Lisa has been struggling with unexplained allergies (Read Lisa's Bodybuliding Poisoning Me article) for some time now. Now, we're not saying it's salicylates, but this week's article explains what a salicylate sensitivity is.
Unexplained sinus problems, hives, eczema, stomach pains, mouth ulcers, swelling in face hands or feet, headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath. Tests, scans, medication, more tests, more scans, more medication and no relief. It's a scenario that some people experience on a daily basis.
Salicylates (Sal-iss-a-lates) are present in varying levels in most of the foods we eat, they're not additives and they are a necessary part of that foods life. Salicylates are hormones found in plants and have a chemical structure similar to aspirin. They act as a ‘protector' to foods to ward off pathogens. Salicylates are mostly found under the skins of food.
•· Keep a diary which details every food eaten, medication taken and product used and list any symptoms, severity of symptom and time of day the symptoms occur. •· Be attentive to your symptoms, sinus in pollen season may just be a pollen sensitivity and it will be hard to assess salicylate sensitivity during this time. •· Start making a list of foods which you strongly believe are making you sick and then avoid eating them. You have to avoid them to help work out other foods which may be adding to the problem. •· Assess the level of additives in your diet. Additives (such as preservatives, colourings, flavour enhancers, nitrates, amines, artificial sweeteners etc) can also produce headaches, sinus and other problems.
If you still experience mucus or stomach issues, you may have to cut dairy and grains also during this period. Yep that means a diet of veges, fruits, eggs and meat (organic and free range if possible)
If you have done all these things and a natural unprocessed diet is still causing symptoms then it's time to talk to your Nutritionist about a salicylate elimination diet. There are no tests for salicylate sensitivity per se.
This is a list of some of the common foods which can produce a sensitivity.
Aspirin and products containing aspirin or salicylic acid Berries (all) Cherries | Chili | Cider & cider vinegar (apples) | Cloves | Coffee | Cucumbers & pickles | Currants Dried Fruits Grapes & raisins | Nectarines | Oranges Paprika | Peaches | Peppers (bell & chili) | Plums |prunes Tangerines | Tea | Tomatoes Wine & wine vinegar (grapes) | Oil of wintergreen (methyl salicylate) Rose hips or acerola (often found in vitamins) | Food colorings, preservatives, etc.
The complete list of foods and products is much larger than this. |