Understanding Sulfur Sensitivity: Could Your Veggies Be the Culprit?

Teri Cochrane on

Love your veggies, but feel crummy after a cruciferous crunch? You might be experiencing sulfur sensitivity. Sulfur is a fascinating element found in many nutritious foods. It boasts potential detox and cancer-fighting benefits, but it might pose challenges for certain individuals. Factors like exposure to herbicides, specifically glyphosate and/or genetic predispositions can make processing sulfur difficult, leading to unpleasant experiences.

Common Sulfur-Rich Foods:

  • Vegetables: Cruciferous varieties such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, (killer) kale, Brussels sprouts, arugula, bok choy, onions, and garlic.
  • Animal Sources: Egg yolks.
  • Miscellaneous: Wine, dried fruits, and supplements like glutathione, NAC, and MSM.

Signs You Might Be Sulfur Sensitive:

  • Allergies to sulfa medications.
  • Adverse reactions to red or white wine.
  • Intolerance to garlic or eggs.
  • Digestive issues (e.g., gas, bloating, acid reflux) following high-sulfur meals.
  • Asthma or wheezing triggered by certain foods.
  • Joint pain or arthritis.

Sulfur and Your Health:

While dietary sulfur is important for various bodily functions including detoxification, digestion, and cancer prevention, overconsumption for some individuals can be detrimental.

Applying the "Sulfur Test" to Yourself:

Consider the following questions to determine if sulfur could be affecting you:

  • Have you ever experienced the "asparagus pee" phenomenon?
  • Do you experience esophageal irritation, headaches, flushing, or heart palpitations after eating certain foods?
  • Do you have joint pain, abdominal pain, bloating, or stool inconsistencies?
  • Do you suffer from fatigue or have an allergy to sulfa drugs?

Feeling Better is Within Reach!

Elimination Experiment: Exclude sulfur-rich foods and supplements for a week to see if symptoms improve.

Reintroduce with Caution: Gradually reintroduce individual foods like broccoli or garlic and track your body's response.

Support Your Body's Chemistry: Enhance sulfur processing with supplements such as P5P, B vitamins, and molybdenum.

Additional Tips:

Focus on low-histamine, low-fat, and low-oxalate foods to reduce liver burden. Drink plenty of water with lemon or opt for liver-supporting non-sulfur, non oxalate greens. P.S. We're fans of Alkaline Greens!

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