Our eating
habits have taken a huge beating from increased stress levels, hectic
lifestyles, and reduced me-time. Prepackaged foods are a boon when you get home
and want to simply crash on the sofa, but relying on them too often can be
detrimental to your health. It is absolutely crucial to eat a healthy mix of
foods, and be aware of what is being consumed, after you are what you eat! Many
prepackaged and processed foods contain chemical constituents and additives to
increase their longevity and taste. Over time, as these accumulate in your
body, it can severely impact your health. This is why you should always read
the ingredient listing on the back of the product, before consuming it.
Sulphur
dioxide is one chemical agent that is frequently ingested into the body. Many
research studies have demonstrated that over time, it can lead to many health
problems.
Foods that may contain sulphur dioxide
Sulphur dioxide may be found in a wide variety of everyday fruits such as burger meats, dried fruits, sugar, and breakfast sausages. It is also commonly used to preserve food products, thereby extending shelf life, and preventing the growth of microorganisms. As a preservation agent, it prevents the browning reaction which occurs in certain foods.
Sulphur dioxide can be found in sugar and sugar-containing food products. Most loose sugar we purchase at the grocery store is refined using a process that requires sulphur dioxide.
Impact of sulphur on the body
Regular
consumption of sulphur may cause bronchoconstriction, a medical condition where
the airways constrict in the lungs. A thin mucus layer covers the passageway
from the nose to terminal bronchioles, keeping it moist. Transporting this
mucus from the lung is called mucociliary transport. Sulphur dioxide is
implicated in many bronchial disorders such as cystic fibrosis, and bronchial
asthma. Excess levels of sulphur dioxide from regular consumption of foods
which contain the chemical, leads to an impairment in clearing mucus, and
therefore leads to a persistent cough. The presence of sulphur dioxide forms
acid, which will increase the cough’s viscosity. This makes it difficult for
asthmatics to expel cough which is produced in the airways.
The airflow
in your air passages may become restricted from excessive mucus production or
inflammation, which leads to an allergic reaction. The irritation caused from
the mechanical friction in the air is another factor. Sulphur dioxide is an
allergen, and is known to cause allergic reactions in many individuals,
especially those with asthma.
How to
avoid intake of Sulphur dioxide
To lead a
long and healthy lifestyle, avoid foods that contain sulphur. Try to purchase
sugar that was refined using a sulphur-free method. Be sure to carefully check
all food labels before consuming them. It is understandable that with a hectic
lifestyle, convenience takes precedence. Also, the quantity of sulphur dioxide
in dried fruits, beer and wine is quite high, so it is best to reduce their
intake. If you cannot do without dried fruits then it is suggested to pick
organic fruits where sulphur dioxide is not used as a preservative. But,
remember these fruits will not last for long. Therefore, you need to freeze
them to extend their shelf life.
