Emma Wilson
Migraines are a common type of headache that affects millions of people worldwide. While the exact causes of migraines are still unknown, they are believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including weather changes, stress, and fatigue. Food is also a common trigger, with up to 60% of migraine sufferers reporting specific foods as triggers. One food that has been linked to migraines is mushrooms, which contain the naturally occurring molecule tyramine, as well as the hallucinogenic compound psilocybin, both of which have been associated with headaches and migraines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are mushrooms a migraine trigger? | Yes, mushrooms can trigger migraines. |
| How do mushrooms trigger migraines? | Mushrooms contain psilocybin, which causes delayed and transient headaches. |
| What is psilocybin? | Psilocybin is a well-characterized classic hallucinogen with a long history of religious use by indigenous cultures. |
| How does psilocybin cause headaches? | The exact mechanism is unknown, but it is believed to be related to the release of nitric oxide or serotonin. |
| Are there other migraine triggers? | Yes, migraine triggers can be dietary (e.g. skipping meals, caffeine, alcohol), environmental (e.g. weather changes, stress, fatigue), or genetic. |
| Are migraine triggers individual-specific? | Yes, triggers can vary from person to person. Some people may identify food triggers, while others may not. |
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What You'll Learn
Psilocybin in mushrooms can cause delayed headaches
While the exact causes of migraines are still unknown, they are thought to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Triggers vary from person to person, and while some people with migraines can identify food triggers, others cannot. That said, psilocybin, a naturally occurring chemical found in high concentrations in certain mushrooms, has been shown to cause delayed, transient headaches in healthy volunteers.
Psilocybin is a well-known hallucinogen with a long history of religious use by indigenous cultures in the form of "magic mushrooms". It exerts its effects via its active metabolite, psilocin, which is structurally similar to serotonin and other migraine medications. In a double-blind study, researchers examined the effects of a broad range of psilocybin doses (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 mg/70 kg) on 18 participants. The study found that psilocybin frequently caused headaches, with the incidence, duration, and severity increasing in a dose-dependent manner. All headaches had a delayed onset, were transient, and lasted no more than a day after psilocybin administration.
The mechanism behind psilocybin-induced headaches is not yet fully understood, but it is thought to involve the release of nitric oxide (NO) and glutamate, as well as suppression of certain inhibitory activity in the brain. These observations suggest that non-medical use of psilocybin-containing mushrooms and psilocybin administration in human research can lead to adverse events, including headaches.
It is important to note that while mushrooms may be a trigger for some migraine sufferers, they can also have beneficial effects for others. Some case studies suggest that psilocybin may even be effective in treating cluster headaches. Additionally, mushrooms are a good source of nutrients like iron and zinc, providing nourishment to the body. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or dietician before making any significant changes to your diet, especially if you are prone to migraines or other health conditions.
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Migraine triggers are highly individual
While there are many known migraine triggers, it's important to remember that these triggers are highly individual. Up to 60% of individuals who experience migraines report specific foods as triggers, but not everyone reacts to the same food triggers. For example, while caffeine is a known trigger for some, it can also help reduce migraine pain for others. Similarly, while some people may find that mushrooms trigger migraines, this is not the case for everyone.
Mushrooms contain psilocybin, a well-known hallucinogen that has been used for recreational and spiritual purposes. Psilocybin has been shown to cause headaches in healthy volunteers, which may be due to nitric oxide release or the facilitation of glutamate release in the cortex. These headaches are typically delayed, transient, and dose-dependent, lasting no more than a day. However, it's important to note that these studies do not specifically mention migraines, and the relationship between psilocybin and migraines is not yet fully understood.
In addition to psilocybin, mushrooms also contain tyramine, a naturally occurring molecule derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Tyramine can be found in higher concentrations in aged and fermented foods, and while it is not fully understood how tyramine triggers migraines, it is thought to increase the concentration of norepinephrine in the brain. Other foods with high concentrations of tyramine include smoked and cured meats, fish, and some fermented foods.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is another compound found in mushrooms that may contribute to migraines. MSG is a naturally occurring amino acid also found in tomatoes and cheese, among other foods. While these dietary factors may play a role in triggering migraines for some individuals, it's important to note that migraine triggers can vary greatly from person to person. Skipping meals, for example, can trigger migraines due to the drop in blood glucose levels, but this may not be a trigger for everyone.
To identify your specific migraine triggers, it's recommended to keep a migraine diary and use safe food guides. By tracking your diet and migraine occurrences, you may be able to identify patterns and determine which foods or ingredients are potential triggers for you. It's important to remember that everyone with migraines is different, and it may take time and diligence to identify your unique triggers.
