Understanding Phenols and Salicylates

Feb 24

11 min read

Updated: Feb 25

WHAT ARE PHENOLS?

Phenols are chemicals found in most of the foods we eat in varying amounts. They are natural and can even be beneficial to the body, as is the case with antioxidants in fruit. The "phenol" category contains quite a few subgroups that are both food and non-food. For example, salicylate is a subgroup of phenol.

Salicylates are a group of chemicals (and are a type of phenol)

that are found naturally in certain foods, such as fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and nuts. In their natural form, plants produce salicylates to defend against harmful elements like insects, fungus and disease.

Salicylates are also synthetically produced for use in products like aspirin, toothpaste, food preservatives/additives and food packaging.

Phenols/salicylates need to be broken down in the body, i.e. “detoxified,” by a process called sulphation. This pathway, called the sulphation pathway, requires sulphur in the form of sulphate and the PST (phenol sulfur transferase) enzyme. Without normal levels of sulphates in the body (faulty sulphation) this enzyme cannot do its job of helping the body to break down and excrete phenols effectively. And this leads to PST deficiency.

When this enzyme is deficient (PST deficiency), and there are low levels of sulphate this detoxification process is impaired. The phenols may not be processed out as quickly as they are consumed. They build up, and the result is negative symptoms and reactions - see symptoms.

Research by Dr. Rosemary Waring, at the University of Birmingham, found that children on the Autism Spectrum have low levels of the enzyme PST (phenol-sulfotransferase and low levels of sulphate. PST deficiency (low levels of the PST enzyme) usually results from low levels of sulphate in the body, not because the enzyme is defective.

If there are gut issues on top of the PST deficiency/low sulfate - such as candida, leaky gut etc (all very common in children with autism) the phenol particles are allowed to repeatedly enter the bloodstream. The body tries to get rid of them by triggering an immune system response, and we again see symptoms.

Phenols' cell membranes are made up of fat and water, so they can easily cross the blood brain barrier too and access the brain.

'Some of these chemical phenols (food additives) look very similar to neurotransmitters and act as neurotoxins (toxic to the nerves and nervous system) by binding to neurotransmitter receptors. From there, they artificially stimulate the brain and cause 'noise' this can manifest as aggression, hyperactivity...' Julie Matthews and any of the symptoms listed below.

Both natural and synthetic forms can cause adverse reactions. It is known that artificial food dyes actually impair the sulphation pathway by inhibiting the PST enzyme! Hence, the reason we avoid at all costs.

Any food or chemical that requires or uses up sulphate during its breakdown will make the situation worse.

SOME OF THE HIGHEST SALICYLATE FOODS

Fruits. Raisins, prunes, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, grapes, pineapples, plums, oranges, tangerines, strawberries and guava.

Vegetables. Broccoli, cucumbers, okra, chicory, endive, radish, courgette, watercress, alfalfa sprouts, aubergine, squash, sweet potato, spinach, artichokes and broad beans.

Food additives. Artificial food colours, preservatives

Herbs and spices. Curry, aniseed, cayenne, dill, ginger, allspice, cinnamon, clove, mustard, cumin, oregano, pimiento, tarragon, turmeric, paprika, thyme and rosemary.

Toiletries and cosmetics. Some toothpastes, perfumes, shampoos and conditioners, mouthwashes and lotions

Medication. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen

SYMPTOMS OF PHENOL SENSITIVITY

HYPERACTIVITY
RED CHEEKS
BED WETTING
SLEEP PROBLEMS
EMOTIONAL OUTBURSTS
AGGRESSION
DEFIANCE
SINUS CONGESTION
STUFFY NOSE
ASTHMA
DIARRHOEA
ABDOMINAL PAIN
DARK CIRCLES UNDER EYES
INAPPROPRIATE LAUGHTER
SLEEP ISSUES - SUCH AS NIGHT WAKING
SELF-INJURIOUS BEHAVIOUR

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY CHILD HAS PHENOL SENSITIVITY?

Let your child be your best guide. Keeping a food diary is one of the cheapest and yet most valuable things that we implemented for Rose. I'd say it is one of the most powerful yet simple ways to help your child. Quite quickly, you will be able to see patterns emerging after specific foods are consumed. Click HERE for the food diary we use. I am currently developing my own version for you. Will let you know when this is ready!

Remember, with a phenol/salicylate reaction, it can come on quite quickly - 20 mins after food is consumed.

A genetic test can be carried out to ascertain if the SUOX gene has an SNP (mutation).

The SUOX gene produces an enzyme called sulphite oxidase - this converts sulphites into sulphate in the body. If the gene is mutated, it can impact the functioning of the enzyme, decreasing sulphate in the body and can lead to PST deficiency.

FOOD DYES / ARTIFICIAL FOOD COLOURINGS

Food dyes negatively impact sulphation because they inhibit the PST enzyme.

Faulty sulphation

Research by Dr. Rosemary Waring, has shown that faulty sulphation impacts a huge percentage of children with autism. Faulty sulphation impairs the body's ability to process phenols.

