Salicylate Intolerance
It is now widely known that there is a high correlation between ADD, autism spectrum disorders, and the gluten/casein intolerance combo. There are several studies being done about this correlation at major research universities around the world. Less widely known is the controversial correlation between salicylate intolerance, ADD, and autism spectrum disorders. Some people need to be on both a gluten-free and a salicylate-free diet to feel their best. If you or your child are gluten-free, but still struggling with attentional or behavioral issues, trying the salicylate-free diet out would be a good next step to improving your well-being.
Salicylate Intolerance 101 (according to Wikipedia)
Salicylates are a group of chemicals related to aspirin and also occur occur naturally in plants. Salicylates can also be found in many medications, perfumes, and preservatives. Both natural and synthetic salicylates can cause health problems in anyone when consumed in large doses. But for those who are salicylate intolerant, even small doses of salicylate can cause adverse reactions—such as hyperactivity and even autistic-type behaviors.
Wikipedia lists the symptoms of salicylate intolerance as (almost as lengthy as the gluten intolerance symtpom list):
- Itchy skin, hives or rashes
- Stomach pain/upset stomach
- Asthma and other breathing difficulties
- Angioedema
- Headaches
- Swelling of hands, feet, eyelids, face and/or lips
- Bed wetting or urgency to pass water
- Persistent cough
- Changes in skin color/skin discoloration
- Fatigue
- Sore, itchy, puffy or burning eyes
- Sinusitis/Nasal polyps
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Hyperactivity
- Memory loss and poor concentration
- Depression
- Pseudo-anaphylaxis
To learn more about salicylate intolerance, here are the best web resources I have found:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylate_sensitivity
What foods have salicylate in them?
Easiest to read list: http://www.zipworld.com.au/~ataraxy/Salicylates_list.html
According to above link: “Salicylates are highest in unripened fruit and decrease as fruit ripens. They are often concentrated just under the skin of fruit and vegetables and in the outer leaves of vegetables. All fruit and vegetables should be ripe and thickly peeled.” So basically, wash thoroughly and peel are your veggies and fruits to get the greatest benefit form a salicylate elimination diet.
Testing for Salicylate Intolerance
There are currently no blood tests for salicylate intolerance to my knowledge. The best test is a 4-6 week salicylate elimination diet. For anyone who has done a elimination diet and felt a life-long symptom lift, you know how ‘worth it’ the challenge of doing an elimination diet is.
If you are a parent and need support getting your child started on a gluten and casein free diet, and maybe even a salicylate-free diet, there are great resources here: http://www.gfcfdiet.com/
History of Salicylate-Behavioral Connection
Dr. Ben Feingold, former Chief Allergist at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Francisco, is credited as the originator of the theory back in the 1960′s that people with ADD and/or autism spectrum-related symptoms have a problem metabolizing foods or medicines with salicylates. His clinical findings were that many children’s behavioral and attentional issues calmed down when salicylates were reduced or removed from their diets and medications. His Feingold Program is still being used to help children with behavioral and learning issues with reported success for both children and adults. The Feingold Program also elimnates anything with artificial flavors, sweeteners, or food colorings—a good common sense recommendation that would drastically improve anyone’s health.
With the high increase is diagnosis of ADD and autism spectrum disorders it is great to know that there are a myriad of non-pharmaceutical options out there to help children and adults with these challenges live their best lives.
really good summary