Page 25 - Spring2010

fruits and vegetables. Reactions are caused when leaves of vegetables. It is also crucial to eat only
arachidonic acid is tripped into the inflammatory fruits and vegetables that have been allowed to
chemicals called leukotrienes, causing dilated ripen.
blood vessels, constricted bronchial passages and Fruits high in salicylates include all dried
mucus production. In addition to experiencing fruits and most berries, including the blueber-
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allergy-like symptoms, people sensitive to sa- ries we’re all told to eat because they are a “su-
licylates may suffer from asthma, hives, nasal perfood.” Cherries, oranges, pineapples, plums,
polyps, chronic swelling and a wide variety of grapes, peaches, nectarines, watermelon, can-
gastrointestinal symptoms, including irritable taloupe, grapefruit and most varieties of apples
bowel. Salicylates are also linked to a long list pose problems for salicylate sufferers. Indeed
of physical and mental symptoms, including— the only fruits low in salicylates are banana,
just for starters—acne, bedwetting, restless leg lime, pear, golden delicious apples and papayas.
syndrome, tinnitus, tics, styes, hyperactivity, Vegetables high in salicylates include cooked
headaches, anxiety, hallucinations, weepiness, tomatoes, chili peppers, water chestnut, alfalfa
blurred vision, fidgiting, bad breath, body odor, sprouts, broccoli, cucumber, eggplant, spinach,
and even constant hunger! Obviously, there are sweet potato and zucchini. Moderate levels are
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many other risk factors for these complaints, found in asparagus, beets, carrots, potatoes and
but 2-4 percent of outpatients attending allergy mushrooms. Sadly very high levels of salicylates
clinics, 2 percent of those with Crohn’s disease, are found in coconut oil, a fact that might explain
7 percent of those with ulcerative colitis, and why some people seem to be allergic to this
15-20 percent of those who attend ear, nose and otherwise healthy oil. Olive, sesame and walnut
throat clinics are salicylate intolerant. 86,87 oils are also high in salicylates. The good news
Although individuals prone to inflamma- is that there are negligible amounts in butter. For
tory responses are typically advised to cut out an extensive Food Guide, visit www.salicylate-
meat and other foods rich in arachidonic acid, sensitivity.com.
the surprising culprit for some health conscious An elimination diet accompanied by a food Although
individuals might be fruits and vegetables. Re- diary is the best way to determine whether sa- individuals
searchers in Scotland who tested vegetarians licylates are causing any health problems. To do prone to
versus non-vegetarians found much higher levels this, avoid any medications containing salicylates
of salicylates in the vegetarians’ urine, though and limit the diet to foods that either do not con- inflammatory
considerably less than subjects taking aspirin. 88,89 tain salicylate or are very low in salicylates for a responses are
Most people can handle average amounts of sa- month to six weeks. Once the body has cleared typically
licylate in food, products and medications with- any stored salicylate, symptoms will abate if, in
out adverse health effects. People with salicylate fact, you are salicylate intolerant. Although strict advised to cut

intolerance, however, are unable to handle more avoidance is generally recommended, research- out meat and
than a certain amount of salicylates at a time. The ers have shown that fish oil can reduce salicylate other foods
amount varies from person to person. Salicylates sensitivity; cod liver oil with its needed vita-
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also have a cumulative effect in the body and mins A and D should work even better. rich in
build up over time. Thus some people may feel arachidonic
great when they first start a raw vegan diet with PHYTOCHEMICAL WARFARE acid, the real
lots of juicing, only to later develop salicylate In conclusion, the plant world has marshalled
intolerance. a formidable army of anti-nutrients and toxins, culprit for
The levels of salicylates found in food can programmed to kill predators—including human health
vary greatly, with raw foods and dried foods plant eaters—through phytochemical warfare. conscious
containing higher levels than the same cooked These can contribute to malnutrition, digestive
foods. But cooked foods concentrate salicylates distress, thyroid disorders, immune system individuals
in products such as sauces, purées and syrups. breakdown, infertility, autism, ADD, ADHD, al- might be
People who are salicylate sensitive may find it lergies and even heart disease and cancer. fruits and
helpful to peel fruits thickly (so as to cut off areas Proponents of plant-based diets claim that
just under the skin) and to throw away the outer the evidence against protease inhibitors, phy- vegetables.

SPRING 2010 Wise Traditions 25