Sulphur Dioxide: The Silent Disease

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.

Also, when buying food and beverage from the market, make sure you buy that are completely natural and contain no sulphur dioxide preservatives. Leading a healthy lifestyle may also require you to prioritize your time better, so that you are giving healthy eating its much deserved attention.