Glutamate, Salicylates and Amines: What Are They And Should You Be Eating Them?

When we hear the word chemical we often assume it’s something that’s toxic or harmful to our health. But the reality is, our body is made up of many chemicals that support organ function and help to keep us alive.

Chemicals are everywhere and in everything that we eat and consume on a daily basis. Some are naturally occurring, such as in fruits and vegetables, nuts and spices and other healthy foods.

Some naturally occurring chemicals that are known to cause problems for sensitive individuals are glutamate, salicylates and amines and for some people these can be problematic. People with sensitivities to these chemicals may experience skin reactions such as rash, eczema and dermatitis; neurological reactions such as headaches and migraine; gut issues, feeling irritable and generally unwell.  The reactions to these chemicals can vary significantly from one person to the next and it can be very difficult to identify the food source, as often they occur in combinations and can depend on quantities and frequency of consumption.

Glutamate

Found in many of the foods that we eat such as mushrooms, tomatoes, seaweed, cheese and soy, Glutamine is a naturally occurring chemical that can also be added as a flavour enhancer to many foods. Our body metabolises both additive-MSG (monosodium glutamate) and glutamate from food in the exact same way. Glutamate is naturally found in the body and acts like neurotransmitter (excitatory) that’s sends signals between nerve cells. Some people can be sensitive to glutamate.

Salicylates

Salicylates can be naturally occurring and synthetically produced. They are often found in many pantry items such as tea, coffee, honey and wine and even some fruit and vegetables. They are also commonly used in cosmetic products and some pharmaceuticals such as aspirin. Both natural and synthetic sources can cause reactions in some people.

Amines

Amines are a by-product of the fermentation process (bacteria breakdown of amino acids), however some foods contain naturally high amounts of these chemicals. Amines are found in animal products (protein), particularly when they’re aged, as well as in ripe fruits such as bananas and tomatoes .

Eliminating foods that are widely known to be highly reactive for some people, such as eggs, wheat, dairy, nuts may be helpful in alleviating symptoms associated with the gastrointestinal tract, namely bloating, cramping, constipation diarrhoea and indigestion. However if you are still feeling unwell, it may be worth considering that its actually a naturally occurring chemical in your food (or surroundings) that may be negatively affecting you.

 Keeping a diet diary can be a useful way to document the foods that you consume during the day and noting how they make you feel. It may be worth visiting a qualified Naturopath or Nutritionist who can help you to identify triggers. If symptoms persist always see your doctor.