Suffer not the Mouth Ulcer !!

Many people suffer from mouth ulcers. One of the most common causes of mouth ulcers ( besides trauma from sharp or hot food ) is sensitivity to Salicylates contained in foods * see foods below

You may know that too much aspirin can cause ulcers. Aspirin is a salicylate. Too much salicylates cause the mucosa of the gastro-intestinal tract to break down forming ulcers. This can happen in the mouth, stomach or bowel.

Each person has a threshold of tolerance to salicylates. Once this threshold is reached, the tissue reaction starts.The effect of salicylates is cumulative and delayed by at least one day. It is the total dose from all sources that will determine whether a reaction occurs.

People who are sensitive to salicylates often also react adversely to other chemicals such as MSG ( contained naturally in some foods such as grapes, broccoli, sweetcorn, mushrooms and also added as a flavour enhancer ) and food colourings and additives.

There are many proprietary gels and ointments that are sold by pharmacies to treat mouth ulcers. The most effective agent is 100% pure aloe vera gel which will remove the sting and provide all the nourishing agents to heal the ulcer quickly.

The best way to test your salicylate tolerance is to eliminate all possible sources for several days and then systematically introduce serves of high salicylate foods and watch for an outbreak of ulcers one or two days later.

Low salicylate foods are also good for people who suffer from Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis and other inflammatory bowel disorders.

High salicylate foods are all berries, all stone fruit, grapes, dates, most apple, rockmelon, pineapple, orange, mandarin, passionfruit, watermelon, kiwifruit, lychee, capsicum,chilli,gherkin,olive,radish, tomato and tomato paste,zucchini, almonds, licorice, honey, peppermint,most spices, all teas except tisane teas, port , rum, wine.

Low salicylate foods are bananas, peeled pear, delicious apple, papaya, pomegrante, cabbage, celery, lettuce, potato,dried peas and beans, lentils, brusselsprouts, chive, choko, leek,green beans, peas, mungbeans, poppyseeds, cashews, carob, cocoa, maple syrup, garlic, parsley, saffron, soy sauce, vanilla, gin, whiskey, vodka, instant coffee, chamomile tea.

Most other foods not mentioned have moderate levels of salicylates

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