It is both very easy and very difficult to diagnose sulfite sensitivity.
In large amounts, sulfites cause problems in all people (Rost & Franz, 1913). So in a way, all people are sulfite sensitive. If you think you have a problem with sulfites--you develop symptoms when exposed to them sooner than the person next to you-- you are sulfite sensitive. You know yourself best. It is important for you to then work with your doctor or dietician to determine the cause and course of treatment.
This can be difficult in our modern health care system. Most doctors do not have training in nutrition and, honestly, have no desire to work with the odd person who has a weird "undocumentable" symptom set. It really does help to have some type of lab work to back up what you are saying.
If you or your doctor is looking for some kind of line in the sand on sulfite sensitivities, I would draw it where the body's systems get overwhelmed by sulfites. This is when the body has trouble processing the sulfites to which it is exposed. When this occurs, sulfites are spilled into the urine instead of being processed into sulfate. As I've said, this will happen at some point in everyone-- think hangover after a night of drinking or feeling cruddy the day after over-indulging at an MSG-heavy restaurant. But if you get that "hangover" and spill sulfites after a day of "normal" eating, then you are demonstrating a sulfite sensitivity.
As I learned about sulfite sensitivity, I realized how easy it would be to test. However, I called doctor after doctor who had never heard of a urine sulfite test. I assumed it didn't exist, so I did it myself. It seemed that it would be easy enough with a simple dipstick similar to those used by people who brew beer and wine at home. I bought a pack of sulfite dip sticks. I tested water (negative control) and I tested my urine. There was only a slight reaction, but it was there, and after weeks of low-sulfite eating, too. False negatives are very common. If yours is negative and you still think that you are sulfite sensitive, keep looking for answers.
I later learned that the test is given in a similar way, but only at large research hospitals. Because sulfites break down so easily, the test has to be run by the lab immediately. This is why most labs and hospitals do not offer the test-- any specimen transportation time would render the test inaccurate.
It is easy to diagnose sulfite sensitivity because everyone is sensitive to sulfites.
It is hard to diagnose sulfite sensitivity because everyone is sensitive to sulfites.
It is easy to diagnose sulfite sensitivity because all that is needed is a simple urine dipstick.
It is hard to diagnose sulfite sensitivity because very few places offer the test.
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So once you found that you had sulfite in your urine after not eating sulfites for a long while, what did you do about it? I have the same thing and am flummoxed.
ReplyDeleteI increased my magnesium, molybdenum, and vitamin B12. It turned out that my gall bladder had stopped contracting. I had it removed, and my symptoms went away.
DeleteWow. Cool. Thanks for your answer; it is nice to hear of resolution to the issue.
ReplyDeleteSulfite oxidase (EC 1.8.3.1) is an enzyme in the mitochondria of all eukaryotes.[citation needed] It oxidizes sulfite to sulfate and, via cytochrome c, transfers the electrons produced to the electron transport chain, sulfite oxidase
ReplyDeleteHello Creative Enzymes. I understand what you are saying about sulfite oxydase. Is there some action you are suggesting to do with it? Can one eat sulfite oxydase? Might that help with sulphide sensitivity?
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how these conversations never get completed. What is a bad reading with a sulfate test strip and what are the strips to use. What is High, indicating a sensitivity to sulfate. What foods are sulfate high and does eating them have an effect. Like vitamins too many, and you yellow the urine with unused vitamins. What vitamins are sulfate rich?
ReplyDelete