nutmeg
Herbs & Spices
Is nutmeg high in tyramine?
Is nutmeg high or low in tyramine? See its exact rating, how much counts as a portion, and its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility in one place.
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Sensitivity notes
Why tyramine food checker matters
Tyramine is an amino acid that forms when proteins break down. It's found in aged, fermented, or spoiled foods. For people taking MAO inhibitors or those with tyramine sensitivity, it can cause headaches, elevated blood pressure, and other reactions.
- Choose fresh over aged, fermented, or preserved foods
- Eat protein foods fresh and store properly
- Be especially careful if taking MAO inhibitor medications
- Common high-tyramine foods include aged cheese, cured meats, and soy sauce
- Ripeness affects tyramine - choose less ripe fruits
Sensitivities
What nutmeg contains
FODMAPs
Histamine & Amines
Plant compounds
Irritants
Additives
Allergens
Diet fit
Where nutmeg fits
Therapeutic diets
Lifestyle diets
Religious diets
What to know about nutmeg
Nutmeg is high in salicylates, so a heavy hand in a bechamel, eggnog or spice blend can be a trigger if you react to salicylate-rich foods. It also carries myristicin, a compound that is genuinely psychoactive and toxic in large doses (roughly one to two teaspoons of powder), though a normal culinary pinch of a fraction of a teaspoon is nowhere near that and is safe.
Watch for
- High in salicylates, a frequent trigger for people who are also sensitive to aspirin or other salicylate-heavy spices
- Contains myristicin, which becomes toxic in large amounts (around 5 grams, or one to two teaspoons), causing racing heart, nausea and confusion: a real risk only from deliberate overuse, not from seasoning food
- Not AIP compliant, since it is a seed-derived spice that elimination protocols leave out early on
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Tyramine Guide
Everything you need to know about tyramine sensitivity and smart food choices.
Tyramine is an amino acid that forms when proteins break down. It's found in aged, fermented, or spoiled foods. For people taking MAO inhibitors or those with tyramine sensitivity, it can cause headaches, elevated blood pressure, and other reactions.
Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.
These foods are generally well-tolerated for Tyramine sensitivity:
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These foods are high in tyramine and may trigger symptoms:
View full list
If you're sensitive to Tyramine, consider these strategies:
- 1Choose fresh over aged, fermented, or preserved foods
- 2Eat protein foods fresh and store properly
- 3Be especially careful if taking MAO inhibitor medications
- 4Common high-tyramine foods include aged cheese, cured meats, and soy sauce
- 5Ripeness affects tyramine - choose less ripe fruits
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
Want personalized tracking?
Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is nutmeg high in Tyramine?
Tyramine: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat nutmeg if I'm sensitive to Tyramine?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check AIP, Salicylates, and Low Salicylate next for a fuller picture.