The Importance of Sulphates within the Human Body

Sulphites vs Sulphates
Both substances come from Sulphur which is an important component in the human body. Sulphites have 1 sulphur atom and 3 oxygen atoms while sulphates have 1 sulphur atom and 4 oxygen atoms. That looks like such a small difference but to the body there is an enormous difference!

Sulphur

Sulphur is a critical nutrient for our body.
It is a component of four amino acids: methionine, cysteine, cystine, and taurine. Sulphur performs a number of important functions, such as providing a place for these amino acids to bond together, and solidify a protein structure. It is found in high concentrations in the protein structure of the joints, hair, nails, and skin. Insulin is a protein-based hormone rich in sulphur-containing amino acids. Sulphur-rich foods include eggs, legumes, whole grains, garlic, onions, brussel sprouts, and cabbage.

All cells require inorganic sulphate for normal function.
Certain medications such as acetaminophen can deplete sulphate.
It is a vital requirement for a growing fetus.
Sulphur is known as a healing mineral, and a sulphur deficiency often leads to pain and inflammation associated with various muscle and skeletal disorders. Sulphur plays a role in many biological processes, one of which is metabolism. It is present in insulin, the essential hormone that promotes the utilization of sugar derived from carbohydrates for fuel in muscle and fat cells.

Vitamin D3 sulphate and cholesterol sulphate are found in the blood stream and many other parts of the body. Upon exposure to the sun, the skin synthesizes vitamin D3 sulphate, a form of vitamin D that is water soluble, so, it can travel freely in the blood stream. This form of vitamin D is present in human milk and raw cow’s milk (pasteurization destroys it in cow’s milk).

Cholesterol sulphate is also synthesized in the skin, where it forms a crucial part of the barrier that keeps out harmful bacteria and other microorganisms such as fungi. A deficiency in cholesterol sulphate is associated with asthma and arthritis. This explains why sulphur is seen as a healing agent. Like vitamin D3 sulphate, cholesterol sulphate is also water-soluble, so it can freely deliver sulphate to tissues through the bloodstream.

Sulphites

Sulphites are substances that are naturally found in some foods. They are used as an additive to maintain food colour, shelf-life and prevent the growth of fungi or bacteria. Sulphites are also used in food packaging like cellophane.They can cause severe allergic-like symptoms in some individuals, so they are required to be listed on labels. However, sometimes they aren’t always included if they are in a sub-ingredient like dried coconut or dried fruit.
Some names for sulphites:
Potassium bisulphite
Potassium metabisulphite
Sodium bisulphite, sodium dithionite, sodium metabisulphite, disodium sulphite, sulfite
Sulfur dioxide
Sulphiting agents
Sulphurous acid
E 220, E 221, E 222, E 223, E 224, E 225, E226, E227, E 228 (European names)

Possible sources of sulphites
Alcoholic/non-alcoholic beer, cider, wine
Apple cider
Baked goods
Bottled lemon and lime juice/concentrate
Canned/frozen fruits and vegetables
Cereal, cornmeal, cornstarch, crackers, muesli
Condiments
Deli meats, hot dogs, sausages
Dressings, gravies, guacamole, sauces, soups, soup mixes
Dried fruits and vegetables
Dried herbs, spices, tea
Fish
Fresh grapes
Fruit fillings, fruit syrups, gelatines, jams, jellies, marmalade, molasses, pectin
Fruit/vegetable juices
Glazed/glacéed fruits
Processed potatoes (such as frozen French fries)
Snack foods
Soy products
Starches
Sugar, syrups
Tomato paste/pulp/purée
Vinegar, wine vinegar
Non-food sources of sulphites
Bottle sanitizing solution for home brewing
Food Group Specific Foods
Alcoholic Beverages
Some beers, cocktail mixes, wine, wine coolers, champagne
Pastries
Fruit pies, Cookies, crackers, mixes with dried fruits or vegetables, pie crust, pizza crust, quiche crust, flour tortillas
Drink Mixes
Dried citrus fruit beverage mixes
Condiments and Relishes
Wasabi, horseradish, onion and pickle relishes, pickles, olives, salad dressing mixes, wine vinegar, pickled ginger
Sugars, Syrups
Brown, raw, powdered or white sugar derived from sugar beets; corn syrup, maple syrup, fruit toppings, and Syrups high-fructose corn syrup, pancake syrup
Dairy
Filled milk (a specially prepared skim milk in which vegetable oils, rather than animal fats, are added to increase its fat content)
Medicines
Antiemetics (taken to prevent nausea), cardiovascular drugs, antibiotics, tranquilizers, intravenous muscle relaxants, analgesics (painkillers), anesthetics, steroids and nebulized bronchodilator solutions (used for treatment  of asthma)
Seafood
Canned clams; fresh, frozen, canned or dried shrimp; frozen lobster; scallops; dried cod
Fresh Fruit and Vegetables
Fresh potatoes that have been cut for french fries and hash-browns
Gelatins, Puddings, and Fillings
Fruit fillings, flavoured and unflavoured gelatine, pectin jelling agents
Grains
Cornstarch, modified food starch, spinach pasta, gravies, hominy, breading, batters, noodle/rice mixes
Jams, preserves, and jellies
Jams and jellies
Nuts
Shredded coconut
Canned fruit products
Canned, bottled or frozen fruit juices (including lemon, lime, grape and apple); dried fruit; canned, bottled or frozen dietetic fruit or fruit juices; maraschino cherries and glazed fruit
Canned Vegetable products
Vegetable juice, canned vegetables (including potatoes), pickled vegetables (including sauerkraut), dried vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, frozen potatoes and store bought potato salad
Snacks
Dried fruit snacks, trail mixes, filled crackers, granola bars
Soups
Canned seafood soups, dried soup mixes
Teas
Instant tea, liquid tea concentrates, canned tea drinks
Reading food labels is important if you are trying to eliminate sulphites from your diet.
                                                                                                     By H.Shalom