• Can Broccoli Harm Gut Health

Gut health issues are becoming so common and so difficult to resolve. Who would have thought that broccoli could harm your gut? Well, if you are still trying to track down all the factors that go into your gut health issues, here is one more and because it is not a common cause, you usually don’t think about it. It’s that “not thinking about it” that can trip you up every time. And something as uncommon as sulfur sensitivity can be easy to overlook.

Although not a common cause of gut health damage, a build-up of sulfur in the body can lead to gastrointestinal diseases like diverticulitis, Crohn’s, IBS, and others. If you are sensitive to sulfur or have difficulty eliminating sulfur, this article will help you identify where you find sulfur in your diet, what the symptoms of sulfur sensitivity are, and how sulfur sensitivity can damage your gut health.

What are Sulfur & Sulfites

Sulfur is the third most common mineral in the body, after calcium and phosphorus. Sulfur plays a part in many critical functions in the body. Two amino acids in the body contain sulfur: cysteine and methionine. These two sulfur-containing amino acids create glutathione which is the critical antioxidant in your body. Sulfur plays a role in DNA.

Yet, for some individuals, sulfur can cause a problem in the body. And that problem will show sensitivity to both sulfur and sulfites. Sulfur naturally occurs in foods.  Sulfites are a preservative commonly added to foods and drinks to extend their shelf life and prevent spoilage.

Foods that Contain Sulfur

Foods are high in sulfur, including:

  1. Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy
  2. Garlic and onions
  3. Egg yolks
  4. Legumes: lentils, chickpeas, beans
  5. Nuts and seeds: almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
  6. Meat: chicken, beef, pork
  7. Fish and seafood
  8. Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt

If you have a sulfur intolerance or sensitivity, limiting your intake of these foods or avoiding them altogether may be necessary.

Foods that Contain Sulfites

Some examples of foods and beverages that may contain sulfites include:

  1. Dried fruit
  2. Wine
  3. Beer
  4. Processed meats
  5. Pickled foods
  6. Shrimp
  7. Trail mix
  8. Baked goods
  9. Soft drinks
  10. Fruit juice

Sulfites are also a bleaching agent in some flours and may be added to some medications to extend their shelf life.

Supplements that Contain Sulfur

The supplements that contain sulfur are the supplements used for joint pain: glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Glucosamine can create other issues in the body that may not be related to sulfur sensitivity. You can click here to learn more about how glucosamine may negatively impact your health.

Oh NoSymptoms of a Sulfur Intolerance or Sensitivity

Even though sulfur sensitivity is a food sensitivity, sulfur sensitivity can create symptoms that are more severe than a causal food sensitivity. If you have a sulfur intolerance, your body may have an adverse reaction to foods or drinks that contain sulfur or sulfites. Symptoms of a sulfur intolerance or sensitivity may include:

  1. Difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness.
  2. Hives are itchy, raised red bumps that can appear on the skin.
  3. Gastrointestinal distress may include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and nausea.
  4. A build-up of sulfur in the body can contribute to developing diverticulitis or IBS. Or, this build-up can exacerbate existing symptoms.
  5. Headaches.
  6. Rash.
  7. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  8. Rapid heartbeat.

These symptoms can be mild to severe and may require medical attention. 

What You Can Do

If you’re experiencing severe concerns such as diverticulitis, IBS, Crohn’s, or other digestive disorders, consider keeping a food diary and tracking those foods that cause gas and bloating. If they fall under foods high in sulfur, you may be sensitive to sulfur, which may be a significant cause of your disease.

Interesting? If you have your own concerns with digestion and want to try a different, natural path to better health and explore the creativity of your own body’s expression, reach out and schedule a one-on-one working session and get yourself on a better path today.

Kim BlaufussAre you experiencing digestive issues or struggling with gut health?

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