Salicylates
Salicylate sensitivity often co-exists with amine (histamine) and glutamate sensitivity but also can occur on its own.
If you react to fruit, have a very profound smell sensitivity, have symptoms such as mouth ulcers, eczema, nausea and bladder irritability, that seemed to be connected to food, they you may have a salicylate sensitivity.
Salicylates are generally found in foods derived from plants so foods that are derived from plant will contain salicylates to some degree.
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This includes, in particular, fruits and fruit juices and for those who are salicylate sensitive will often have a narrative around fruit. For example, I have had many clients say that 'fruit does not agree' with them. This is often different to a person with a FODMAP (such as fructose) sensitivity as they will tend to say that only some fruits disagree with them.
Vegetables also contain varying amounts of salicylates such as capsicum which is a high salicylate food.
Herbs and spices also are known to be very high in salicylates with few exceptions.
Other foods known to contain significant amount of salicylates are fruit flavoured yoghurt or lollies, peppermint and mint flavours, honey, and in particular, tea, both normal tea and herbal teas.
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Many non food items such as mint tooth paste, and many personal hygiene and cleaning products that have a fragrance can also input salicylates into your system.
If you have ever been overwhelmed by the strong perfume fragrances in the perfume section then you are having a salicylate overdose. Many people sensitive to salicylates find that they are very sensitive to fragrances, the smells of strong washing powder, fragrant candles and many other smells and fragrances in their environment.
Salicylates function in nature to protect plants against pathogens, so is often found in the outer layers of fruits and vegetables. For this reason, fruit and vegetables need to be peeled whenever possible, and the darker outer leaves of lettuces removed.
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Salicylates are also found in many medications as an added ingredient such as botanical extracts.
Aspirin is actually 100% salicylate and will be a problem if you are salicylate sensitive, with many explaining they get a sore stomach when they take aspirin.
If you have a salicylate sensitivity, you may (or may not) also have a histamine or amine sensitivity and/or a glutamate sensitivity. These naturally occurring food chemicals are often reduced together in the elimination phase as these sensitivities are commonly seen together (along with related additives).
Some people only have a salicylate sensitivity, and when they find they reduce the salicylate load in their diet it is enough to manage their symptoms.
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If you suspect salicylate sensitivity only and tolerate amines and glutamates. then you may be interested in my low salicylate recipe book with lots of suggestions on low salicylate ideas and recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. See above.
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Read more about amines (histamines) and glutamates to see if you feel you may have one of these sensitivities as well.​
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JOIN THE COMMUNITY: BRAND NEW Dietitian led Facebook group: Amines, Salicylates and Glutamates: The Food Intolerance Dietitian for great information and community support.