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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Before making dietary changes, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian.
Some low-dose selegiline skin patches may not pose the same risks, but each case should be assessed individually.
Read food labels carefully, choose fresh ingredients, and avoid aged, fermented, or old products. Eat foods soon after preparation to keep tyramine levels low.
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.
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