How to Avoid Sulfites

Sensitivity to sulfites is not an uncommon problem. It’s estimated that one percent of the population suffers from being sulfite sensitive. Sulfite sensitivity can make its appearance at any age, sometimes not declaring itself until well into middle age. Often sulfite sensitivities are obvious, manifesting with severe wheezing after eating or drinking a food or beverage containing sulfites. Other times the symptoms can be subtle with mild abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, persistent headache or skin irritation after being exposed to sulfites. If you suffer from sulfite sensitivity, here's how to avoid sulfites in food and drink.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. The easiest way to avoid sulfites is to stay away from packaged, processed foods such as soup mixes, packaged gelatins, gravy mixes, baked goods, jams, jellies, fruit toppings, and dried potatoes. This is only a partial list of foods that contain sulfites.

2. Liquid products to avoid include packaged fruit juices, maple syrup, beers, and all wines.

3. Dried fruits and shrimp should also be avoided.

4. Restaurant dining can be a problem, particularly for restaurants that use packaged foods and mixes. Salad bars at some restaurants and grocery stores occasionally use spray on sulfites to make the fruits and vegetables look fresher.

5. One way to reduce the risk of exposure to sulfites is to buy organic foods and beverages since sulfites are not allowed in organic products.

6. There are lists available on the internet of specific food products that contain sulfites, but caution should still be used when buying any kind of packaged food product. Sulfite containing ingredients could still have been used in the manufacturing process.

7. The only treatment for sulfite sensitivity is complete avoidance.

[mrbrown77777]

on 6/24/2009 It's very difficult to avoid sulfites because they are found in every modern product.

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[zahzel]

on 6/23/2009 I think some wines are made w/o sulfates/ Good info for people to know. Zahzel

[maggiedarr]

on 6/23/2009 I have heard that sometimes sulfites are used on bananas. I tend to think that is true because I can't eat a (non-organic) banana after it gets too ripe. I suspect this is because it soaks through the skin. It makes me feel like I've got a walnut-sized object stuck in by throat. I can breathe, but it's very uncomfortable. One of the only other things that causes this same effect is red wine which I know has sulfites! Important article!