If you have a sulfite allergy, then you suffer from type 1 allergies, also called contact allergies. Sulfites have been used for centuries as a preservative for beverages, food, and medicine. They retain color and flavor and increase shelf life by inhibiting bacterial growth. About 1 percent of the population is allergic to sulfites. Allergic reactions to sulfite tend to manifest in respiratory symptoms.

Before seeing any allergy specialist for a test, you will need to stop taking any over-the-counter antihistamine or allergy medications 2-3 days before the test is done. Talk to your allergy specialist if you are unsure about a medication that needs to be stopped and for how long.

Sulfite allergic patients rarely show a positive allergic response to skin tests. The most reliable way to test for this allergy is commonly called The Food Challenge. You are instructed to avoid all foods that contain sulfite for several weeks.

Avoiding it can be very difficult because sulfite is often hidden in other foods. Read the labels of all the foods you bring home. Because manufacturing processes are continually changing, reread labels every time you purchase a product. On January 1, 2006, a new law was passed stating that all labels must be designed in such a way that a 7-year-old can read and understand the ingredients.

The doctor will then ask you to take pills containing sulfite under close supervision. If symptoms appear after ingesting sulfites, then you are allergic to sulfites and should avoid anything that has it on the label.

The USFDA requires the labeling of foods that contain 10 ppm or more of sulfites and in 1986 the FDA banned the use of sulfites in fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw.

In the United States, you are becoming increasingly aware of food allergies. Food manufacturers and restaurants are becoming more understanding and willing to adapt to people with food allergies.

Living with a food allergy is no longer a big business; now it is just a small adjustment to your lifestyle. You should avoid baked goods, soups, jams, canned vegetables, pickles, French fries, dried fruits, trail mix, most seasonings, shrimp, guacamole, and anything that has sulfite, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium bisulfite and potassium metabisulfite on the label.

Some of the vitamins that are commonly used to treat sulfite allergy symptoms are vitamins C, quercetin, and bromelain.

Vitamin C is a protective nutrient of nature, essential to defend the body against pollution and infections and strengthens the body’s immune system. Take 1000 to 5000 mg a day.

Quercithin is a well-known flavonoid. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants and can reduce inflammation, boost the immune system, and strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. Quercithin is also known for its ability to block the release of histamines, thus reducing or preventing allergy symptoms. Take 500 mg twice a day.

Bromelain will improve the absorption of quercetin. Take 100 mg twice a day.

Always consult your physician before using this information.

This article is nutritional in nature and should not be construed as medical advice.