SULFITES (ack!<\/em>) \u2013 that deadly monster-chemical lurking in our wine, causing trouble and spurring headaches! Right?!<\/p>\n Well, not necessarily. The mandatory mention on the label does make\u00a0sulfites out to be some sort of terrifying substance, but\u00a0for most people sulfites are completely harmless.<\/p>\n Trace amounts of sulfites (sulphur-based compounds) are naturally occurring by-products of the fermentation process \u2013 even in organic wines. It is true, small amounts of sulphur may be added to the wine to ward off bacteria and help keep it\u00a0stable over time, particulately\u00a0white wine (Yep! Not a typo). The US is the only country that requires mention\u00a0on the label\u00a0when that amount is more that 10 parts per million.<\/p>\n But wine bottles are not the only thing in our\u00a0kitchens containing sulfites. Other edibles include tea, fruit and vegetable juice, dried fruit,\u00a0jam, soup mixes, baked goods, frozen pizza, soda, and seafood \u2013 and often in much much larger quantities than in wine. Wha\u2026?!<\/em><\/p>\n Sulfite allergies can be very serious, and include wheezing and chest tightness. Luckily, the FDA estimates only 1 in 100 people have a sensitivity to sulfites. Though sensitivity\u00a0is more likely among those who suffer from asthma. [webmd.com<\/a>; theasthmacenter.org]<\/p>\n So, what\u2019s with my\u00a0headaches?<\/em>\u00a0Turns out, those headaches\u00a0are\u00a0more likely the result of histamines, tannins, or alcohol content.\u00a0Aw\u2026nuts.<\/em><\/p>\n\t See other posts related to:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t