This is because children with autism are found in most cases to have;

1. Low levels of the PST enzyme (the enzyme that breaks down phenols)

2. Low levels of sulphate - sulphate is required for the PST enzyme to function. Without normal levels of sulphates in the body, the sulfotransferase enzyme cannot process phenols.

It is not currently known why this is the case. One theory is that because the toxic load is generally so high, the sulphate required for detoxification is being used up to such a degree that it becomes deficient. Source

Leaky gut and other intestinal damage, such as candida

Leaky gut occurs when the small intestine becomes too damaged to properly filter out food particles or chemicals that enter the bloodstream (for more on leaky gut read this). When these particles are allowed to repeatedly enter the bloodstream, the body tries to get rid of them by triggering an immune system response. Because phenols/salicylates are so common in most foods, a person with a leaky gut will have much higher than normal levels of these chemicals in their blood because they are allowed to pass through the leaky gut walls. This can cause intolerances to these particles.

Sulphate is required to maintain the integrity of the gut lining. Leaky gut can be caused by repeatedly over consuming high phenol foods because these deplete sulphate. Like a vicious cycle.

High toxic load

If a child's body is overburdened with toxins it depletes sulphate (which is required for detox) and causes sulphation to be impaired further - remember low sulphate = PST enzyme impaired at effectively processing phenols.

GLYPHOSATE

Glyphosate is known to disrupt the sulphation pathway by chelating molybdenum. Molybdenum is an essential catalyst of the sulphation pathway - turning sulphite into usable sulphate in the body.

Read more about this via THIS presentation written by Stephanie Seneff.

Chlorine from swimming pools

Chlorine has a negative impact on sulphation. Chlorine is processed by the same sulphation pathway as salicylates in fruits. Soaking in a pool full of chlorine that is absorbed through the skin requires the chlorine to be detoxified like other salycilates. This depletes sulphate and burdens the detox system further. Causing the 'bucket' to fill up more quickly. You will likely see symptoms after swimming in chlorinated pools if your child has issues with fault sulphation and phenols.

This is why, for years, I was stumped for a reason as to why Rose was always so hyperactive after swimming in a public pool. Learning about the sulphation pathway and phenols has helped me to understand these symptoms.

Chlorine can also be found in tap water.

Eating lots of high phenol foods/foods rich in boron

Eating a diet rich in salicylates suppresses the activity of the PST enzyme, which is required to break down and detoxify phenols such as salicylates.

Foods or chemicals requiring sulphate to break it down will exacerbate the issue. Common foods that can cause this problem include apple juice, citrus fruit juices, chocolate, and paracetamol.

Excess boron interferes with the breakdown and excretion of phenols. Boron is found in apples, pears, grapes, nuts, leafy green vegetables, and legumes.

Deficiency in molybdenum

Molybdenum is an essential catalyst of the sulphation pathway (required to break down phenols) - turning sulphite into usable sulphate in the body. Without it, phenols can not be broken down effectively.

Vitamin B6 and/or P-5-P can aggravate the PST problem of some children, by making it difficult for the child to process phenols.

Dr Rosemary Waring's research has shown that B6 in the form of P5P (pyridoxal-5-phosphate) inhibits PST (phenol sulphur-transferase) activity. PST remember is the enzyme responsible for breaking down and detoxifying phenols. It is known to be activated by magnesium, so that if you have at least a 1:1 mix of B6:Mg the enzyme isn't inhibited.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO HELP MY CHILD?

Filter water - drinking and whole house

Filtering as many toxins out of the system as possible, including chlorine, is very important. It helps the sulphation pathway not to get overloaded by toxins and the sulfate not to get depleted by chlorine. Click HER E for the water filters we use. Remember that stress and worry is toxic too, do what you can. Any change is better than none.

If a whole house water filter is not an option for you, ascorbic acid/sodium ascorbate neutralises chlorine! Click HERE for non GMO, clean versions (ascorbic acid is usually made from GMO corn, full of pesticides). Using this in the water will not eliminate all toxins, but will tackle some the chlorine issue for you.

For baths, - 1 TBSP to the water
For swimming in chlorinated pools - mix 1 TSP ascorbic acid with 1/2 cup water in a spray bottle and spray over the entire body and hair before and after swimming.

Again, this won't eliminate entirely, because it will have been absorbed through the skin whilst swimming, but could possibly help neutralise a little.

Reduce toxic load

Support and reduce the burden on detoxification pathways by reducing other controllable toxins. Such as pesticides, insecticides, plastics, junk food etc.

Avoid artificial colourings/ flavourings/ ADDITIVES

Artificial flavourings and colourings are known to inhibit the sulfation pathway. Food additives 1. Are extremely high in salycilates 2. They suppress the function of the pathway which detoxifies them.

Avoid these at all costs!

