Contents:
- Medical Video: Here 7 Foods to Avoid With Asthma
- What is sulfite?
- Foods and beverages containing sulfite preservatives
- Foods and beverages with very high levels of sulfite
- Foods and beverages with high sulfite content
- Foods and beverages with moderate sulfite content
- Foods and beverages with low sulfite content
- Symptoms of sulfite preservative allergy
- How can sulfite trigger asthma?
Medical Video: Here 7 Foods to Avoid With Asthma
Have you ever eaten something, then suddenly a reaction like an asthma attack appears? Be careful, you might be allergic to sulfite preservatives. Sulfites are chemicals that are found in many foods or drinks. According to data recorded by WebMD, sulfite allergy cases can be found in about one in one hundred people. Your risk can increase if you have a history of asthma. To learn more about sulfite and its dangers, see the explanation below, right?
What is sulfite?
Sulfites are chemicals that are widely used to preserve packaged food and beverages. However, certain fermented food products can also create chemical reactions that activate sulfite naturally.
Foods and beverages containing sulfite preservatives
The sulfite preservative levels in each consumption product vary. The higher the level, the more serious the danger for people with asthma and sulfite allergies. Note the following list.
Foods and beverages with very high levels of sulfite
The following are foods and drinks with sulfite levels above 100 ppm. People with asthma or sulfite allergies should not take it.
- Dried fruits (including raisins)
- Lemon juice in the package
- Packaged wine juice
- Wine
- Molasses (molasses)
Foods and beverages with high sulfite content
A list of foods and beverages containing 50-90 ppm of sulfite should not be consumed by people with asthma or sulfite allergies.
- Dry potatoes
- Wine vinegar (wine vinegar)
- Canned cherries
- Fruit in cans
Foods and beverages with moderate sulfite content
Foods and beverages with sulfite levels of 10-49 ppm should also be avoided for some people with asthma and sulfite allergies.
- Frozen packaged foods, such as frozen sausages and shrimp
- Asinan
- Fruit jam
- Packaged fruit juice
- Bottled drinks, especially those containing chemical flavoring and coloring
- Alcoholic beverages
Foods and beverages with low sulfite content
For some people with asthma and sulfite allergies, food and beverages with sulfite levels below 10 ppm do not cause symptoms. However, people who are very sensitive to sulfite preservatives may still feel mild symptoms.
- Soft drink
- High fructose corn syrup
- Gelatin
- Coconut milk
- Wheat vinegar (malt vinegar)
- Tomato sauce, chili sauce and mayonnaise
Symptoms of sulfite preservative allergy
Sulfite preservative allergies are usually characterized by the emergence of a series of symptoms such as an asthma attack, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. In rare cases, allergies can also cause itchy skin, hives, mouth and swollen lips, rashes, and headaches.
Be careful, sulfite preservative allergies can also cause severe allergic reactions, namely anaphylactic shock. If it is not immediately handled or taken to the emergency room (ED), people with anaphylactic shock can die.
How can sulfite trigger asthma?
This preservative can trigger an asthma attack because of chemical reactions that occur in your body. Sulfite will release sulfur gas which will make the respiratory tract narrow and irritated. This is what triggers shortness of breath and asthma attacks. So, always pay attention to the packaging of food and beverage products that you buy.
