tyramines in wine

[Bucko]

Reports on the tyramine-migraine link are sketchy. A recent review article found that all past studies affirming a migraine-tyramine connection were scientifically inconclusive, and noted several studies showing no connection. Two studies validated as scientifically sound reported no connection in the population evaluated.

If you haven't already, I'd consult with a neurologist to seek out the etiology of your headaches. It may not be TYRamine at all -- it may be HISTamine, which is prevalent in red wines and beer, but much less so in white wines.

If you look at the list of migraine triggers, it is formidable:

Aged or strong cheese
Cured meats (hot dogs, bacon, ham, and salami)
Citrus fruits
Fatty or fried foods
Chocolate, nuts
Monosodium glutamate
Food dyes, additives
Pickled herring, chicken livers
Ice cream
Yogurt, sour cream
Meat and vegetable extracts
Pork and seafood
Canned figs, broad beans, tomatoes
Caffeine-containing drinks (coffee, tea, all cola soft drinks)
Caffeine withdrawal
Alcoholic drinks (red wine, beer)
Aspartame, nitrites, sulfites

I read one study where double-blind administration of tyramine to patients who benefited from a low-tyramine diet did not provoke attacks of migraine. I'd ask your neurologist directly about this.

Cognac, whiskey, beer and red wine are your worst bets. Vodka and white wine are your best bets.