Definitions for "Salicylates"
A group of drugs to which aspirin belongs.
Salicylic acid is a colorless, crystalline organic carboxylic acid. It is usually prepared by Kolbe synthesis (aka Kolbe-Schmitt reaction). Salicylic acid functions as a plant hormone; see Salicylic acid (plant hormone).
A salt of salicylic acid used in the treatment of rheumatism. Salicylates are found in modern painkillers such as Aspirin
Salicylates are a type of Phenol. Phenols are chemicals which all living things and foods contain. Food containing high phenol levels uses up more than the usual amounts of the 'free sulphate' which is held in the gut. In Autistic people, the level of 'free sulphate' in the body is already much lower than in others so eating foods with a high phenolic content leaves even less available for other digestive requirements and for lining the gut walls. There is simply not enough 'free sulphate' available. Not all foods with a high phenol level also are high in salicylates as not all phenols are salicylates. Foods with a high salicylate level typically contain tomatoes, dried fruits, berry fruits, tea, olives, grapes, almonds, liquorice, peppermint, honey, Worcester sauce, citrus fruits, berries and currants, with pears being one of the more 'safe' options. Foods full of phenols but not salicylates include banana and chocolate. Whether a low salicylate and/or a low phenol diet is followed, is often a case of trial and error to see which products produce a troublesome reaction. (Also see Phenols)