Which of the following foods should be avoided when taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)?

When taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), aged cheeses should be avoided due to the risk of hypertensive crises. These drugs inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase, which breaks down tyramine, a substance found in various foods. Aged cheeses, along with other tyramine-rich foods such as cured meats and fermented products, can lead to an excessive accumulation of tyramine in the body when MAO activity is inhibited.

This accumulation can cause significant increases in blood pressure, leading to potentially dangerous and life-threatening hypertensive episodes. The presence of tyramine in aged cheeses is particularly high, making their consumption particularly risky for individuals on MAOIs. Other foods listed, such as green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and citrus fruits, do not pose the same level of risk regarding tyramine content, allowing for safer consumption when on MAOIs.