water
Beverages
Is water high in nitrites?
Find out whether water is high or low in nitrites, see its exact rating, and check its FODMAP, salicylate, oxalate and diet compatibility all in one place.
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Sensitivity notes
Why nitrites food checker matters
Nitrites are preservatives commonly used in cured meats. Some people are sensitive to them, experiencing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms after consumption.
- Choose uncured or 'no nitrates/nitrites added' meat products
- Note that 'natural' nitrites from celery powder act the same way
- Fresh meat is nitrite-free
Triggers
Diets
Serving size, prep, and portion notes for water
Plain water is the baseline safe drink: no histamine, no FODMAPs, no salicylate, no caffeine, nothing to react to. If water seems to bother you, the trigger is almost always an additive, not the water. Tonic water contains quinine and sugar, flavoured and vitamin waters add sweeteners and citric acid, and sparkling or carbonated water can bloat a sensitive or reflux-prone gut. Still water itself is as clean as a drink gets.
Watch for
Tonic water is not plain water: it contains quinine and added sugar, so a reaction to tonic is not a reaction to water / Flavoured and vitamin waters add sweeteners, acids and colourings, any of which can be the real trigger / Sparkling and carbonated water can cause bloating or reflux for some, from the carbonation rather than any chemical trigger
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Nitrites Guide
Everything you need to know about nitrites sensitivity and smart food choices.
Nitrites are preservatives commonly used in cured meats. Some people are sensitive to them, experiencing headaches, flushing, or other symptoms after consumption.
Sensitivity varies widely. What triggers one person may be fine for another. Track your reactions to find your personal threshold.
These foods are generally well-tolerated for Nitrites sensitivity:
View all safe options
These foods have moderate levels and may be tolerated in small amounts:
These foods are high in nitrites and may trigger symptoms:
If you're sensitive to Nitrites, consider these strategies:
- 1Choose uncured or 'no nitrates/nitrites added' meat products
- 2Note that 'natural' nitrites from celery powder act the same way
- 3Fresh meat is nitrite-free
- 4Bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats are common sources
- 5Vegetables like celery and beets contain natural nitrates
Pro tip: Keep a food diary to track your reactions. The Triggerbites app makes this easy with automatic pattern detection.
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Download Triggerbites to log meals, track symptoms, and discover your unique triggers.
Get the AppFAQ
Is water high in Nitrites?
Nitrites: low signal for most people.
Can I still eat water if I'm sensitive to Nitrites?
Usually fine in normal portions.
What else should I check?
Check Histamine, Histamine Liberators, and FODMAPs next for a fuller picture.