The primary cause of oxidative stress is ultra-exogenous sulfide formation (USF)

The inorganic sulfur content of the Western Diet is more than six times greater than the minimal daily requirement. The non-adsorbed organic and inorganic sulfur supports high levels of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) in the large intestine. Over time, the combination of elevated dietary inorganic sulfur and high levels of SRB in the gut increases the potential of ultra-exogenous sulfide formation (USF). High levels of SRB in the right colon can sustain USF that overwhelms sulfide oxidation by the colon and sulfide enters into the capillary network of the right colon. White blood cells and platelets in this capillary network are exposed to the elevated sulfide concentration, which induces these cells to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). An estimated 1.3% of the total cardiac output is impacted by the elevated sulfide every minute. USF for 10 and 78min per day could generate the 12% and 64% of ROS-positive blood cells that were observed in the arterial blood samples of non-hospitalized volunteers and congestive heart failure patients, respectively. More extreme USF is necessary to generate greater percentages of ROS-positive blood cells, since the recirculated blood will provide sulfide oxidation. The dietary inorganic sulfur consumption pattern dictates the abundance of SRB in the gut and therefore, the percent of ROS-positive blood cells. Exposure of blood to a range of sulfide levels may determine the minimum sulfide concentration necessary to generate ROS-positive blood cells. After validation, patients with high levels of ROS-positive blood cells can be evaluated for reduction of oxidative stress by dietary inorganic sulfur control. If USF is confirmed as the source of ROS-positive blood cells, then the problem of oxidative stress becomes manageable through dietary changes, metals supplements, methanogenic probiotics, and antibiotics that target SRB.