If you're like most people, you've probably never heard of salicylates. According to the Cleveland Clinic, salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals that help protect plants against rot, bacteria and fungi. As a result, salicylates are found in varying levels in many fruits and vegetables. Salicylates are also ingredients in aspirin and other medical and personal care products. Some people are sensitive to salicylates and must follow a low-salicylate diet.
Salicylate Sensitivity
According to Butler Hospital, people with a salicylate sensitivity or salicylate intolerance experience unpleasant symptoms when they eat too many salicylates. Typical symptoms include respiratory problems like difficulty breathing, wheezing and congestion and skin issues like itching, rashes, hives and swelling. Stomach pain or headaches may also occur. The level of sensitivity tends to vary from person to person, with some individuals able to tolerate much more salicylates than others. Some experts have implicated salicylates as a potential cause of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, although available evidence does not currently support this theory.
Foods to Avoid
Given the prevalence of salicylates in foods, providing a complete list of high-salicylate foods is an impractical endeavor. To provide some overarching guidelines, however, grains, dairy products, fresh meats and eggs are usually fine to consume, according to Butler Hospital. Almonds, peanuts, pine nuts and pistachios are high in salicylates, but cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, and sesame seeds are typically safe. Many fruits and vegetables are high in salicylates, but there are also a fair number of low-salicylate fruits and veggies. Just to give a sampling, some fruits and veggies with high salicylate levels include broccoli, eggplant, peppers, mushrooms, spinach, apples, avocado, many berry varieties, grapes and citrus fruits.
Products to Avoid
It's not just salicylate-containing foods that you need to worry about; salicylates are ingredients in many personal care products and medications. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some products to look out for include perfumes, shampoos and conditioners, cosmetics, oral hygiene products, skin care products, pain relievers and herbal supplements. When reading ingredients, look for aspirin, menthol, mint, benzoates, beta-hydroxy acid and any words containing salicylate or salicylic.
Doctor's Supervision
According to Butler Hospital, you should only begin following a low-salicylate diet if recommended by your doctor. Do not attempt to self-diagnose a salicylate sensitivity since common symptoms may be signs of a different condition. If you do begin a low-salicylate diet, work with a dietician who specializes in allergies; she will be able to provide you with a comprehensive list of low-salicylate foods and help you develop safe meal plans.
Self-Monitoring
In addition to working with a dietician and your doctor, there are additional steps you can take to pinpoint your salicylate issues. The Auckland Allergy Clinic advises keeping a food diary detailing all of the foods you eat and any symptoms you experience. Some people find that only certain high-salicylate foods cause problems; others discover that the amount of food makes a big difference. Over time, you may be able to determine your own personal salicylate tolerance and threshold.
