Do you often experience odd reactions after consuming certain foods or drinks? Perhaps what you’ve considered an allergy is actually a sensitivity, a common scenario when it comes to sulfites. Sulfites are preservatives found in many everyday consumables, including wine, beer, medications, and a plethora of food products. It’s important to note that true allergic reactions involve exposure to allergen proteins, and sulfites are not proteins, as clarified by Health Canada. The role of sulfites in processed foods is to maintain color, enhance shelf life, and prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. If you’re sensitive to sulfites, reading labels diligently before indulging in food products is a must. Packaged foods without clear labels should be avoided. Unfortunately, sulfite sensitivity doesn’t have a known cure – avoidance is the key protective measure.
Sulfite sensitivity arises from consuming foods that contain sulfites and sometimes even from inhaling the sulfur dioxide produced by them, as explained by the Cleveland Clinic. This sensitivity is more common among those with asthma, with asthmatics’ likelihood of being sulfite-sensitive falling between 1 in 10 and 1 in 20. Symptoms can vary from mild wheezing to severe asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening. In rare cases, sulfites can induce anaphylaxis, characterized by a drop in blood pressure and airway constriction, which requires immediate medical intervention.
Surprisingly, your beloved potato chips might also harbor sulfites. Health Canada identifies processed potato products like frozen fries, mashed potatoes, and pre-cut varieties as potential sulfite carriers. Even the crispy potato and tortilla chips aren’t exempt. However, fresh, unprocessed potatoes are usually sulfite-free. So, if you’ve been craving potato chips, why not try making your own? All you need are thinly sliced potatoes and hot canola oil. Fry the slices until golden brown, season as you wish, and voila, you have homemade, sulfite-free potato chips!
Besides potato chips, a wide range of processed foods contain sulfites, including baked goods, cereals, deli meats, dressings, and even snack foods. Other unexpected sources could be bottled lemon and lime juice, dried fruits and vegetables, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables, dried herbs, spices, and tea. Before munching on anything, check the ingredients for sulfites’ various forms, such as sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite.
Symptoms of sulfite sensitivity can include a flushed face, hives, facial swelling, breathing difficulties, anxiety, distress, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and in extreme cases, loss of consciousness. If you suspect sulfite sensitivity, it’s essential to consult with a board-certified allergy/immunology physician. The diagnosis process involves a “challenge,” where small doses of sulfites are administered gradually. A reaction prompts lung function analysis, and the effects are then reversed with bronchodilator medication. If you’ve been prescribed adrenaline due to sulfite sensitivity, remember to carry it with you at all times to tackle emergencies.
So, while navigating sulfite sensitivity can seem daunting, with careful label-reading and wise dietary choices, you can manage your sensitivity and still enjoy your meals to the fullest.
