Although a corn allergy is not one of the top eight major allergens in the United States, or any other part of the world, the effect it can have on a diagnosed patient is tremendous.
Why?
Because with most major allergens, although they can be difficult to always locate and avoid, the allergen itself usually centers around mostly food products, or at least items which are placed in the mouth itself. But with a corn allergy, you now have to become educated in so many other areas as well.
Just a short list of locations can include every day items like:
As you can see, corn can show up in so many places, just the touch or smell can actually trigger a reaction in an individual with a corn allergy.Why?
Because with most major allergens, although they can be difficult to always locate and avoid, the allergen itself usually centers around mostly food products, or at least items which are placed in the mouth itself. But with a corn allergy, you now have to become educated in so many other areas as well.
Just a short list of locations can include every day items like:
- postage stamps and envelopes
- paper plates, cups and picnic supplies
- garden chemicals, garden hoses and weed killers
- aerosol sprays
- plastic cups, bowls and dinnerware
- breath sprays
- dental fillings
- cosmetics and toiletries
- suntan lotions
So what's the safest way to survive in a corn allergy minefield?
Concerning foods, get in the habit of cooking from scratch. After all, if you prepared it, you know exactly what went in it. Educate yourself about the safety of the ingredients you purchase themselves (items like baking powder, baking soda, etc) and then study the different types of ingredients which are available on the market which are safe to use. These can include 100% rice milk or flours, potato flour or starches, whole foods like fresh fruits, juices and fresh vegetables, preferably organic varieties. (This is necessary because remember non-organic farming uses pesticides, herbicides etc. From the list above, garden chemicals, weed killers etc. can include corn products). Pasture fed meats are also safe as long as corn was not an ingredient in their feed source.
When you step out of the world of foods though, because the inclusion of corn is not mandatory on any labels
(as it is with gluten, wheat dairy, eggs etc.), you yourself have got to learn to be your own detective. Reading, keeping yourself a journal (what's safe/what's not safe), talking to the manufacturers and becoming a dedicated member of a corn allergic support group is always your best defense to stay safe and healthy with a corn allergy.
Check here for your beginning road, or just a refresher course, along your way to living and dealing with a corn allergy safely.
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