What is a Sulfite?
You hear sulfites, and your mind probably thinks wine. But sulfites are much more than an additive in wine.
Do you know what a sulfite really is? Sulfites or Sulphites are compounds found naturally in the human body. The salts of this compound are often used as a preservative.
Are sulfites bad for me?
While 1 in 100 and up to 10% of asthmatics may react to sulfites, most people tolerate sulfites. There is some concern about a negative impact on the body’s microbiome.
Where are sulfites be found?
Everywhere you look, you’ll probably see a sulfite.
If food or product needs to be kept fresh looking, soft, or shelf stable a common additive is sulfites.
Some foods (garlic, onions, eggs) may naturally contain sulfites. Also, certain foods, medications, and cosmetics may also contain sulfites. Their ability to preserve, prevent browning and inhibit bacterial growth useful for manufacturers.
In the U.S., sulfur dioxide is used to process most non-organic corn and non-organic potato products. If a food is processed with sulfur dioxide, labeling laws do not require disclosure of the ingredient.
Packaging for certain foods such as grapes and cellophane may contain sulfites.
What are the side effects of sulfites?
Sulfite reactions are considered a sensitivity or intolerance rather than a true allergy. An allergy is an immune reaction to a protein, not a salt.
This can be confusing for many.
Why? Reactions to sulfites present very much like an allergy. Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, angioedema, hives, nausea, and vomiting.
Sulfite reactions can occur immediately or even be delayed by 72 hours. Meanwhile, true allergic reactions occur immediately.
Understandably, if it acts as an allergy and responds to allergy medication – I can see why it feels confusing.
Some people may have mild symptoms such as nasal congestion or a runny nose when inhaling sulfur dioxide in foods.
Which foods contain sulfites?
Countless foods contain sulfites.
Beverages include wine, soda, champagne, corn-based vodkas, juice concentrates, and lemon juice concentrate.
Foods with food coloring ( red number 40 and yellow number 5), high fructose corn syrup, caramel color, and vinegar also contain sulfites.
Shelf-stable foods, dried fruit, baked goods, tortillas, bread, cookies, brownies, and cakes often contain sulfite preservatives. Anything made with corn starch and baking powder contains sulfites.
How to avoid sulfites?
Read labels. Know the hidden forms of sulfites like processed corn products and alternate names such as metabisulfite. Don’t be afraid to clarify ingredients with the server or person cooking your food.
For information purposes only. Talk to your doctor if you believe you have a food intolerance.
I have found food logs to be helpful in identifying problematic foods.
For daily updates and food ideas check out instagram @sulfitefreelife
Feel free to email me with questions.
