Here’s What You Can Do If You Think You Have a Sulfite Sensitivity

Do I have a sulfite sensitivity? Read this post if you want to find out what to do to confirm your sulfite sensitivity.

Allergists Can Diagnose a Sulfite Sensitivity And Other Food Intolerances

The quickest, safest, and most efficient method of diagnosis may be by seeing an Allergist and being tested for a sulfite sensitivity.  Sulfites can be introduced in increasing amounts under close observation of a physician while symptoms are observed.

My Experience With Trying To Get Diagnosed

Personally, I have spoken to several specialists regarding my symptoms and my sensitivity.  Even as a physician, I have been met with mixed responses. One cited the FDA ban from 1986 stating that since then, sulfites have been reduced in food products enough to be a negligible risk. The particular Allergist that cited this ban recommended I do not eliminate Sulfites from my diet to avoid over restriction. Like anyone who has sought answers from physicians for rare or uncommon conditions has likely felt, this conversation was frustrating and puzzling. But in the end, I decided I wasn’t going to change his mind.  Fortunately, I have spoken to physicians who have confirmed that while extremely rare, sulfite sensitivities do exist.

So How Do I Know I Have A Sulfite Sensitivity?

Because I have been pregnant or nursing over the past several years, I have not taken tests for sulfite sensitivities. But I feel that any time I have a substance high in sulfites, it’s a test in itself.  I always joke that I can drink a teaspoon of lemon juice concentrate and show anyone that doesn’t believe me. (I do not recommend trying this at home! If you genuinely have a sulfite sensitivity it could be seriously dangerous, even deadly at such high concentration) Lemon juice concentrate is my kryptonite. It takes only a few drops in an entire meal to set me off. I also had an endoscopy (camera in my throat to look at my stomach), which showed grooves in the intestines commonly seen in celiac disease. The biopsy, however, for celiac disease was negative. Mostly, my stomach showed signs of chronic allergy exposure.

Sulfite Sensitivity Is Not Well Known So Keep Digging

I share all of this in hopes to help explain that diagnosis of a sulfite sensitivity may be frustrating, redundant, and difficult, even for a physician such as myself but not impossible. The whole purpose of this blog is to make your journey easier. More of a straight path to truth, rather than a roller coaster.  

Food/Symptom Logs Work

Based on the experience of identifying my sulfite intolerance, I learned that it helps to document what you eat. If you feel you have a food sensitivity, you can keep a food/symptom log and discuss it with your doctor.  Every time you have a symptom of what you believe to be a food-related reaction or a flare-up of a chronic condition, write down everything you ate and did in the last 24 hours. Over time, you may notice a pattern. Look for common links, not just single items.  After all, this is what led me to my discovery. If you think you will remember in 1 week or one month what you ate that made you feel sick, you’re taking a chance to forget small but relevant details. Food/symptom logs work. These logs can help identify intolerances, allergies, and even conditions such as migraines. Most importantly, talk to your doctor.

Sample Symptom Log

Date                                 Symptom/Exposures last 24 hours