Posted by myco on April 7, 2009, at 20:09:48
In reply to MAOI food question, posted by garnet71 on April 7, 2009, at 18:14:15
The compound "Tyramine" is a natural compound contained in certain foods.
The compound itself, I believe, causes bp fluctuations naturally but the human body has adapted ways of dealing with it.
When ingested in a "normal" persons body it is quickly metabolized by certain Monoamine oxidases preventing any ill effect on the person.
When you take a MAOI...you are hindering or blocking the action of the monoamine oxidases that metabolize tyramine. Therefor you get a buildup of tyramine in your system which has the potential to cause ill effect.
As far as I know, tyramine itself doesnt cause much of any problems within a healthy normal person.
I know that eating foods in general will lower the bp though. Our ingestion of foods has a large impact on how our bodies react. We have adapted ways at dealing with compounds in food that are potential problems. Various enzyme systems break down, hydrolyse etc...compounds in food and rid them from the body.
A subtle reaction in brain chemistry? Well foods in general have an impact on various neuros in our brains for sure. They have an impact on many of the systems in the body but I dont believe that tyramines interactions within a healthy non-maoi user are significant in any way.
> So if certain aged foods cause a strong chemical reaction in the brain while on MAOIs, what does that imply for the effect of those same foods on a person's brain who doesn't take MAOIs?
>
> I mean, its not due to the chemicals in that little pill, right (or is it?), but rather the changes it facilitates in your brain chemistry.
>
> So-wouldn't those same foods cause some subtle reaction to brain chemistry for those who don't take any drugs?
poster:myco
thread:889285
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090330/msgs/889307.html