What are Salicylates?
Salicylates are a group of organic substances (chemicals) that occur naturally in many fruits, vegetables and herbs.
Where are salicylates most commonly found?
Natural Salicylates are most commonly found in healthy wholesome foods with many high and very high salicylate containing foods being popular fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices. Salicylates act as a natural preservative to delay rotting and protect the plant. They are higher in Organic plant foods, than non organic plant foods
Salicylates are also created synthetically and used as preservatives in processed foods and common products include toothpastes, flavoured sweets and chewing gums etc. They are also found in perfumes and in a variety of medicines such as aspirin, cough mixtures and analgesics.
What is salicylate sensitivity?
Salicylate sensitivity is the inability for the body to process an excessive amount of salicylates at a given time. The amount of salicylates a person can handle at any period varies between individuals and there can be a cumulative effect in the body. In people with salicylate sensitivity foods and substances that are normally considered anti-inflammatory and pain reducing (including Aspirin,NSAIDS, Cox2 inhibitors), may become pro-inflammatory and pain amplifying.
Common symptoms of salicylate sensitivity
Symptoms vary between individuals as can the severity of the reactions. A salicylate sensitivity may show itself at any time throughout a person’s life. Common symptomatic reactions include
| · Rashes, hives, tingling /rash on lips | · Anxiety, panic attacks |
| · Symptoms of ADHD / ADD | · Sleep disturbances |
| · Asthma | · Nausea |
| · Eczema | · Flatulence |
| · Sinusitis | · Irritability, restlessness |
| · Rhinitis | · Rapid heart beat |
| · Headaches and migraines | · Tinnitus |
| · Stomach aches | · Constant clearing of throat |
| · Bloating | · Joint pain |
If you are suffering from some of the above symptoms and feel you may have a salicylate sensitivity, the best way to assess the situation is a trial for two weeks avoiding foods containing very high and high levels of salicylates from the list provided. Symptoms will disappear or greatly reduce if salicylates are a causative factor. Low salicylate foods include all fresh meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, shellfish and grains and cereals.
If you have salicylate sensitivity you may also have amine and glutamate intolerance. This is common, but does not apply to everyone with salicylate sensitivity. If you suspect that you also have amine and glutamate intoelrance, it is best to do the Low Chemical RPAH Allergy Unit Elimination Diet, for a period of 4 weeks.
Other Sources of Salicylates
| Acne products Air fresheners Alka seltze Breath mints Bubble baths Cleaning products Cosmetics Detergents | Essential oils Fabric conditioners Fragrances and perfumes Hair sprays, gels and mouse Lotions and creams Lozenges Mouthwash Muscle and joint pain creams | Razor’s with aloe strips next to the blade Shampoo and conditioners Shaving cream Cleansers and exfoliants Soaps Sunscreen and tanning lotion After sun lotions Toothpaste Warts and callus removers |
Salicylates may be labeled as:
| Acetylsalicylic acid Coal tar derived dye Artificial flavorings Artificial colorings Azo dyes Benzyl salicylate Beta hydroxy acid BHA BHT Choline salicylate | Ethyl salicylate Eucalyptus oils Isoamyl salicylate Magnesium salicylate Menthol Methyl salicylate Mint Octylsalicylate Oil of wintergreen Peppermint | Phenylethyl salicylate Red dye (#40) Salicylaldehyde Salicylamide Salicylate Salicylic acid Sodium salicylate Spearmint Yellow dye (#5 and #6) |
What non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) contain salicylates?
| OVER THE COUNTER | PRESCRIPTION | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen | Celecoxib | Ketorolac | Naproxen |
| Diclofenac | Ketoprofen | Parecoxib | |
| Etoricoxib | Mefenamic Acid | Piroxicam | |
| domethacin | Meloxicam | Sulindac |
What food additives contain salicylates?
| FOOD DYES | FOOD DYES | FOOD PRESERVATIVES | FOOD FLAVOURINGS |
|---|---|---|---|
| E102 Tartrazine | E123 Amaranth | E210-219 Benzoates | E622-623 Glutamates |
| E104 Quinoline yellow | E124 Ponceau 4 R | E220 Sulphur dioxide | |
| E107 Yellow 2G | E132 Indigo carmine | E221-227 Sulphites | |
| E120 Cochineal, Carmine | E127-180 Other food dyes | E250-251 Nitrites, nitrates | |
| E122 Carmoisine | E310-312 Gallates | ||
| E320-321 BHA and BHT |
