Corn Allergy:
Threats From Every Side,
Finding Healthy Snacks

Although a corn allergy is not very prevalent in numbers, currently only a few million people worldwide are diagnosed with it, it is probably one of the most difficult allergies to control in today's society. This is because finding healthy snacks without corn, and any of its derivatives, has permeated every segment of our society.

The corn crop in the United States as a cash crop is so prevalent, many farmers rely on this staple as the majority of their annual income. In the manufacturing community therefore, corn in all of its forms when processed is cheap, plentiful and cost effective for a manufacturer to maintain a steady supply so he is able to get the necessary quantity of goods to the selling market.

Common Sources Of Corn

• corn flour

• corn syrup (HFCS)

• corn meal

• corn alcohol

• cornstarch

Many snack foods also are prepared with corn such as corn chips, corn nuts or corn curls. But some of the not so obvious that you must look out for include:

• modified food starch (can be corn, wheat or soy based)

• citric acid - which can be corn or fruit based

• vinegar

• vanilla oils and extracts

People do not often think of it but corn does not only show up in our food supply. Many of the following industries use corn for multi-purposes. Some of these product lines include:

• Cosmetics - uses corn as a drying/anti-caking agent

• Medications - both over-the-counter and prescription use corn starch and corn syrup

• IV Fluids are generally corn-based Dextrose as a line of first choice

• Candles, room air fresheners, soaps and shampoos plus conditioners, hand lotions plus many others generally start with (corn) ethyl alcohol

• In your garage or tool shed is plant foods and pesticides which usually use corn based ingredients as fillers

How To Stay Safe

• buckwheat

• oats

• rice

• potatoes and sweet potatoes

• spelt

Many of these above can be combined or used as a direct replacement for ingredients in any of your current favorite recipes.

The largest impact on your life though will be the time and safety measures you will have to institute and enforce for your own health. Get in the habit, every time you leave your house for any reason, take a food safe snack or meal with you. Circumstances can always vary and a quick trip to the mall can get extended. With your newly diagnosed corn allergy, you no longer have the option of just picking up a quick grab and go snack on your way to anywhere.

Return to "Corn Free Foods" from "Corn Allergy".