I guess I am lucky. I don’t recall a single instance of having a headache. (OK. I know some folks provide me pains- but they are NOT in my head, but another part of my anatomy.)
Which is somewhat surprising given the plethora of allergies with which I have been endowed. You see, there are some links between the foods we eat and headaches. Why? We aren’t sure if there is a chemical reaction, a vascular response, or an immune response that leads to the headaches. And, if so, tyramine (a vaso-active amino acid [chemical] prevalent in many foods) may just be the culprit. The good news is that tyramine is NOT an essential amino acid, so cutting it out from one’s diet won’t lead to problems.
We began learning more about tyramine as we began prescribing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression in the 1950s. Their dietary restrictions are one of the reasons the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were developed. MAOIs interfere with the enzyme that decomposes excess tyramine; if tyrosine accumulates to excess, the patient’s blood pressure become elevated, and headaches and nausea can ensue. The patient feels as if he received an overdose of MSG (monosodium glutamate) which is also known to cause headaches.
Tyramine is also formed when tyrosine is incompletely converted to epinephrine. Tyramine also leads to the release of catecholamines (which includes dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine). Amazingly, since it affects one’s brain, the chemical does not cross the blood-brain barrier.
While there is no direct evidence, there is strong correlation. For example, migraine sufferers have found that changing their diet can reduce- or even eliminate- their suffering. We do know that stress (which includes the lack of sleep) can cause headaches. And, if we are stressed or lacking sleep, then the food reactions seem to be heightened.
So, while not definitive, if you suffer from headaches, you should consider removing these compounds from your body- all at once. If the headaches don’t recur, you can either continue this diet or try adding back one food that you feel is desperately needed. But, remember, we don’t know which one- so adding back multiples of the food may have you clamoring for that acetaminophen- pronto!
I do get headaches more often than I would like, so after reading your article and doing a little research I found that my fondness for aged sharp cheddar cheese and smoked salmon might be the reason. The I found out that some beer can also contain tyramine. So I had to decide..give up three foods I really enjoy or live with a headache not and then..Food won,I’ll just indulge a little less often. Enjoy your articles.
Chef William recently posted..Tabbouleh Salad
You may elect to have your foods- and your headaches, William…Only you know whether the cost merits the reward…
Most of my headaches occur because of sinus problems or overuse of my eyes. You have never had a headache? That is amazing, you are very blessed.
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Sinus problems, where the “tubes” in our head are filled with fluid applying pressure does cause a “pain in the head”, but that may not be a true headache, Shawn. And, since I use my eyes 20 to 21 hours a day, I have no clue how I can OVERUSE them…
Thank goodness I also get very few headaches, maybe 1 a year if that. And I use essential oil to alleviate it. I do know that MSG has an effect on me, but not a headache, more like my cheeks feel like they are tightening. And few places I frequent use it – thankfully.
Thanks for the explanation.
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Do you imbibe the essential oil or apply it to your forehead, Sue? I never heard of that remedy.
I’m a migraine person…behind the left eye when I get it…nasty stuff. There is another “cure” and help for them too along with diet changes….I’d like to say what but it’s not PG…let’s just say the next time your wife or Girlfriend says she has a headache, what she is avoiding might be the very thing that makes it feel better 😛
Lisa Brandel recently posted..Going Home by Lisa Brandel
I have a post in the queue about migraines, Lisa… You should find that of interest.
And, I will have to remember that last sentence…
Very interesting article. I have read before that the food we eat has a huge effect on headaches but it’s good to see it explained a bit. Ive also heard that it sometimes has to do with overmedication, have you ever heard this before?
It depends on the medication and the over in the over-medication, Zach…
We have finally begun to do some really good scientific research about headaches, so…
you are lucky indeed Roy – I’ve had migraines for decades, and to say they are not nice is an understatement!
I’ve tried, and done a pretty good job, of finding foods that can trigger them, and then miss those foods out.
I’ve also found an acupressure technique which can work well for me too.
Cheers,
Gordon
The Great Gordino recently posted..Goal Achievement – 1 Down, 51 To Go!
Acupressure sounds like it could really work. Wait till you see what I’ve got prepared for migraine headaches (that’s in my queue…), Gordon!
I very rarely get headaches but my son suffers from dreadful migraines. He is a lot better now he is older, and we have worked out what causes them (stress or the anticipation of it). Having seen how he used to suffer, I know now how awful headaches can be. This is useful information – thanks.
Harriet Stack recently posted..Self care and warning lights
I have a follow-up in my queue about migraines, Harriet. That information may surprise you- and your son.
Thanks for posting Roy. I have what have been called hormonal migraines and they last for several days every month. They began 5 or 6 years ago. Could these also be related to food I wonder? Sadly, your list consists of most of my diet. I would surely lose some weight if I eliminated everything! Thanks again for the great information. I’m looking forward to the migraine post.
My post on migraines is in the queue, SueRae. (I am sure you are getting tired of hearing about my queue! But, I try to keep each post readable in under four minutes…)
Sorry to provide you such a restrictive list- but migraines are different than headaches- regardless of what the ad industry tries to sell.
A good idea (not that I would consider you needing to lose weight), for those who do have headaches, is to cut them all out for two weeks. Then, try one for a week and see if that brings a recurrence. If not, write down the food, omit it, wait three or four days, and try another one. Keep going through the list- when you find the ONE that does cause problems, you know that needs to be removed from your list. Unfortunately, these foods can also work in concert- so, you may still get headaches until you find the ones that work against you!
This makes complete sense to me. I just visited your latest post and said I would look out for your more posts! Happy to see you here.
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Thanks, Evan, for your visit and comment. I look forward to your next set of comments.
My sister complains of headaches quite often – very often in fact. The surprising thing is that they have almost disappeared since she got pregnant (yes, aunt again in two more months!) Or maybe she has baby issues on her mind!
Hajra recently posted..I don’t need you
Perhaps… or maybe her diet changed, too, Hajra!