How to Live With an Allergy to Sulfites

Sulfites have been used for centuries as a preservative in wine, and now are used in a variety of other foods to control spoilage, prevent light-colored fruit and vegetables from turning brown, bleach food starches, condition dough and so on. If you're sensitive to sulfites, you need to read labels carefully and ask if you're unsure.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bromelain
• Quercetin
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin C

1. Avoid products containing sulfur dioxide, sodium sulfite, sodium and potassium bisulfite, sodium and potassium metabisulfite.

2. Check the label carefully if buying dried fruit. It's often preserved with sulfites. Buy dried fruit that's naturally sun-dried instead.

3. Take care when buying processed foods. Many condiments, canned vegetables, soup mixes and baked goods are processed with sulfites.

4. Check with the manufacturer before drinking any wine or beer. They may contain sulfites even if it's not on the label.

5. Ask when you're dining out. Be especially wary of salad bars and potato products.

6. Ask the store manager before buying loose bulk foods. They may contain sulfites.

7. Buy organic fruits and vegetables, or buy from a store where you know the produce is free of sulfites.

8. Minimize your intake of canned foods and convenience foods. Eat fresh, unprocessed foods whenever possible.

9. Carry your inhaler with you when eating out if you have asthma. Asthmatics tend to be more susceptible to sulfite allergy.

10. Supplement your diet with vitamin C with added bioflavonoids, 1,000 to 5,000 mg daily, or quercetin, 500mg twice daily. They both help your body tolerate allergens and boost immune function.

11. Take bromelain, 100mg twice daily. It enhances the absorption of quercetin.

Tips & Warnings

• Take an antihistamine with you and have epinephrine available if you've had a severe reaction in the past. Sulfite allergy tends to manifest with respiratory symptoms, and these items can help stabilize you until you can get to an emergency room.
• Don't attempt to reintroduce sulfites into your diet if you've had a severe reaction in the past.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[jeangentile]

on 12/26/2008 Does anyone have information about a connection between sulfa/sulfite allergies and psoriasis?

[WendyL]

on 11/23/2008 This is a very helpful site. At the age of 17 my sulfur allergy began. By the time, I turned 33, I have become allergic to ALL forms of sulfur including sulfur preservatives in foods. I have also found that sulfur may even be in some candles. Last year I began a blog with a lot of lins and information. Please feel free to utilize it. This is not a common allergy and many doctors do not know what to do with it so, we need to help each other.

http://sulfurallergy.blogspot.com/

[disehow]

on 1/11/2008 Anyone reading this should read the book "Fed Up With Asthma" by Sue Dengate. I have had great success by avoiding foods with sulfites - and certain preservatives. These can include really "normal" food like bread and sausages - not just the ones that list it on the packet. Helps a lot with asthma and allergies. Good Luck!

[AllergySufferer]

on 12/5/2007 Sulfite is in most bottled water. Bottle water may contain a huge amount of sulfite (often added as a flavor enhancer). Some brands contain a lot more sulfite than others, and you need to be very careful about which brand of water to drink. My experience is that if I drink a 16 Fl Oz bottle that contains more the 5 parts per million in sulfite, I would get an allergic reaction. There is generally less sulfite in water (by volume) than in wine, but most people do not drink wine by the gallon. I found that Crystal Geysar and Aquafina have the lowest concentration of sulfite.
You may want to check out the non-profit website: AllergySulfiteInWater.com.

[MSpinosa]

on 2/12/2007 My daughter's lips swell up after eating something with sulfites. Did you ever hear of this reaction? She had a glass of beer from a keg at a dorm party--who knew...She also swelled after eating fries from POPEYE'S I would appreciate any insight. M. Spinosa [e-mail]