Ulcerative Colitis Dietary Therapy

Sulfate and Sulfides

Sulfate is a necessary element in the diet as our body needs it for many of its functions. However, the H₂S gas producing bacteria in the left colon rely on ingested sulfate to make the sulfide gas, H₂S. The more sulfate you ingest, the more of it is available for colon bacteria to make sulfide gases. So where is the sulfate we ingest?  

• Beverages – beer, red and white wine, cider, apple, grape and tomato juice, and even cow’s milk have significant amounts of sulfate.
• Foods – the following have moderate amounts of sulfate:
  • eggs
  • cheese
  • milk
  • dates
  • dried apples, apricots (dried fruits are very high in sulfate)
  • almonds
  • wheat pasta
  • breads
  • peanuts
  • cruciferous vegetables (broccoli,cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage)
  • raisins
  • prunes
• Animal Protein – There are only two amino acids, methionine and cystine, that contain sulfate. These are present in all animal products, but especially in red meat. The more meat you eat, the more sulfate enters your colon.
• Supplements – chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) are used by many people for bone and joint disorders. These have significant amounts of sulfate. So does carrageenen , used as a thickening agent in many prepared foods. Read the labels.