The Western diet contains an average of 16.6 mmol/day of sulphate compared with the 2.7 mmol/day consumed by the average rural African. Animal studies have shown that high levels of sulphated polysaccharides (such as carrageenan) can induce gut lesions similar to ulcerative colitis (UC), and humans may be similarly affected.
Consider revising your diet to eliminate dietary sources of sulphur-containing amino acids, such as:
eggs milk
cheese mineral water
whole milk sulphited drinks such as wine and cordials
ice cream nuts
mayonnaise cruciferous vegetables
Sulphur is also found in the food preservatives widely used in processed foods and in additives such as sulphites, sulphur dioxide and the thickener carrageenan, so avoid foods containing these as well. In addition, decrease your intake of red meat, and substitute chicken, fish and skimmed milk as protein sources. A combination of these dietary changes can effectively prevent relapses of UC in a large number of patients (Lancet, 1998; 351: 1555).