Many common foods we eat daily can cause a whole host of problems for any person sensitive to sulfites. This is because sulfites are used everywhere in the manufacturing industry as a food preservative. Its function is to stop the growth of bacteria, prevent oxidation (browning) and to extend the shelf life of the finished product.
The grape, the major ingredient in all wines, does have a percentage of sulfites in them naturally occurring right from nature. But after growing and harvesting (many farmers do not use any sulfites during this stage), the bottling and packaging process requires the use of some type of food preservative for extended shelf life. This preservative is needed to prevent the ruination of an entire crop of bottled wines. To date, there is no "all-natural or organic" preservative available for use in the wine industry.
Wines
Common to the wine collector or the wine dealer, a bottle of wine with an extended shelf life will fetch a better price than the same vintage of just a few years of age. Without sulfites, this extended shelf life is impossible. A bottled wine without sulfites can not last more than a few years.
Common Symptoms Of A Wine-Sulfite Allergy
Several of the reported symptoms of a sulfite reaction from assorted wines include:
- headaches or migraines
- gastro-intestinal symptoms
- skin rash
- respiratory symptoms (especially in asthmatics)
A sulfite allergy is especially hard on asthmatics because they already have a distressed respiratory system, hence major breathing problems. The additional swelling of the mucous membranes can result in troublesome wheezing or a severe asthma attack.
What Else Includes Sulfites
If you are sensitive to sulfites, there is a whole host of other items you may need to avoid other than wines. Some people actually can withstand a small amount of exposure but since it is a food preservative, it is found in many different places:
- grape juice or anywhere you see raisins, these need to be monitored slowly
- sulfites occur naturally in tomatoes so ketchup, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste or vegetable soup etc.
- deli meats, sausages, hot dogs etc.
- frozen pizza, frozen bread doughs, etc.
- almost all dried fruits were preserved with sulfites to prevent browning
Treatments Or A Sulfite Watch
Currently there is no treatment for a sulfite allergy other than avoidance. Sensitivities are so inconsistent between many patients, some individuals have found they can tolerate small amounts. But with over-indulgence or just too many food products reliant on sulfites that day, their allergy symptoms will flare up. Over the counter antihistamines (check these labels carefully though or ask the pharmacist - some of these also use sulfites) will help to reduce the skin rashes and minor swellings.
Asthmatics though must rely on their medications and inhalers for help. Re-opening their airway to further help their labored breathing is the #1 priority in case of accidental ingestion.
Sulfite allergies therefore do not lead to the standard anaphylactic reaction as is common in most allergies, but it does often lead to a fatality. Many asthmatics, without immediate medical intervention, will have an asthma attack and not be able to prevent suffocation.
When Wine Causes a Skin Rash - Sulfite Allergies
Kathi Robinson
Educate yourself about sulfites if you notice unusual signs, especially if you are an asthmatic. Sulfite allergy can be deadly. Know how to keep yourself safe. For more information, foods to avoid, and foods which are safe please visit my site at http://www.allergy-and-diabetic-health.com/sulfite-allergy.html