In this post, we will assess a particular food sensitivity associated with high concentrations of tyramine in the body. We will identify the signs and symptoms you are likely to experience when you have high tyramine concentrations in your body, the factors that can trigger high amounts of tyramine in your body and foods to be restricted and avoided to manage this sensitivity.
Tyramine restriction involves limiting the intake of tyramine-containing foods to prevent associated reactions. This restriction is normally indicated for patients on Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) and Zylox (Linezolid) medicine. MAOIs are prescribed for managing and treating depression by obstructing the deactivation of neurotransmitters. Examples of MAOIs include antidepressants such as Furazolidone and Isocarboxazid.
MAOIs prevent the breakdown of dietary tyramine, resulting in elevated tyramine concentrations in the body. When there is an increase in tyramine concentrations in the body, high amounts of norepinephrine are triggered, which in turn activate hypertensive reactions. Certain symptoms including nausea and vomiting, sweating, neck stiffness, fever, visual challenges, increased blood pressure and increased heart rate may occur when tyramine concentrations in your body are increased. The usage of herbs such as ginseng with MAO inhibitors such as Nardil can also cause undesirable symptoms such as nervousness, hyperactivity, sleeping problems and headaches.
The majority of foods have insignificant quantities of tyramine and other vasopressor amines although, large quantities are contained in fermented, smoked and pickled food products. Tyramine is not destroyed by heat and as such the freshness of foods during preparation, handling and storage should be maximized to ensure that the amount of tyramine does not increase. Other foods that contain caffeine such as chocolate and coffee do not contain tyramine though their excess intake can trigger hypertensive reactions.
Therefore, to manage a tyramine reaction if you are taking any MAOI, you will be required to limit the intake of tyramine containing foods – mainly pickled, fermented and smoked foods, but instead, you will be advised to consume only fresh foods. If you are on Zyvox medication, you will have to limit the consumption of beverages and foods with high tyramine amounts.
Foods to be omitted to manage tyramine sensitivity include:
Fish and meat -cured, smoked, salted or pickled fish and meat, bacon, salami, sausages, ham
Vegetables-pickled vegetables, sauerkraut
Milk and dairy products- cheeses
Beverages- beer, wine, tea, coffee, chocolate, soft drinks
Others -sauces, olives, yeast (brewer’s yeast)
Importantly, in the case that you are sensitive to tyramine, you should inform your practitioner concerning any changes in medication so that the tyramine restricted diet to be designed for you is tailored as per your needs.