Food intolerance to salicylates, amines & glutamates
Food intolerance can cause a wide range of symptoms, and are notoriously difficult to pinpoint. So, what are the symptoms of food intolerance? What causes food intolerance symptoms?
Are food intolerance and food allergies the same thing?
Ah huh! This is the burning question on everyone’s mind. The answer is no.
A food intolerance (also known as a food sensitivity) occurs when a person has trouble breaking down the natural food chemicals or additives found in food, which can trigger reactions and unpleasant symptoms.
Unlike food allergies, which affect the body’s immune system, food intolerances involve the digestive system. They can be tricky to diagnose because they do not show up on allergy testing and reaction times may vary considerably from person to person. In fact, food intolerance symptoms can even rear their ugly heads up to three days after you’ve eaten!
The term intolerance is also used to describe conditions where there is an enzyme deficiency, such as with lactose intolerance.
Also, unlike food allergies, food intolerances do not cause severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
What are the symptoms of a food intolerance?
Symptoms vary from person to person, and it’s important to note that sensitivities often trigger similar signs and symptoms as food allergies. Watch out for:
- Eczema
- Rashes or itching
- Hives
- Tingling, numbness or burning sensations
- Acne
- Psoriasis
Nervous system symptoms
- Depression, fatigue or irritability
- Migraines or headaches
- Ringing in the ears
- Arthritis
- Colic
- Dizziness
- Behavioural issues
- A runny nose or post nasal drip
- Mucous congestion
- Asthma
- Wheezing
Common food intolerances
Again, this is very individual, and the majority of people with food intolerances are intolerant to more than one substance. Here are some common triggers…
Salicylates
Salicylates are a family of natural plant chemicals that help protect plants against diseases, insects and other harmful things.
They usually concentrate just under the skin (or outer leaves) of fruit and vegetables and usually decrease with ripening.
They can also be created synthetically, and are added to various medicines, perfumes and preservatives.
Glutamates
Glutamates are amino acids that is found naturally in a wide variety of foods, including aged cheeses and soy sauce. Natural glutamates are bound with proteins so they are absorbed slowly.
They are also often added as a flavour enhancer, such as perhaps the best known food additive, monosodium glutamate (MSG). Added glutamates like MSG give a much more concentrated level of glutamate than is found in nature and is not bound with proteins so is absored much more quickly, and trigger reactions.
Amines
Amines are a naturally occurring food chemical that is the result of the break down of proteins as the food ages or ripens. They are highly concentrated in aged foods such as cheese, wine, chocolate and processed meats.
They also increase the speed of ripening in fruits that soften (e.g. banana and avocado) and can be ‘bumped up’ in foods via specific cooking methods such as browning, grilling or charring.
Managing food intolerance
There are two approaches you can take to pinpoint your triggers and manage food intolerance symptoms.
1) An elimination diet
An elimination diet involves eliminating all foods containing salicylates, glutamates or amines, in order to pinpoint which is causing your symptoms.
When it comes to food intolerance, there’s often what’s known as a ‘threshold’ of tolerance. In this, small amounts of a chemical may not cause symptoms unless eaten repeatedly, gradually accumulating in your body, resulting in sporadic symptoms.
Also, there are many different types of amines, glutamates and salicylates, and you may not react to them all. For instance, there are 18 different types of amines.
To request a full list of foods containing salicylates, amines and/or glutamates, please fill out and submit the form below:
2) Try our Natural Allergy Treatment
At Health & Wellness Australia & Auckland (HWA), our Naturopaths use a form of muscle testing (kinesiology) to help pinpoint the substances triggering your allergy symptoms. Following this, we perform a natural allergy treatment called Positive Association Technique (PAT), which aims to reduce your reactions and symptoms to food chemicals like salicylates, amines and glutamates.
PAT is a non-invasive holistic therapy, which:
- draws on acupressure and kinesiology techniques
- aims to re-train your body
- may reduce your reactions to substances that may be causing or exacerbating your symptoms.
Some cases can be complex, so our Naturopaths may recommend supplements and herbs, and provide lifestyle advice to help you achieve the best long-term results.
Get in touch
- Call us on 1300 853 023 / 09 479 5997 (NZ) to chat to our friendly staff
- Send our PAT Naturopaths a question HERE
- Request a Free PAT Information E-PACK HERE
Please note that this blog contains general information only. Always consult your health care professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.
