What foods to avoid if you have a corn allergy?
Avoid cornflakes, corn flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, corn oil, corn sugar, corn syrup, dextrin, dextrose, glucose, grits, high fructose syrup, hominy, maize, maltodextrin, maltodextrose, modified starch, polenta, popcorn, starch, vegetable starch, vegetable gum, vegetable protein, and vegetable paste.
Are there any known allergies to corn?
Corn and corn-derived products are used in many processed foods, as well as in many other everyday items. Corn allergy is very rare and can be difficult to diagnose using standard skin or blood tests because it is difficult to differentiate from allergies to grass pollens and to other seeds and grain.
What are foods that contain corn?
Foods that definitely contain corn:
- Cereals – Corn Flakes, Kix, Cheerios.
- Corn.
- Grits.
- Hominy.
- Polenta.
- Popcorn.
- Tortilla chips made with corn.
- Tortillas made with corn.
Is corn inflammatory?
There are a variety of corn derivatives like high-fructose corn syrup, corn flour, and corn oil. Eating corn in these refined forms spikes blood sugar and as we have seen above, spiked blood sugar leads to an increased insulin response, which creates a major inflammatory response.
Can you be allergic to corn but not popcorn?
Corn allergy isn’t as common as some allergic reactions to foods, but when it occurs, it can be severe. Symptoms can range from itching, redness, and nasal congestion, to wheezing, throat swelling, and shock (anaphylaxis). While many corn-containing foods are obvious (cornstarch, popcorn), others may not be.
Why is corn an allergen?
A corn allergy is having an immune response to corn or its products. The main culprit of these symptoms is a protein called zein. Zein is a protein in corn that can trigger a corn allergy reaction. Corn comes in a variety of forms, which makes corn allergies hard to find without proper knowledge.
What is corn pollen allergy?
An allergy to corn occurs when one’s immune system reacts to corn, a food with corn-based ingredients, or corn pollen. This particular allergy can be difficult to diagnose with the standard skin/blood tests, so a food-elimination diet may be a good way to test if a corn allergy is present in your body.
Can you develop an allergy to corn?
Corn allergy is uncommon. It can occur with exposure to corn or corn products, like high fructose corn syrup, vegetable oil, or cornstarch. You may have heard about cross reactivity between corn and other allergens such as rice, wheat, and soy. But this remains controversial.
Is corn an allergen for babies?
Yes. Whole grain kernels, including corn, are a potential choking hazard for babies under 12 months of age. To reduce the risk, serve corn on the cob as your baby’s gnawing will smash the kernels, thereby reducing the risk. Even then, stay near your baby during mealtime and watch closely.
Is corn the next gluten?
Cornstarch is gluten-free in its natural form. Cornstarch is made by grinding up the starchy (carbohydrate) portion of a corn grain and turning it into a very fine powder.
Why is eating corn bad for you?
Corn is rich in fiber and plant compounds that may aid digestive and eye health. Yet, it’s high in starch, can spike blood sugar and may prevent weight loss when consumed in excess. The safety of genetically modified corn may also be a concern. Still, in moderation, corn can be part of a healthy diet.
Can you have a corn sensitivity?
Corn Allergy Symptoms Patients will feel a slight discomfort that will usually subside in a couple of hours. While it is rare for corn allergies to cause severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis can occur. It’s important to get your corn allergy or sensitivity diagnosed early to prevent an allergic reaction.