Histamine intolerance and salicylates

This blog post is about salicylates and intolerance to salicylate-containing foods.

Salicylate intolerance can often occur together with histamine intolerance.

Salicylate is the salt of salicylic acid and occurs naturally, especially in herbs, flowers, and spices. In medicines, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is used, among other things, in painkillers (such as aspirin). This form of acid is also not tolerated by those with "pure" histamine intolerance.

How does an intolerance develop?

The arachidonic acid eicosanoid metabolism plays a significant role here.

• Arachidonic acid: fatty components of cell walls
• Eicosanoids: various hormone-like substances

Eicosanoids include 2 substances (prostaglandins & leukotrienes) that are responsible for inflammatory processes and hypersensitivity.

If this metabolism gets out of balance, overreactions to anti-inflammatory and salicylate-containing foods can occur.

What does this have to do with histamine intolerance?

If the substances prostaglandins and leukotrienes are insufficiently metabolized or react in the body to bacteria or viruses, mast cells can be activated, histamine released, and inflammation triggered.

Salicylates also increase the formation of so-called IgE antibodies, which also activate mast cells and are considered markers for allergic reactions.

Possible symptoms and accompanying signs of salicylate intolerance are:

• Nasal-sinus inflammation
• Irritation of any mucous membranes
• Asthma
• Skin rashes/swelling
• Itching
• Inflammation
• Tinnitus
• Gastrointestinal diseases
• Anaphylactic reactions
• Mast cell activation
• High histamine levels
• Leaky Gut (permeable intestinal lining)
• Hyperactivity
• Kidney disorders
• Acid-base imbalance
• Chronic maxillary sinusitis

Testing for Salicylate Intolerance

The test that provides the most reliable diagnosis (as with HIT) is the elimination diet. Through a food-symptom diary, you can monitor and track your diet and see which foods you react to. For at least 4 weeks, avoid all foods listed below and observe your symptoms very carefully.

If you react to salicylates, you don't have to generally eliminate all salicylate-containing foods from your diet, but only the foods that you personally do not tolerate. Tolerance is very individual.

Salicylate in foods

Salicylic acid is produced by many plants to protect themselves from pests. Thus, salicylic acid has an antimicrobial effect, which usually has a very positive effect on our health.

For this reason, fruits and vegetables that are not organic and have been sprayed are better tolerated by those with salicylate intolerance.

Foods with a high content of salicylic acid

• Italian herbs
• Onions & garlic
• Wild blueberries
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Cherries
• Dates
• Spices
• Coconut
• Almonds
• Currants
• Herbal teas (especially peppermint)
• Radishes
• Olives (oil)
  
• Grapes
• Apricots

Nevertheless, you should not completely eliminate salicylates from your diet!

Even if you have an intolerance to salicylates, it is important to still consume them in small quantities.

Our experience has shown that a gradual introduction to salicylate-containing foods leads to an ever-increasing tolerance threshold.

Even with a low-salicylate diet, it is important to supply the body with sufficient nutrients. Our MagnesiumFit contains three high-quality magnesium compounds. Magnesium contributes to normal energy metabolism as well as to the normal function of the nervous system and muscles. MagnesiumFit is suitable for a low-salicylate, low-histamine, low-fructose, gluten-free, and lactose-free diet. Additionally, it is vegan and free from unnecessary additives.

Why are salicylate-containing foods actually so good for our bodies?

Salicylate-containing foods have an antimicrobial effect.
This means that they can be helpful in breaking down disease-causing microorganisms.

Unlike antibiotics, salicylates can distinguish between "good" and "bad" microorganisms and therefore act more gently.

This also applies, for example, to herbal antibiotics. However, this does not mean that the effect of synthetic antibiotics is comparable to that of salicylate-containing foods, as the foods have a significantly weaker effect.

To keep your immune system and metabolism healthy, you can regularly integrate these foods into your diet

• Light onions
• Garlic (1)
• Wild blueberries
• Ginger (1)
• Turmeric
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Honey
• Celery

These foods can also support you with colds and inflammation, for example.

Sources

• Salicylate Symptom Study: https://www.aerzteblatt.de/archiv/59081/Salicylatintoleranz
  Foods:
  • Swain AR, Dutton SP, Truswell AS: Salicylates in foods. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 1985 Aug.: 950-60
  • Swain A, Soutter V, Loblay R: RPAH Elimination Diet Handbook with food & shopping guide. Allergy Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital 2011