What is a Salicylate Intolerance?

Introduction

Have you ever seen a child throwing tantrums or literally bouncing off the walls after consuming specific foods? Maybe you have witnessed your own child acting this way and therefore, avoid these foods in their diet. When this list of foods is extensive, then we need to consider whether your child is reacting to salicylates. For adults, the reaction is usually a little different. If you or your child experience food reactions to foods such as herbs, spices, honey, certain fruits (eg berries) and vegetables (especially nightshade) then you/your child may have a salicylate intolerance.

Having a food intolerance can have a huge impact on the quality of a person’s life and health. A salicylate intolerance is one of the particularly difficult intolerances as it is present in nearly every food that we consume, so avoiding it is near impossible. However, reducing exposure to foods high in salicylates and environmental chemicals in the short term, along with supporting the detoxification of salicylates through natural medicine can greatly improve the symptoms associated with a salicylate intolerance. If we do decide to reduce foods high in salicylates, it is important to treat this intolerance in the short term and reintroduce these foods as many of these foods are high in beneficial nutrients and antioxidants.

The underlying reason for writing this blog is to help people with this intolerance and hopefully share some of the insights from my own personal experience. I have finally been able to consume foods high in salicylates with no symptoms after over twenty years of suffering from this intolerance. There was too much to share all in one blog, therefore, I have broken it down into two parts: the first part discusses what is a salicylate intolerance and the second part discusses detoxifying salicylates and treatments.

Prevalence

Salicylate intolerance is not that common in the general population (approximately between 1 to 2.5% of the population), however, there are certain conditions that are associated with a much higher prevalence of salicylate intolerance. These conditions include autism (ASD), ADHD, asthma, allergies, nasal polyps, sinusitis, rhinitis, Gilbert syndrome, IBS and IBD.

Symptoms

The symptoms of salicylate intolerance vary from person to person, as does the level of salicylates tolerated. However, a person who is salicylate intolerant will be unable to detoxify salicylates effectively when normal amounts of salicylates are consumed. Salicylates, in sensitive people, generally stimulate the central nervous system (CNS), increase inflammation and/or impact the gastrointestinal tract inducing a number of symptoms that may include:

·      Hyperactivity and other behavioural disorders

·      Attention deficit issues (ADHD)

·      Gastrointestinal issues eg diarrhoea, bloating, pain, nausea, vomiting

·      Sleep issues

·      Headaches/migraines

·      Anxiety

·      Depression

·      Irritability/aggression/mood issues

·      Skin rashes

Why is it called an intolerance and what are salicylates?

Salicylate intolerance is classified as an intolerance rather than an allergy or sensitivity as the reaction is non-immune mediated. Salicylates occur naturally in many plants and are produced as a defence mechanism to prevent disease and insect attacks. Salicylates are a type of phenol and are commonly seen with other food intolerances involving amines (eg histamine, tyramine) and other phenols. At a dose people can tolerate, salicylates have great health benefits and are anti-inflammatory. However, some people are especially reactive to salicylates due to an impaired ability to break them down. This means that as foods with salicylates are consumed, salicylates build up in the body and when they reach a certain level, symptoms start to occur. The delay in symptoms or inconsistent reactions to foods containing salicylates can make the correlation between the foods and the symptoms difficult to identify.

Chemical and environmental exposures than may worsen a salicylate intolerance

Any foods with artificial colours, dyes or certain preservatives should be avoided with a salicylate intolerance. Many people think of foods when you mention a salicylate intolerance, however, drugs, cosmetics, skincare products, perfume/fragrances, cleaning products and toothpastes can all cause issues for people with a salicylate intolerance. It is highly advisable to replace your personal care products (eg cosmetics, deodorant, shampoo & conditioner, shower gels, toothpaste, perfume) and cleaning products with low toxic options if you or your family have a salicylate intolerance.

One of the most well know chemical phenols is bisphenol A (BPA) found in a wide range of products including plastics, the lining of tin cans, electronic equipment and sales receipts. Once again, eliminating exposure can be difficult, however, eating fresh food, reducing plastics or storing your food in glass containers rather than plastics would be advisable.

One of the highest sources of salicylates is aspirin (salicylic acid), therefore, if you react to aspirin you may have a salicylate intolerance. Aspirin is derived from the willow bark tree, therefore, also avoid any products containing willow bark.

Supplements may also contain phenols that may be problematic for people with a salicylate intolerance. Flavonoids are a type of phenol that act synergistically with vitamin C, therefore, check your vitamin C supplement and ensure it does not contain flavonoids if you are salicylate intolerant. Other well-known flavonoids include quercetin and resveratrol that may also be present in certain supplements.

If you suspect that you or your child has a salicylate intolerance and you/your child would like to enjoy a wide variety of foods again without the side effects, then book in with me at Shereenity Naturopathy.