Phenols are chemicals found in almost all foods. Phenols are slightly acidic and aromatic compounds found in some essential plant oils. The fragrant properties of phenols can stimulate your nerve and immune systems, causing problems in some individuals. A diet low in phenols by design reduces the amount of phenols you consume. A certain segment of the population, including individuals with autism, have an allergy or low tolerance for phenols and, therefore, require a low phenol diet.
Foods to Avoid
Almost all foods contain some amount of phenols, making it nearly impossible to completely get rid of phenols in your diet. Further, both natural and processed foods can have high levels of phenols. Specifically, you will find phenols in preservatives, artificial flavors, food colors, vanillin, apples, spices, berries, cider, cocoa, tea, wine and many oils. It is important to find the foods that contain the lowest amounts of phenols for individuals with an allergy or sensitivity to phenols.
Symptoms of Phenol Sensitivity
Phenol sensitivity manifests differently in children and adults. Symptoms in children include hyperactivity, aggression, headaches, dark circles under the eyes, head banging or other self-injury, inappropriate laughter and an inability to sleep at night. On the other hand, symptoms in adults include chronic fatigue syndrome, irregular bowel movements, constipation, diarrhea and difficulty digesting foods. Behavioral symptoms can occur in both in adults and children.
Foods with Low Phenol
You can not fully avoid phenols in your diet. However, you can decrease the amount of phenols you consume in the foods you eat. To minimize the phenols you consume, you should always peel both cooked and raw fruits and vegetables. The skin and seeds of fruits and vegetables contain the majority of phenols occurring in these natural foods. Additionally, you should eat raw, unprocessed foods whenever possible to minimize your phenol intake.
Effectiveness of a Low Phenol Diet
In combination with a low phenol diet, individuals with a phenol allergy or intolerance can benefit by adding supplements and substances that increase sulfate and aid sulfation, an enzyme reaction, in your body. The best way to determine if you have a phenol allergy or intolerance is to document your physical and behavioral reactions to the foods that you eat. If you experience symptoms of a phenol intolerance, try eating a low phenol diet and documenting the changes in your physical and behavioral reaction to the foods. If you continue to show symptoms of a phenol intolerance, you should discuss your condition with a medical professional. In many cases, your doctor may recommend supplementation with a supplement that increases sulfation in your body.
References
- "Dietary Interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Why They Work When They Do, Why They Don't When They Don't"; Kenneth J. Aitken; 2008
- "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics"; Robert Kliegman et al; 2007
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper et al; 2004
