Supplementing with the amino acid tyrosine is not linked to side effects such as bloating. However, tyrosine is an essential component in two medical conditions that may result in bloating -- hypothyroidism and tyramine intolerance. In one condition, tyrosine supplementation may help relieve the disorder's symptoms. In the other, strictly monitoring or avoiding the consumption of tyrosine-containing foods is one of the main treatment options.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a medical disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland is unable to synthesize enough of the two thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. The condition can cause headaches, fatigue, a decrease in heart rate, numb fingers and hands, a persistent feeling of coldness, and premenstrual-like symptoms including bloating, constipation, depression, weight gain and a decrease in libido. While a deficiency of tyrosine does not cause hypothyroidism, supplementing with the amino acid may help alleviate symptoms such as bloating.
Hypothyroidism Treatment
Tyrosine supplementation can be an effective treatment for hypothyroidism because the thyroid gland uses tyrosine in the production of the thyroid hormones. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises that if you want to use tyrosine to prevent hypothyroidism symptoms such as bloating, you should aim to take 500 mg of L-tyrosine two to three times each day. However, speak to your doctor before beginning tyrosine supplementation. Tyrosine should not be used by individuals who have high blood pressure, are currently taking a thyroid hormone drug or who have a mental illness that causes manic episodes.
Tyramine Intolerance
Tyramine is a compound that is produced when the tyrosine in tyrosine-containing foods breaks down over time. The amount of tyramine in a product increases significantly when the food is fermented, over-ripe or aged. For some people, foods containing a high concentration of tyramine can trigger intolerance symptoms that include bloating, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain. Food intolerances are not caused by an abnormal immune response, but by a negative physiological reaction to a component in the food, according to a review published by the Oxford Journals.
Tyramine Intolerance Treatment
To prevent the bloating associated with tyramine intolerance, doctors advise avoiding foods that have a high tyramine content, as well as over-ripe foods that contain large amounts of tyrosine. Tyramine-rich foods include aged, dried, pickled or smoked meats and fish such as salami, pepperoni or pickled herring; alcoholic drinks such as ale, beer, vermouth or burgundy; fermented soy products such as soy or teriyaki sauce; all types of nuts; and any aged cheeses such as blue cheese, brie or mozzarella. Avocados and bananas contain high concentrations of tyrosine and should not be eaten when over-ripe by people who are tyramine intolerant.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Tyrosine
- eMedTV: Tyrosine Side Effects
- National Headache Foundation: Low Tyramine Headache Diet
- Food Reactions: Food Intolerance - Causes, Symptoms & Treatments
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- Columbia University Medical Center: Thyroid Disorders
- Oxford Journals: Adverse Reactions and Intolerance to Foods
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