Did You Know This About Sulfites?
Sulfites are chemicals that are in some foods, either naturally or as additives. They are mostly found in processed foods, but they can also occur naturally during the production of beer and wine. They’re also used in some medications to increase shelf life. The FDA says sulfites are safe for consumption, however, many people suffer from either sulfite allergy or sulfite sensitivity. A sensitivity impacts the digestive system rather than the immune system. Symptoms can include bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, and vomiting.
For allergic individuals, these chemicals can cause a mild or severe allergic reaction. Sulfites are confusing because they are not thought to be IgE-mediated but can cause airway restriction due to sulfur dioxide inhalation when eating. So, it’s not a true anaphylactic reaction, but the symptoms are identical to anaphylaxis. So during an anaphylactic-like reaction, many sulfite reactions need epinephrine. Milder reactions are more common and include nasal congestion, stomach problems, migraines, fatigue, mild angioedema, etc.
Examples of foods that may contain sulfites include:
Apple cider
Bottled lemon juice & lime juice
Tea
Many condiments
Molasses
Fresh or frozen shrimp
Guacamole
Maraschino cherries
Dehydrated, pre-cut, or peeled potatoes
Processed corn products (corn starch, high fructose syrup, vodka made from corn)
Tequila with additives
Sparkling grape juice
Beer & wine
Baked goods
Soup mixes
Jams
Canned vegetables
Pickled foods (ie: sauerkraut)
Gravies
Dried fruit
Garlic
Onions
Fresh mushrooms
Potato chips
Trail mix
Vegetable juices
and many more….
Always check labels on all food packages. There are also some ingredients to look for that contain sulfites. These ingredients include:
Sulfur dioxide
Potassium bisulfite or potassium metabisulfite
Sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, or sodium sulfite
To learn more about sulfites, check out @sulfitefreelife
Sources: https://www.webmd.com/allergies/sulfite-sensitivity
