Friday, May 6, 2011

Nutritional Yeast and Autolyzed Yeast

Question: I am wondering if nutritional yeast is a common migraine trigger, as I know that warm yeast breads can be as well as yeast extract and autolyzed yeast. I have been reading about the nutritional benefits of adding nutritional yeast to foods, and am wondering if this is a good idea. Would love to heat your thoughts. Thank you. --- Amy

Answer: Hi Amy,

Good questions about nutritional yeast and autolyzed yeast.

It is my understanding that "autolyzed yeast" is another name for processed free glutamic acid or what is commonly called MSG. This should always be avoided by anyone who gets migraines as it is a major trigger. See http://www.truthinlabeling.org/II.WhereIsMSG.html

Nutritional yeast is a good source of both tyrosine and phenylalanine. Unfortunately, both of these can be problematic for migraineurs. Heat does not destroy or change either of these and so cooking or using it is a "raw" format delivers basically the same amounts.

Tyrosine is found in almonds and other foods that often trigger migraines. Like anything else, one person may be able to tolerate something that is a major trigger for another person.

If you do decide to try it, keep a record of when you ate it and then see if you experience any headache symptoms within the next 36 hours. This is not always a guarantee that it won't affect you later as it builds up in your body.

My advice would be to avoid it.

Thank you for asking, Lyle

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