FOOD INTOLERANCE NETWORK FACTSHEET
Inhaled salicylates
(and other sources)
Salicylates
are present in plant foods to protect the plants. They act as pesticides and
some researchers say, as plant hormones. They also have the effect of adding
flavour, so humans tend to like high salicylate foods such as strawberries and
kiwifruit. From the body's point of view, there is not a lot of difference
between flavour and scent - one appeals to the taste buds (which are not very
acute), the other to our sense of smell, which is far more sensitive so what we
taste is influenced by what we smell.
Absorbed through the skin
Salicylates
are readily absorbed through the skin from lotions such as Oil of Wintergreen
and can also be inhaled through strong scents from plants, their extracts and
their synthetic equivalents for example, from lavender flowers,
lavender-perfumed powder or deodorant and lavender-perfumed disinfectant
through to plant based pesticides such as pyrethrum.
Smells
As a
general rule, it is best to avoid strong smells while doing the diet: avoid
perfumes and perfumed products, essential oils, strong smelling flowers and
trees (such as pine trees - and the smoke from burning their wood), incense and
pot pourri.
Perfumed products
Avoid
perfumed toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorants, cosmetics,
haircare products such as hair sprays and gels, body lotions. Shampoo which
claims to be perfume-free and contains strong smelling ingredients such as
mandarin or lime oil is not failsafe. We recommend the Dermaveen range from
pharmacies, and
Salicylates in medications
Avoid
medications which contain salicylates including those inhaled such as Vicks
Vaporub and lotions such as Dencorub or Deep Heat (these generally have
salicylate listed on the label).
Avoid all
household cleaners except vinegar, soda bicarb, dishwashing powder and
low-perfumed dishwashing liquid such as Palmolive original.
In the
laundry, avoid perfumed washing powders, fabric conditioners and ironing
sprays. Omo-sensitive, Lux, Planet Ark and Amway are the recommended washing
powders, not just for people with eczema.
Avoid
garden pesticides and weedkillers and pesticides on pets as much as possible.
Avoid
smells of new or newly cleaned soft furnishings and carpets, new mattresses,
cars, formaldehydes in pet shops and shopping malls. Do not renovate your
house, have your carpet cleaned, buy new furniture or a new car while doing the
elimination diet. Flame retardants are turning out to be a problem.
See also the factsheets on
* Toxic
furniture – the effects of flame retardants
* Fumes and
Perfumes
* Added
flavours – natural or artificial
References
Ashford, N
and Miller, C. 1998. Chemical exposures: Low levels and high stakes. 2nd Ed.
Farrow, A et
al. (2003) Symptoms of mothers and infants related to total volatile organic
compounds in household products. Archives of Environmental Health 58(1):
633-641
Fischer, B
E. 1998. Scents and Sensitivity. Environmental Health Perspectives.
106(12):A594-A599.
Hilpern, K.
2204. Trouble in the air. UK Independent.
Luckenback,
T and Epel, D. 2004. Nitromusk and polycyclic musk compounds as long-term
inhibitors of cellular xenobiotic defense systems mediated by multidrug
transporters. Environmental Health Perspectives Sept.
Wallace, L
et al. 1995. The identification of polar organic compounds found in consumer
products and their toxicological properties. J Exp Anal Env Epdemiol 5:57.
Further
resources
US NRC
report. Biosolids applied to land. www.nap.edu/catalog/10426.html
http://www.ehnca.org/ehnhompg/takheart.htm
The information given is not intended as
medical advice. Always consult with your doctor for underlying illness. Before
beginning dietary investigation, consult a dietician with an interest in food
intolerance. You can find a supportive dietitian through the Dietitians
Association of
© Sue Dengate update November 2006
