Tag: Migraine trigger foods

Tyramine is a naturally occurring compound in certain foods that forms as the amino acid tyrosine breaks down over time, particularly during aging or fermentation. While most people can metabolize tyramine without issue, individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or those sensitive to it, such as migraine sufferers, can experience dangerous side effects like a hypertensive crisis. Understanding how to lower tyramine levels is crucial for managing these health risks and maintaining a safer diet.

Over one-third of the UK's sodium consumption comes from processed and prepared foods, and as a high-salt, yeast-based spread, Marmite is not for everyone. People with certain health conditions, including high blood pressure and gout, should exercise caution or avoid it entirely due to its concentrated sodium and purine content.

Approximately 20-30% of people with migraine report that certain foods or drinks can act as a trigger, though the exact culprits vary widely among individuals. Identifying which food is a common migraine trigger requires careful observation, as a food often mistaken as a trigger may be a symptom of a craving in the migraine's pre-attack phase.