Tyramine Restricted Food Plan

What is Tyramine Restricted Food Plan

A tyramine-restricted food plan is a dietary approach that involves avoiding or limiting foods high in tyramine. Tyramine is a naturally occurring compound that can be found in various foods and beverages. Some individuals may be sensitive to tyramine, and consuming high levels of it can trigger migraines or other adverse reactions.

Here are some key points to consider when following a tyramine-restricted food plan:

1. Avoid high-tyramine foods: Foods that are high in tyramine should be avoided or limited. These include aged or fermented foods such as aged cheeses, cured meats (e.g., salami, pepperoni), fermented soy products (e.g., soy sauce, miso), sauerkraut, pickled or smoked foods, and certain alcoholic beverages (e.g., red wine, beer).
2. Choose fresh foods: Fresh foods are generally lower in tyramine. Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, poultry, fish, and low-fat dairy products. These foods are less likely to contain high levels of tyramine.
3. Be cautious with leftovers: Tyramine levels can increase in foods as they age or are stored for longer periods. It’s advisable to consume freshly cooked meals and avoid leftovers that have been stored for an extended period.
4. Read food labels: Pay attention to food labels and ingredient lists to identify products that may contain high levels of tyramine. Look for terms like “aged,” “fermented,” “cured,” or “smoked” as indications that the food may be high in tyramine.
5. Keep a food diary: Keeping a food diary can help you identify potential triggers and track your dietary intake. Note down the foods you consume and any symptoms or reactions you experience. This information can be helpful when working with a healthcare professional to identify patterns or specific triggers.

• Tyramine is a substance found in many foods and supplements.
• When foods are not stored or processed properly, the amount of tyramine in the foods may increase.
• This is important when you are taking certain medicines, because tyramine may interact with them and cause unpleasant side effects.
• Side effects may include increased blood pressure, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. You can avoid these symptoms by avoiding foods that contain tyramine.

What are tips for following this plan?

• Store foods at proper temperatures.
• Cook or freeze foods the same day they are bought. It is recommended that this be done within 24 hours of buying the food.
• Eat foods the same day you cook them.
• Always check expiration dates on food packages.
• Do not eat foods if you are unsure of how they were stored.
• Do not eat foods that:
  • Have been in your refrigerator for more than 24–48 hours.
  • Are expired or near the expiration date.
  • Are spoiled.
  • Are aged, such as aged cheeses or sausages.
  • Are fermented, such as pickles or sauerkraut.
• Avoid combination foods, such as cheese crackers, stir fry, and pizza.
• Limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages to less than:
  • 12 oz (354 mL) a day of domestic, canned, or alcohol-free beer.
  • 4 oz (118 mL) a day of red or white wine.
  • 16 oz (473 mL) a day of coffee, cola, and other caffeinated drinks.
• Talk to your health care provider about how long you should follow this eating plan after stopping your medicines.
• Talk to your health care provider before taking certain medicines, including cold medicines, diet drugs, or herbal supplements.

Foods to avoid

The following foods contain high levels of tyramine.

Vegetables

Fermented or pickled vegetables, such as sauerkraut and kimchi.

Fruits

Overripe fruits, such as avocados and bananas. Dried fruits. Canned figs.

Meat and other protein foods

Fermented meat products, such as chorizo and salchichon. Dry sausages, such as mortadella, hard salami, Genoa salami, and Lebanon bologna. Corned beef. Imported pepperoni. Anchovies. Caviar. Smoked or pickled meats and fish. Meat jerky, such as beef jerky and turkey jerky. Meat extracts and meat tenderizers.

Dairy

Aged cheeses such as gouda, muenster, cheddar, feta, and Swiss. Colby, brie, blue, and Parmesan cheese.

Beverages

Unpasteurized beers. Spirits.

Fermented condiments and other foods

Fermented soybean products, including soy sauce, miso soup, teriyaki, shoyu, tamari, natto, fermented tofu, and tempeh. Fava and broad bean pods.

The items listed may not be a complete list. Talk with your dietitian about what dietary choices are best for you.

It’s important to note that the tyramine sensitivity and the specific dietary restrictions may vary from person to person. Some individuals may need to follow a strict tyramine-restricted diet, while others may find that they can tolerate moderate amounts of tyramine without adverse effects. If you suspect a tyramine sensitivity or have been advised to follow a tyramine-restricted food plan, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian who can provide personalized guidance and support.

Summary

• When you take certain medicines, it is important to make sure that the foods you eat do not contain a lot of tyramine.
• Tyramine levels are higher in foods that are overripe, aged, or fermented.
• Limit caffeinated beverages, and limit or avoid alcohol when on a tyramine-restricted eating plan.