1. WHAT ARE AMINES?
** Amines are formed by the breakdown of proteins in foods.
** They are normally broken down quickly with the help of
enzymes (e.g. monoamine oxidase-A or MAO) to make
them harmless, but if your body is missing these enzymes
(or they’re blocked or sluggish), you can get a build up of
amines in your body.
** Different amines include:
** Tyramine (in cheese)
** Histamine (in wine)
** Phenylethylamine (in chocolate)
** Adrenaline (epinephrine)
** Serotonin
** Dopamine
2. HOW WILL YOU KNOW IF YOU’RE SENSITIVE TO AMINES?
Amines usually produce ‘aggressive’ type behavioural problems (as
opposed to salicylates, which produce more ‘silly’ or ‘hyperactive’
symptoms).
Symptoms of a build up of amines in the body include:
** Behavioural effects
** Migraines
** Headaches
** Eczema
** Irritable bowel symptoms
** Depression
3. WHO IS AFFECTED BY AMINES?
Whilst not as common as colouring, preservative and salicylate
sensitivities (which can be the cause for up to 70% of children with
behavioural problems), amines can affect up to 40% of children
with behavioural problems.

4. WHICH FOODS ARE COMMONLY HIGH IN AMINES?
** Amines increase in fruits as they ripen and go soft, but highest
levels are found in chocolate, wines, beer, yeast extracts, fish
products and cheese
** Meat that is older than 2 days or frozen is higher in amines
** Foods that are high in amines include walnuts, coconuts,
avocados, bananas, figs, grapes, all citrus fruits, pineapple,
raspberries, spinach, canned tuna, processed meats, vinegar,
soy sauce, beer, wine, juices (especially orange and tomato),
chocolate and cheese
For a full list of amine-containing foods, click here
5. HOW DO YOU DECREASE THE EFFECTS OF AMINES?
** Minimise or eliminate the very high and high level amine foods
from you diet, and monitor the amount of moderate and low level
amine foods using our list above.
** Change doesn’t have to be hard, and with the right help and
support, it can make life happier, calmer and healthier for all
the family.
For more tips and ideas on how to make the change, avoid
certain foods and introduce new tastes click here