Do you suffer from Headaches or Migraines?

                                          Do you suffer from headaches or migraines?
                                     Maybe you have an intolerance to salicylate phenolics.

An intolerance to salicylate phenolic is indicated in our clients who typically suffer from a wide range of issues including:

• Neurological symptoms such as: short attention span, migraines, headaches,
• Cognitive and perceptual disturbances such as: difficulty in comprehension, 
• Neuromuscular issues such as: tics, seizures, and dyslexia and 
• Physical concerns such as eczema, asthma, hives, constipation and diarrhea to name but a few.

Because salicylates are in so many foods and products pinpointing a sensitivity can be challenging as the reactions are not always immediate and are often diverse.
 
What is a salicylate?
Salicylates are chemicals produced naturally by plants as a preservative and as a natural defence against harmful pests and bacteria. They can be found in  natural form in certain fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants. Salicylates are also widespread in manufactured products, such as medicines (salicylates are a key ingredient in aspirin), solvents, household cleaning goods and health and beauty products.
 
What are the signs and symptoms?
Salicylates are thought to over stimulate the central nervous system of people whom they affect. Bringing on emotional extremes of feelings of elation followed by feelings of depression.
Symptoms are therefore varied vary but can include dark rings around the eyes, swelling of the eyes, hands and feet, a rash, hives, nasal congestion, breathing difficulties and asthma-like symptoms. Stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation or nausea are also common symptoms.  Behavioural symptoms, more commonly seen in children, can include hyperactivity, aggression and head banging. In adults we see symptoms similar to chronic fatigue. It is rare for someone to suffer anaphylactic shock however this can occur in severe cases.
 
Are there any tests available?
While there are currently no blood tests available, at GNC we use a US-imported screening method to test for sensitivity.
 
Can anything help me?
The most effective way to begin to solve the problem of  a reaction to salicylate phenolics is to eliminate man made salicylate compounds from your diet and lifestyle. So this includes most chemical laden grooming, hygiene, and domestic cleaning products and all food additives including:
 

• Artificial food coloring (petrochemical dyes)
• Artificial flavors and fragrances
• Three preservatives
• Artificial sweeteners

 
This might sound challenging, especially since salicylates are seemingly everywhere, but if we discover you have an intolerance we will help you every step of the way. We tailor our treatments to suit individual lifestyles, preferences and needs.
 
Salicylates in Food
Very high
Fruit & vegetables: dried apricots, dates, currants, raisins, prunes.
Herbs & spices: aniseed, cayenne, celery powder, cinnamon, cumin, curry powder, dill, garam masala, mace, mustard, oregano, paprika, rosemary, sage, tarragon, turmeric, thyme, Worcester sauce.
Beverages: cordials, fruit flavoured drinks, fruit and vegetable juices.
High
Fruit: apples, berries, citrus fruits, figs, grapes, guava, kiwi, pineapple.
Vegetables: broccoli, chicory, chilli peppers, gherkin, peppers, radish, water chestnut.
Herbs & spices: allspice, basil, bay-leaf, chilli, cloves, ginger, mint, nutmeg, black/white pepper, pickles.
Nuts:almonds, macadamia, peanuts with skins, pistachio, pine nuts.
Beveridges: coffee, tea, Benedictine, Drambuie, port, rum, Tia Maria.
Moderate
Fruit: apricots, cherries, dates, grapefruit, lychee, all melons, peach, plum.
Vegetables: asparagus, aubergine, avocado, cucumber, tinned/puree tomatoes.
Herbs & spices: cornflour, yeast extracts.
Nuts: Brazil nuts, desiccated coconut, peanut butter, walnuts.
Beverages:beer, cider, coca cola, rosehip tea, sherry, red/white wine