Cheese is often associated with comfort and flavor, but for some people, it can cause serious complications.
Cheese can interfere with your medication and increase the risk of side effects.
What is tyramine?
Tyramine is an amino acid that the body naturally produces, but it’s also found in many foods, especially cheese.
It helps regulate blood pressure and is normally broken down by an enzyme called monoamine oxidase.
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When you take an MAOI, this enzyme is blocked, allowing tyramine to build up in your system.
Why cheese can be problematic
Cheese is one of the richest sources of tyramine. Eating cheese while taking an MAOI can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure.
Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, and in rare cases, severe hypertensive reactions.
Aged cheeses have the highest levels
The longer a cheese is aged, the more tyramine it contains.
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Aged cheddar, Parmesan, blue cheese, Swiss, and Camembert are among the most problematic varieties.
Fresh and pasteurized cheeses are safer
Not all cheeses are off-limits. Fresh and pasteurized varieties such as cottage cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, and fresh mozzarella contain very little tyramine and are usually safe, but always check with your doctor first.
Other foods high in tyramine
Besides cheese, tyramine is also found in cured and processed meats, fermented foods, yeast extracts, and certain alcoholic beverages.
Some fruits, like bananas, avocados, and figs, naturally contain higher amounts as well.
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When food and medication interact
MAOIs work by helping maintain higher levels of brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.
While this can be beneficial for mood and neurological health, it also means your body can’t break down tyramine effectively.
Possible symptoms of too much tyramine
Excess tyramine can cause a sudden rise in blood pressure, severe headaches, sweating, rapid heartbeat, and in rare cases, dangerous complications such as brain bleeds.
How much tyramine is too much?
Even small amounts, around 10 to 25 milligrams, can trigger a reaction in people taking MAOIs.
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That’s why it’s recommended to completely avoid high-tyramine foods during treatment.
Talk to your doctor
Before making dietary changes, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian.
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Practical tips
Read food labels carefully, choose fresh ingredients, and avoid aged, fermented, or old products. Eat foods soon after preparation to keep tyramine levels low.
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The key takeaway
Cheese doesn’t have to be completely off the table, but choosing the right kind makes all the difference.
When taking MAOIs, stick to fresh cheeses and avoid aged ones to keep your medication working safely and effectively.
This article is based on information from Everydayhealth.com.