Food intolerances affect your digestive system and other systems as well. People who suffer from an intolerance, or sensitivity, can’t break down certain foods. They develop gas, diarrhea and other problems. An intolerance or food sensitivity is inconvenient but not life-threatening.
3 Categories of Diet Induced Inflammation can occur –
1.Autoimmune 3-5% population, 2. Allergic 4-6% population, 3. Not autoimmune, not allergic – food sensitivity or intolerance 30-40% population
Allergic reaction: outright allergies to foods are comparatively rare. Shows elevated IgE antibodies.
Food sensitivities or intolerances: These are considered more common than allergies. Typically shows elevated IgG antibodies
Autoimmune antibodies vary depending on which organ or part of body is affected such as Celiac, neurological or skin.
In this article I will be discussing about food sensitivity to corn
Food sensitivity test
This test measures IgG and Immune Complexes against proteins found in corn. If a person is sensitive to corn, then you need to avoid corn or corn-based products. Duration depends on severity of sensitivity. Corn is found in many different types of foods. Some food sensitivity tests do not test for Type I, immediate allergies caused by IgE antibodies which can be life threatening. Type I reactions to Corn are rare but have been known to occur.
Sensitivity to corn
Corn can be a problematic food for many, because it is an omnipresent ingredient in many types of foods especially breakfast cereals, variety of snacks and meals.
In addition to food sensitivities from eating corn, you may also feel ill after ingesting foods that contain products such as corn oil that may be a problem to people who suffer from corn sensitivities. It is a good habit to Read the product label carefully to avoid reaction to corn. Corn sensitivity symptoms usually arise and pass within a few hours without lingering effects. In rare instances, however, anaphylactic reactions can cause patients to lose consciousness and organ function. Sensitivity to corn is difficult to detect because many products contain corn- based ingredients, and symptoms vary widely from person to person.
Genetically modified(GMO) corn and Corn Sensitivity
Studies confirm that several GMO crops engineered to produce built-in pesticides provoke immune responses in animals. This heightened reactivity to GMO-Corn may result in increased food sensitivities to corn. It is important to read the labels and determine if GMO-Corn components are present in the foods you eat.
Foods and Food Products that generally contain Corn-based components
Corn is a cheaper alternative to sugar when making foods more palatable – and manages to avoid the sugar tax. It is also a cost-effective thickening agent. As a result, many manufacturers use corn.
- Vegetable oil
- Salad dressing
- Other condiments, including ketchup, mayonnaise and distilled vinegar
- Canned fizzy drinks
- Corn syrup, Corn flour, Corn starch
- Peanut butter
- Caramel
- Cereal
- Confectioner’s Sugar: may contain corn starch
- Corn-based ingredients
- Dextrin or Maltodextrin
- Dextrose/Fructose/Glucose
- Golden Syrup (Treacle)
- Glucona Delta Lactone
- High-fructose corn syrup
- Invert Sugar/Invert syrup
- Malt, malt syrup, malt extract
- Modified food starch
- Mono- and di-glycerides
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Polenta
- Sorbitol
- Starch, Food Starch
- Baking powder
- Sucrose derived from corn
- Vanilla Extract
- Vegetable Mix may contain corn
- Xanthan Gum
- Zein: corn protein that may be used in time-released medication
Substitutes for Corn-based foods in recipes
- Featherweight® Baking Powder
- Arrowroot
General Symptoms Associated with Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivity symptoms usually manifest within several hours or days after consumption. The symptoms of sensitivity fall under four broad categories.
Skin Reactions
One very common group of symptoms is related to skin reactions. Rashes and eczema with or without itching is one of the most common complaints.
Sinus Symptoms
A common symptom is nasal inflammation, causes a runny nose followed by itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. It may also trigger severe ‘angioedema’ which is the swelling of blood vessels, under the skin, near the hands, face, tongue, and genitals. Migraines and nocturnal enuresis are common symptoms.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Belly cramps, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting are common symptoms. Abdominal cramping and indigestion can easily be thought of as symptoms of something else, so these symptoms are often deceptive. Gastrointestinal symptoms are also the culprits for the general lethargy or fatigue that often accompanies a food sensitivity. It can also cause intense heartburn.
How to find out what food is causing the symptoms:
First of all, keep a food diary and note everything you consume.
These symptoms described above are pretty generic. They could apply to any number of minor ailments. If they arise frequently, food intolerance is the likeliest culprit, so we would recommend taking a The food sensitivity test followed by an elimination diet is a useful way to find out whether corn or any other food is responsible for your symptoms.
Ask your provider for IgG/IgA antibody food sensitivity testing and peptide sensitivity testing, also known as food zoomer test which gives even more accurate in-depth look at true food sensitivities.