Increase Sulfate in the body

One of the ways in which you can support detoxification of phenols is by increasing the sulphate in the body via regular epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) baths

If there is impaired gut function (likely if sulphation is impaired) absorption of sulphur via supplements through the gut may not be effective. Epsom salt baths are, therefore, a really brilliantly effective way to increase sulphate in the body.

The magnesium and sulphate in the salts are absorbed into the body through the skin. Because the sulphur is already in the sulphate form, it does not need to be converted as other forms of sulphur do. Sulphate is thought to circulate in the body up to about nine hours!

It is important to note that when children have a faulty sulphation process, they can actually become sensitive to sulphur, so you may see reactions after use.

Start with a TBSP and build up slowly.

Click HERE for the one we use. You should look for pure magnesium sulphate - no other added ingredients.

Try a low phenol diet

Complete avoidance of phenols would be extremely difficult because they are present in so many foods, lots of which are very nutritious.

When thinking of healing, I like to think of these systems as 'buckets' that can get overloaded.

Restricting too many foods can be stressful, overwhelming, and can cause anxiety around food and exacerbate picky eating. I am not an advocate of highly restricted diets for these reasons. I have been there myself, and it is not a nice way to live for you or your child. It is good to be aware of all of the things that could cause issues for your child. But stress is toxic too.

A food diary is a good place to start, because you can see which foods are causing the biggest problems and possibly eliminate the highest phenol foods, whilst supporting the body until the child can process them better.

It is also important to note that, as you can see, food sensitivities are usually part of a much bigger picture. Imbalances in the gut, poor detoxification, increased toxic burden and even genetics can play a part. All things are manageable. All of these things can be helped. Food sensitivities are like little clues, giving you insight into how you can help your child. They shouldn't have to be permanent when your child's health is optimum. Which is the goal!

Try lower salycilate options

Whilst reducing high phenol foods, you could try to incorporate alternative whole foods that are lower in salycilate. All fruit except pear contains salycilate. But on the lower end are: banana, mango, kiwi, watermelon, honeydew melon, papaya, pomegranate and the Golden Delicious variety of apple. For vegetables; brussel sprouts, cabbage, celery, leeks, lettuce, potatoes and swede.

Remember that these intolerances are signs of an imbalanced body, which is unable to excrete certain chemicals effectively at this stage. It can seem very overwhelming, but the removal of certain foods will not be permanent if you can address other issues within the body.

Work on improving gut health

You'll notice as you browse these pages that inevitably all issues lead back to impaired gut function! Supporting and healing the gut is the most important thing you can do. One of the biggest determining factors in whether or not phenols get processed effectively is the state of the microbiome. Since gut dysbiosis, leaky gut and antibiotic use, and nutrient deficiencies are extremely common in children with ASD, phenols are often a huge issue for children with autism. Here are some very basic tips;

Address Candida overgrowth.

Adding fermented foods increases healthy bacteria levels in the gut and can also reduce levels of harmful Candida yeast. Remove foods that candida thrives on, such as sugars, refined carbohydrates, and too many grains. 2. Reduce/eliminate sugar

3. Add fermented foods to increase beneficial bacteria 4. Increase fibre via vegetables, seeds 5. Limit grains and potatoes 6. Eliminate refined carbohydrates 7. Add in herbs to help fight off pathogens

Cranberry juice

Cranberry juice has been anecdotally reported to reduce or even eliminate these effects. Whether this is due to the sulphur content of the juice or some other mechanism, including placebo, remains to be determined' - TACA website

Ensure adequate intake of molybdenum

Molybdenum ensures the proper functioning of the enzyme PST (required to break down phenols)

Sources of molybdenum are;

Lentils
Buckwheat
Red cabbage
Dried Peas
Lima Beans
Kidney Beans
Black Beans
Pinto Beans
Chickpeas
Oats
Romaine Lettuce
Cucumber
Celery
Eggs
Carrots
Bell Peppers
Fennel
Sesame Seeds
Walnuts
Almonds
Cod

AVOID GLYPHOSATE

Avoid glyphosate for so many reasons! See HERE for more info.

But for these purposes, glyphosate chelates molybdenum from the body - molybdenum is required for the PST enzyme to function properly.

See THIS website for suggestions for alternatives to glyphosate.

Failsafe / Feingold low phenol diet

The FAILSAFE diet is a diet designed to be free of additives, low in salicylates, amines and flavour enhancers. It is Sue Dengate's term for the low-chemical exclusion diet formulated by allergists at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Australia.It is designed to treat sensitivities to specific man-made and natural flavourings, colourings and preservatives found in foods by eliminating problem foods and replacing them with healthy, low-chemical alternatives.

I found this cookbook to be useful in explaining in quite basic terms how chemicals in natural foods can impact the body. It also gives a comprehensive list of which foods contain chemicals that can cause intolerance. It provides a shopping list and lots of recipes using the failsafe elimination diet ingredients. As a side note, many of these recipes use wheat, dairy and processed oils, but they can be adapted.

I used this more as a guide to help ascertain high chemical foods and as inspo.

Click HERE to be taken to The Feingold website.