- Fresh meat, fish, shellfish, and poultry
- Caffeine-free coffee, tea, or carbonated drinks
- Jams and jellies made with allowed foods
- Processed nuts and peanut butter
What foods should be limited or avoided?
- Aged, dried, salted, and smoked meat, like imported pepperoni, salami, bacon, sausage, chorizo, and corned beef
- Smoked fish
- Liver
- Aged cheese such as cheddar cheese, blue cheese, provolone, and feta
- Fermented soy beans and soy bean paste such as miso
- Soy sauce and teriyaki sauce
- MSG
- Kimchi (aged cabbage dish)
- Yeast extracts, seasoned salt, meat tenderizers
- Nitrates and nitrites found in processed meats
- Chocolate
- Canned soups
- Fruits or vegetables that are decomposed, fermented, or spoiled. Limit avocados.
- Vegetables like snowpeas, fava beans, sauerkraut, pickles, olives, or raw onion
- Red and white wine
- Beer
- Vinegar
When do I need to call the doctor?
Talk to your doctor before you take any over-the-counter drugs. Call your doctor if you are worried about your diet or health problem. ‚
Helpful tips
- Make sure that the foods you eat are fresh. Fresh food is less likely to contain high levels of tyramine.
- Do not eat old or out of date foods.
- Put foods in the refrigerator or freezer right away.
- Use or toss leftovers within 48 hours.
- Eat allowed fresh meats within 3 days.
- Eat allowed cheese within 3 to 4 weeks.
- Limit caffeine intake. Drink two or less cups of caffeinated beverages daily. Caffeine does not contain tyramine, but may cause high blood pressure in large amounts.
- If you are eating out, ask what is in the foods you order. Ask for other choices if needed.
- Ask your doctor or dietitian how long you need to be on this diet when you are off the MAOIs.
Where can I learn more?
National Headache Foundation ‚
http://www.headaches.org/pdf/Diet.pdf ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