What is tyramine?

Tyramine is a naturally occurring compound that often occurs in many plants and animals. It can also be formed from tyrosine - amino acids found in different foods - when these foods are fermented or decomposed. It is known as Amin because of its molecular structure, which contains nitrogen and is derived from ammonia. Some of the substances that can be released include dopamine, norepinephrine - also known as noradrenaline - and epinephrine. When these hormones are in the bloodstream, systolic blood pressure and heart rate may increase. Because the enzyme monoamine oxidase is a mechanism that the human body usually uses to deprive it of excessive amount of tyramine, if Maois is taken, the level of tyramine can accumulate, leading to an increased risk of stroke. That is why many people using Maois recommend avoiding food containing tyramine.

Tyramine is also assumed that some people have a possible causal connection with migraines. However, scientific studies provided mixed results. Probably, because this affects the vascular system by releasing catecholamines, it is assumed that it indirectly causes narrowing the blood vessels in the head. After the effect leaves, blood vessels are dilated, which can potentially lead to migraine that occurs in individuals of prone to them. Sometimes, if the suffering migraine avoids foods containing tyramine, it can experience them less often.

Some foods that contain this compound include fermented foods such as cabbage, soy sauce and red wine. It is about old meals, including hard cheeses such as parmesan, cheddar and Asago, and cured meat such as salami and some sausages. Other foods with a high content of tyramine include avocado, chocolate, Fava beans and pineapple.

If the person is repeatedly exposed to it for a longer period of time, tyramine can be converted to octopamin .This can occupy the same storage space in the human body, known as synaptic vesicles that some catecholins do before using them. It is assumed that because the octopamine somewhat replaces combat or flight hormones, where they are usually stored, it can be responsible for lowering blood pressure and perhaps lead to a state called orthostatic hypotension . This is sometimes seen in people who use Maois. However, further research needs to be carried out to understand the role of octopamine in the human body.