List Of Foods High In Tyramine

Tyramine is an amino acid natural to the body and in certain foods that helps to regulate blood pressure, according to MayoClinic.com. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are drugs that treat depression by blocking monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters and tyramine. A side effect of using MAOIs is a buildup of tyramine in the body, which can cause a spike in blood pressure. You should avoid foods with tyramine if you take MAOIs.

Aged Dairy

The amount of tyramine in a certain food increases over time, especially in aged, expired or non-pasteurized dairy products, according to Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Aged cheeses such as aged cheese spreads, blue cheese, cheddar, feta, Gouda, mozzarella, gorgonzola, parmesan, Romano, Muenster, provolone, Swiss and Camembertt cheese contain a high amount of tyramine and should be avoided if you take MAOIs. Tyramine tends to be higher near the rind and closer to fermentation holes. You should also avoid imitation cheese products except cottage or ricotta cheese. Research by K.I. Shulman published in the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" in 1999, found that pizzas ordered from commercial outlets are safe for consumption, yet you should exercise caution if ordering pizza from small outlets or gourmet pizzas with aged cheeses.

Meats, Poultry and Fish

Aged, dried, air-dried, pickled or fermented meats and fish contain high amounts of tyramine and should be avoided as well if you take MAOIs. These products include processed meats such as corned beef, salami, bologna, pepperoni, liverwurst, sausage, bacon, ham and hot dogs. Fish that are dried, salted and smoked include lox, caviar and herring. Tyramine content can grow in leftover meats, poultry and fish products, particularly after 48 hours.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits, such as banana peels, can contain high amounts of tyramine when overripe or dried, according to Mayoclinic.com and Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Vegetables and vegetable food products, such as snow pea pods and sauerkraut, contain high amounts of tyramine. Avocados, guacamole, pickles and olives also contain high amounts of tyramine, according to The Ohio State University Medical Center.

Grains

Breads made with aged cheeses, aged meats or yeast extracts have a high content of tyramine. Homemade breads made with yeast or sourdough can also contain high amounts of tyramine.

Other Foods

Some processed soybean products also contain high amounts of tyramine; these products include soy sauce, soup, tofu, miso and tempeh. Salad dressing, sauces, gravies and other processed food products made with aged cheese, such as blue cheese dressing, and meat extracts have high amount of tyramine and should be avoided if you take MAOIs, according to Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Tyramine levels can vary within the same food product and when combining different foods. According to Dr. Braverman, the more of a particular food you eat, the more potential tyramine could affect you. The side effects from tyramine can be serious. Talk with your physician about the foods you can eat and any side effect you may experience.