ADD/ADHD and salicylates

WOW! I LOVE LEARNING ABOUT THE WAY OUR BODIES WORK!
Tonight I stumbled across something called a salicylate sensitivity. Some researchers believe that many people with ADD/ADHD have sensitivities to a naturally found chemical called salicylate. If you like chemistry, then this post is for you! Salicylates are specific type of phenol compound. For those who are like me and struggled through high school chemistry, it just means that they contain certain elements from that chart we had to memorize that are attached in a specific order or pattern. Anyway, these natural chemicals are often beneficial for our bodies as long as our bodies are processing them correctly. They are found in wonderfully nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables and nuts. BUT, if our bodies don't have the proper enzymes to process those foods, then those typically nutritious and helpful chemicals can cause our bodies to react negatively.
As I was reading this page, I thought "What a plethora of information! I need to share this!" Then I read, and reread a paragraph about the cause of this sensitivity. In the paragraph titled "Why Do People React To Them" the author states "In a normal body, one with the correct levels of sulfates and liver enzymes, phenols and salicylates are easily metabolized. The body utilizes what it needs from the chemicals and properly disposes of the rest through the bowels. In those whose levels are abnormal, or in the case of leaky gut syndrome, intolerance to this chemical family can occur rather quickly." (Italics/bold added for emphasis)The statement about correct levels of sulfates and liver enzymes got me thinking about how someone could fix that deficit. So, I did a little more research (because that's what I like to do!). Sulfates are a natural form of sulfur compound, which also can be found naturally in foods. Another way that you can get sulfur (which you need to make up a sulfate molecule) is taking a supplement. 
My husband struggles with ADD, so I'm ordering a sulfur supplement to see if he notices a difference. I do know that when he was taking DMAE, he noticed a difference. So we'll do a comparison and keep you posted!
I also learned that sulfur deficiency can cause all kinds of sensitivities to foods such as tree nuts. If you have lots of allergy issues, adding a sulfur supplement might be something to consider.
The statement in the article about salicylates also mentioned levels of liver enzymes. Well guess what can cause a change in liver enzymes. Medicines such as Aleve and Tylenol! Incorrect levels of liver enzymes are a sign of metabolic dysfunction and liver inflammation. Other medications that can mess with your liver are some anti-biotics, some anti-fungals, some antidepressants and others.


Here are a few more pages you might be interested in if you're interested in the effects of sulfur, sulfates, salicylates, etc...

The difference between sulfa drugs, sulfate, sulfite, and sulfur.

The importance of sulfur compounds in our bodies. 

The importance and use of MSM, a specific sulfur compound that is beneficial for the natural function of our bodies.