Sulfites are generally added to commercially packed foods, as it gives them a longer shelf life. Sulfites are also used as a preservative, as these fight off bacteria. It also helps slow oxidation or the browning of foods such as seafood, fruits and vegetables.
According to the FDA, less than 1 percent of the population is affected by sulfite allergies. To determine if you have sulfite-related allergies, these pieces of information will prove significant.
•Know which food products have sulfites and know what at which percentages they are present. Be aware that some foods have higher sulfite levels than others. Dried fruits, wine and seafood have sulfite content at varied levels. Typically 1000 ppm or parts per million of sulfites are present in dried fruits, and between 50 to 150 ppm in wines, per serving.
•Note the symptoms. To determine if you are indeed allergic to sulfites, \bear in mind that such allergies exhibit as an asthmatic condition. Sulfite allergies are generally thought to manifest as a headache, but in fact, they usually exhibit as a respiratory condition. Sulfite allergies don’t tend to be extremely serious, but when they do, these discomforts include breathing difficulties and anaphylactic shock.
•Anaphylaxis attacks several organ systems, and can cause swelling of the throat and mouth, and so it is extremely important to seek medical help if you notice yourself or another person exhibiting severe anaphylaxis symptoms. The dangers of anaphylaxis are great, and the condition can progress to anaphylactic shock.
•To test if you are one of the few affected by sulfite allergies, try eating a small portion or just a few pieces of dried fruit. Look for allergies to manifest on your skin, or any changes to your respiration.
•Doctors usually test for sulfite allergies using various skin tests. This is a staple test for this condition, since skin problems are among the common symptoms. The doctor might refer you to an allergist so that further checks will be made. The allergist may then conduct a series of breathing tests.
•Although asthma is not a symptom directly linked to ingesting sulfite-containing foods, people with pre-existing asthma conditions should be cautious. Sulfite allergy in asthmatic people can be very dangerous because the sulfite allergens are likely to worsen the symptoms of asthma.
Apart from the symptoms previously mentioned, other symptoms of sulfite allergy include swelling, and hives.
If your medical visits confirm that you do have sulfite allergy, it’s important that you ask your doctor about dietary choices, particularly which foods to avoid. Organic foods will likely be recommended by the doctor, although some such foods might still have sulfite content. As such, you must develop label reading as a habit. Read before you eat.
Remember, by law, a food manufacturer must place a label on the product warning consumers of any sulfite contents, but only if the sulfite content is 10 parts or greater. If you know you have this condition, be vigilant of your food intake.