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Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is found in mushrooms
Mushrooms are a type of edible fungi that can be a rich source of nourishment for the body. They contain nutrients like iron and zinc and are also high in fibre. However, they can also trigger various reactions, such as fatigue, digestive issues, and migraines.
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavour enhancer commonly added to canned vegetables, soups, deli meats, and restaurant foods to give them a savoury, rich flavour. It is made from sodium and L-glutamate, a non-essential amino acid that occurs naturally in umami-rich foods like tomatoes, anchovies, mushrooms, and Parmesan cheese.
MSG is generally recognized as safe for human consumption by international bodies governing food additives, and it is not considered a toxic concern in humans. However, some people believe that MSG can cause headaches and other feelings of discomfort. While blinded tests have not provided strong evidence of this, there is a small subset of people who are sensitive to MSG and may experience negative effects when consuming it.
Mushrooms are one of the food sources that contain naturally occurring MSG. Other foods that contain MSG include cheese, tomatoes, and some processed and packaged foods.
If you are sensitive to MSG or are trying to reduce your sodium intake, it may be beneficial to limit your consumption of mushrooms and other foods that contain high levels of MSG. However, when used in moderation and as part of a meal, MSG is unlikely to have a negative effect on most individuals.
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Skipping meals can trigger migraines
While the exact causes of migraines are still unknown, they are thought to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many environmental "triggers" are associated with the onset of migraines, including weather changes, stress, and fatigue. Up to 60% of individuals who experience migraines report specific foods as migraine triggers.
Skipping meals is one such trigger. When you skip a meal, your blood glucose levels drop, triggering hypoglycemia, which can often result in headaches and migraines. The body's blood vessels may also begin to work less efficiently, leading to potential health issues such as strokes, heart attacks, and high blood pressure. Additionally, the body releases hormones to signal hunger, and consistently missing meals can cause these hormones to malfunction, leading to diabetes.
To avoid triggering migraines, it is essential to eat regularly and maintain consistent blood sugar levels. This can be achieved by having snacks throughout the day, such as nuts, rice cakes, dry whole-grain cereal, sunflower seeds, or fruits like green apples. These snacks can be kept on hand and eaten at the same time every day to prevent hunger headaches and maintain energy levels.
While skipping meals can trigger migraines, it is important to note that the impact of meal timing on migraines may vary from person to person. Some individuals may find that intermittent fasting helps control their migraines, while others may experience migraines if they deviate from their regular eating schedule. Therefore, it is essential to understand individual triggers and maintain consistent eating habits to prevent migraine attacks.
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Tyramine in aged cheeses and meats can trigger migraines
While the exact causes of migraines are still unknown, they are thought to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Environmental triggers include weather changes, stress, and fatigue, and specific foods. Foods that are commonly associated with triggering migraines include caffeine, alcohol, and monosodium glutamate (MSG)—a naturally occurring amino acid found in mushrooms, cheese, tomatoes, and other foods.
Tyramine, a naturally occurring molecule derived from the amino acid tyrosine, is another potential trigger for migraines. Tyramine is produced when tyrosine breaks down, which can happen when foods are preserved, fermented, or aged for extended periods. It is found in higher concentrations in aged and fermented foods, such as cheeses, cured and smoked meats, and fish.
The relationship between tyramine and migraines is not yet fully understood. One theory suggests that tyramine increases the concentration of norepinephrine, a hormone that can lead to changes in the brain resulting in headaches and migraines. Another theory speculates that higher-than-normal levels of tyramine may cause incorrect signals to be sent within the body, including stimulating the release of norepinephrine in the sympathetic nervous system.
If you suspect tyramine-rich foods may be triggering your migraines, it is recommended to opt for fresh meats, poultry, or fish, and consume them soon after purchase or freeze them. Additionally, choose fresh produce over smoked, aged, pickled, or fermented foods. For cheeses, American cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta, and cream cheese are lower in tyramine.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms can trigger migraines. Mushrooms contain psilocybin, which has been shown to cause delayed and transient headaches in healthy volunteers. However, it is important to note that triggers are highly individual, and not everyone will react to mushrooms as a migraine trigger.
Other foods that may trigger migraines include aged cheeses, smoked and cured meats and fish, caffeine, and alcohol. Skipping meals can also trigger migraines by causing a drop in blood glucose levels.
The exact mechanism by which psilocybin causes headaches is not yet fully understood. However, it is thought that psilocybin may trigger migraines through nitric oxide release or by increasing the concentration of the molecule norepinephrine in the brain.
