Salicylate intolerance is a less common yet impactful condition that can significantly affect your health. It doesn’t seem to receive as much attention as histamine intolerance or oxalate overload, but understanding salicylate intolerance is crucial for those who experience its symptoms. In this article we’ll delve into the world of salicylate intolerance, discussing its symptoms, causes, and most importantly, two key evaluations and recommendations for managing this condition effectively.
Salicylates: Nature’s Defence Mechanism
Salicylates are plant chemicals that play a vital role in defending plants against various environmental threats, such as bacteria and fungi. These compounds are widely distributed in various plant-based foods, making them an integral part of many diets. However, some individuals develop an intolerance to salicylates, leading to a range of bizarre symptoms that can be hard to pin down. These symptoms can often overlap with other conditions like histamine intolerance and leaky gut, making diagnosis and management challenging.
They are found in a range of foods and herbs in differing levels. Top of the list here would be
Olives and olive oil
Coconut products
Capsicum (aka bell peppers)
Tomatoes
A ton of fruit
Almonds
As mentioned above there are salicylates on many more foods and herbs but let’s start here!
Common Symptoms of Salicylate Intolerance
Salicylate intolerance manifests through a diverse array of symptoms that can affect different parts of the body. Some of the typical symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Swelling, particularly in the hands and face
- Skin issues, such as rashes and dermatitis
- Earaches
- Dizziness
- Sinus congestion
- Headaches
Here you can see strong overlaps with other food triggers so testing for salicylate intolerance is key. I recommend the Great Plains (aka mosaic) Organic Acid Test to patients all the time in the Byron Herbalist clinic. For more information on working together simply click the banner below.
Beyond the OAT test (image below) I haven’t found a great way to test for salicylate intolerance. From here we go with the treatment being the test which is equally as helpful. How much better do you feel when we restrict salicylates and treat with some approaches below.
Testing Your Urinary pH – Salicylate Intolerance Approach #1
One of the primary evaluations and support for salicylate intolerance involves testing the urinary pH. Maintaining an alkaline urinary pH is essential for effectively eliminating salicylates through the kidneys and urine. To assess urinary pH, it’s recommended to use pH strips and regularly test your urinary pH over a week, at least two to four hours away from meals and not your first morning urine.
If your urinary pH consistently falls below 6.5, it indicates that your body is too acidic to efficiently eliminate salicylates. I call this re-toxifying yourself. If you can’t effectively eliminate then overtime you will build up an excess and develop symptoms.
In such cases, supplementation with alkalising minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium bound to citrates can help restore a more alkaline state, promoting better salicylate elimination and reducing symptoms.
The Sulphate Pathway: Salicylate Intolerance Approach #2
Another essential evaluation for salicylate intolerance and support revolves around the sulphate (or sulfate) metabolism pathway. Adequate sulphate levels in the body are required to power the phenyl sulfur transferase enzyme, which detoxifies phenols and salicylates. While direct testing for sulphate levels is challenging, a promising approach involves optimising sulphate availability through methods like Epsom salt baths. You can get these at an affordable price online as I like to dose high (as tolerated) and work back.
This approach involves a strong Epsom salt bath (up to four cups of magnesium sulphate) in hot water for approximately 10-15 minutes each night for a week. Epsom salt baths provide sulphate that can support the enzyme’s function, aiding the detoxification of salicylates. It’s important to start slowly and gradually increase the frequency and duration of Epsom salt baths, especially for individuals who are sensitive to changes.
Another Angle to Salicylate Intolerance
While salicylate intolerance presents with diverse symptoms and challenges, there are practical and effective ways to manage the condition.
Initially testing using the Great Plains OAT test then moving onto evaluating urinary pH and optimising sulphate metabolism which can significantly improve the body’s ability to process and eliminate salicylates. These evaluations, combined with addressing underlying factors like microbial imbalances, nutrient deficiencies and metabolic stress, can offer a comprehensive approach to managing salicylate intolerance.
Remember everyones response to these recommendations may vary, and a personalised approach, guided by healthcare professionals, is essential.
Interested in the complexities of salicylate intolerance and its management? Stay tuned for future articles where we’ll explore the glycine deficiency link, glucuronidation pathways, and more in-depth strategies to improve this condition.
