Headache is a symptom that materializes in our body when suffering from certain diseases, although, in turn, it is an anomaly that can be caused by a wide variety of factors. One of the most important is directly associated with the intake of some foods that, in addition, are usually present in a large number of eating routines. This is the case of products such as salami, nuts, blue cheese or bananas. Recent studies in this regard point to tyramine, a chemical substance of natural origin and present in a large number of foods, as the key factor in triggering some headaches.
Origin of headaches caused by food
The foods that have a greater amount of this substance, tyramine, are those that are fermented, that is, nuts, oily fish, chicken liver or some dairy products such as cheese. It is a component that is obtained from the breakdown of an amino acid, so it is also possible to find it in expired food, canned food or alcoholic beverages that are commonly consumed such as beer, red wine or vermouth.
The main theory about the triggering of headaches due to the presence of tyramine in food focuses on the development of a possible food allergy or intolerance which, in turn, generates a migraine or migraine as a parallel symptom, especially in those women who are sensitive to suffering from them. It is enough to verify that there are also foods such as citrus fruits, spinach, tomatoes, aubergines or plums that are usually common in diets recommended by nutrition professionals and that are partially composed of said substance.
Given these circumstances, it is quite coherent to question a direct relationship between the consumption of certain foods and the development of headaches. As long as we eat a healthy and balanced diet, take care of our lifestyle and are not intolerant of any of the foods we eat frequently, we can avoid generating headaches due to this circumstance. In case of doubt, we will have to consult with our family doctor.