Question:

I am suffering from migraines fortnightly at the moment. I have read that a low-amine diet may help, but the food lists on the internet are contradictory. Can you give me a list, please?

Response:

Amines are naturally occurring compounds found in certain foods that have the ability to act on the brain and blood vessels, and can trigger migraines in some people who are sensitive to amines.

There are different types of amines such as tyramine (found in cheese), histamine (found in wine), and phenylethylamine (found in chocolate). Any protein food can contain amines, it depends on how it is processed, its age, ripeness, how it's handled and stored, and how it is cooked. This is because when proteins are broken down their amine content increases. Foods that are overcooked, aged, browned, grilled or fermented, and meats that are processed, are higher in amines. Amines are also higher in soft, ripened fruit such as avocados and bananas. It is important to choose the freshest produce you can when trying to avoid amines.

Here is a list of some foods that contain moderate to very high levels of amines:

Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, coconut, peanut, pecan, dates, kiwi fruit, lime orange, passionfruit, papa, tangerine, avocado, banana, fig, grapes lemon, mandarin, pineapple, plum, raspberry, broccoli, cauliflower, olives, eggplant, mushroom, tomato, spinach, aged meats, bacon, canned sardines, frozen fish, gravy with meat and juices, ham, pork anchovies, beef liver, brains, kidney, tripe, canned tuna, dried, smoked or pickled fish, fish roe, meat pies, pate, salami, sausages, smoked meats or chicken, soy sauce, vegemite, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, marmite, beer, port, red wine, sherry, white wine, chocolate, flavoured drinks, cocoa, orange juice, cola drinks, tomato juice, vegetable juice, mild cheese, tasty cheese, brie, camembert, cheddar, Danish blue, edam, Leicester, mozzarella, parmesan, provolone, Roquefort, Swiss, and miso.

For more information visit Lisa's website, Art of healing.