Healthy Moms Dictionary- Salicylate Sensitivity

Posted by Cascia Talbert at Monday, January 19, 2009

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My son is sensitive to salicylates. Certain fruits and vegetables make him have one of these reactions, vomiting, hives, red puffy cheeks, or eczema. No matter what we did we just could not get rid of the rashes. Once we eliminated the salicylates in his diet it cleared up right away. I touched on salicylate sensitivity a little bit when I explained multiple food protein intolerance, but many people are still not aware of this. If your child is having chronic rashes and you don't know what is causing it, it could be salicylate sensitivity.

So what are salicylates? According to SalicylateSensitivity.com, "Salicylates are chemicals that occur naturally in many plants, including many fruits, vegetables and herbs. Salicylates in plants act as a natural immune hormone and preservative, protecting the plants against diseases, insects, fungi, and harmful bacteria." Salicylates can also be created synthetically and are found in many medicines, perfumes and preservatives.

Salicylates can be harmful to everyone if eaten in high enough doses. Most people can handle the average amount of salicylates found in food, products and medication without a reaction. Some adults and children develop health problems if they are exposed to too much salicylates. This is called salicylate sensitivity and it is very different from a food allergy. The tolerated amount at items vary slightly from person to person. For example, my son has the hardest time with tomatoes and tomato products which are very high in salicylates, but he doesn't have a reaction to raisins which are also on the high list. An elimination diet will help determine which foods are giving you or your child a reaction.

Tomatoes are extremely high in salicylates.

Here are some symptoms to look out for. These have all been linked to salicylate sensitivity but if you are experiencing one or two of these it isn't necessarily due to the salicylates in your diet. I will just name a few. For a complete list visit Salicylate Sensitivity.com.

Physical Symptoms:

Itchy skin, hives or Rashes
Stomach pain/upset stomach
Asthma
Headaches
Swelling of hands and feet
Breathing difficulties
Bed Wetting
Mouth Ulcers or raw hot red rash around mouth
Persistent cough
Frequent need to urinate/urgency to pass water
Wheezing
Changes in skin color/skin discoloration
Swelling of eyelids, face and lips
Fatigue
Sore, itchy, puffy or burning eyes

Food intolerance reactions can take up to 48 hours to occur. Experts believe that food intolerance is more common than food allergies. About 10 percent of the population have a food intolerance or sensitivity. Food intolerance is dose-related. This means that some people may have a reaction to only foods high in the chemical and some will react to lower doses.
Elimination diets are the only way to determine of you have a sensitivity to salicylates. Always talk to your doctor first before starting a new diet. For a complete list of foods high in salicylates visit Salicylate Sensitivity.com.

Cascia

Labels: Dictionary, food intolerance, health, healthy moms dictionary, Salicylate Sensitivity

9 comments:

SandyCarlson said...: Thanks for educating me on this one!; January 19, 2009 11:56 AM
Aly @ Lip Zip said...: Oh my goodness! My son's cheeks turn bright red for no apparent reason and we've never been able to pinpoint it. They don't puff up but they look like he's been standing in 10 degree weather all day when he hasn't. Sometimes they're red. Sometimes they're not. I'll have to look into this more because his doctor didn't have much of an answer. Thank you for this info!; January 19, 2009 12:34 PM
Lisa said...: That is interesting. There are certain raw fruits I avoid because I have an allergic reaction. I noticed my boys have a reaction after eating certain fruits too, and now we know to avoid them.; January 19, 2009 1:29 PM
Dorothy said...: Wow I had no idea and it was great to read about the symptoms which I had no idea were so numerous...

Thanks for this post..

Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com; January 19, 2009 2:19 PM
Felicia said...: Thank you for sharing this. I wonder if this could have anything to do with the fact that Graham's face breaks out around his lips when he has eating mac and cheese or instant oatmeal (from the box). If it touches his skin it breaks him out! He eats raisins just fine though. Although... sometimes he is rubbing his eyes and just says "eyes" he is only 21 months old. Interesting.; January 19, 2009 2:34 PM
Cascia said...: Felicia, Graham might not have this sensitivity. Macaroni and cheese does not contain a high amount of salicylates nor does oatmeal unless it has apples in it. Apples especially the red varieties are very high in salicylates. You might want to discuss his reactions with your child's doctor. It could be something else.

Thank you everyone for your comments.; January 19, 2009 3:06 PM
La Mama Naturale' said...: Wow! I've never heard of SS- very interesting. Good to know- thanks.; January 19, 2009 3:45 PM
iWalk said...: It's the first time I know salicylates.

My father always feel uncomfortable after eating pumpkin, I think maybe he is also sensitive to something like salicylates.

Thanks for the useful information! I always learn a lot here!; January 19, 2009 7:59 PM
HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOM said...: Oh my! I had never heard of this and what a word. I appreciate the information!; January 19, 2009 10:05 PM

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