The Medical Advisor

At 45, Zoe thought she knew her body—until she was blindsided by sudden episodes of a racing heart and overwhelming anxiety, which she initially blamed on work stress. She'd only eaten a slice of pepperoni pizza and a ripe banana earlier that day. However, when a pounding headache struck just hours after her usual comforting dinner of cheesy pasta and a glass of red wine, she began to suspect a food connection—especially as the symptoms returned after repeating the same meal the next night. Zoe went searching for answers in the nutrition world. She discovered she was reacting to high levels of tyramine, a natural compound found in aged cheeses like parmesan, cured meats, and red wine. The compound had built up in her system and triggered these unsettling reactions. At 45, Zoe thought she knew her body—until she was blindsided by sudden episodes of a racing heart and overwhelming anxiety, which she initially blamed on work stress. She'd only eaten a slice of pepperoni pizza and ...