Corn Gluten Intolerance

[ArtGirl]

Many years ago when I had a blood test for food sensitivities, corn gluten came up as a sensitivity. I have tried to find information lately on the internet but get next to nothing when searching for corn gluten or corn allergy. Does anyone here know anything about this sensitivity?

I do stay away from corn altogether, but am just curious about the corn gluten itself.

[eKatherine]

Do you react noticeably to corn?

[ArtGirl]

Since I don't react immediately to anything I eat - and as it takes at least 15 hours or more for the D and fatigue to begin, I can't say that I can pinpoint any symptom(s) to corn. But I've only been 6 weeks gluten free and maybe three weeks corn-free, so perhaps in the future, when the D has quit and my digestion has become normal (whatever that is) I can do a challenge and see if there's any reaction.

I wonder if people who are allergic/sensitive to corn are in reality reacting to the corn gluten?

[kabowman]

I don't know which part of the corn I react to, but, I react to all forms corn - I don't avoid the corn in my meds yet but I do for everything else.

I made a mistake last night and didn't think about it until I was half way through but I got an lemon shake up at the fair, talked to the lady and watched her make it - only plain regular sugar and lemons went it, the cup was not plastic but cardboard coated, probably with corn. And guess what, I got sick. Two imodiums later...and well, hopefully it will calm down in another day or so...

[Melzo]

I also have a corn allergy. I haven't eliminated it because I do not have any type of reaction. I think that all people are different and you may or may not respond to corn. You are probably correct in just avoiding it right now while you heal. Then reintroduce it when you feel better to see how you respond. Good luck with your diet!

[Cornhusker]

  kabowman said:

the cup was not plastic but cardboard coated, probably with corn. And guess what, I got sick.

Just curious, but why would you think the paper cup was coated with corn? Aren't paper cups typically coated with wax?

[kabowman]

I found this on the Avoiding Corn message board:

Open Original Shared Link

[Cornhusker]

  kabowman said:

I found this on the Avoiding Corn message board:

Open Original Shared Link

Interesting, but:

  Quote

Q - What prevents the corn-based lining from dissolving in contact with hot coffee?

The lining in this cup is based on a resin made from a new material, modified polylactic acid (PLA), that is unaffected by the temperature of the beverage. But, it can be consumed by microbes over time and break down into the components nature started with—water, carbon dioxide and organic matter.

Q - Is this new “bio-plastic” made from corn safe?

Yes. The process used to make this material starts with corn, and ends with a non-toxic plastic similar to other materials used to package food. The material is FDA approved. Although this application (coating paperboard) is new, PLA material is in the market extensively in packaging produce and other food items.

Q - Will this cup be sold to other International Paper customers?

Yes, beginning this fall. Green Mountain Coffee Roasters was the first customer to commit to the cup, enabling International Paper to finish research and development and bring it to market. But it was always GMCR’s intent that this cup, and the environmental progress that it represents, becomes an industry standard. Both GMCR and IP foresee this cup launching the paper liner of the future—a moisture and vapor barrier sourced from fully renewable resources, applicable to a variety of uses.

Your mileage may vary, but I'm doubtful that the end product is very 'corn'-like. Just like plastic doesn't closely resemble the crude oil it comes from. This product also sounds like it's in rather limited release as a hot coffee cup for Green Mountain Roasters. Not that it won't be used elsewhere eventually, but would it really already be out at the fair being used in non-hot cup applications?

Anyway, thanks for the link.

[ArtGirl]

Very interesting about that new cup. I suppose that, just like those who are extremely sensitive to CC with gluten, one could in theory react to anything corn based. I'm sorry you were so sick, Kate. That sounds just like a gluten reaction.

Is this a typical reaction to a corn allergy? What symptoms do those of you who are allergic/sensitive to corn typically have. Anyone just break out in hives or something else?

Melzo - yeah, I guess I'll have to wait for a challege to find out what, if any, symptoms I get from eating corn. Since all my previous symptoms have been intestinal upsets (that's a polite way to describe it all), I would expect that type of reaction.

[jerseyangel]

I'm intolerant to corn, and react to all forms of it--whole corn, corn syrup, chips, etc. I get lower abdominal cramping and not-quite D, but uncomfortable. My stomach gets bloated, and I'm gassy for a day or 2 after eating the corn. I avoid it completely now.

I can see how one would react to a cup that was derived from corn, I wouldn't even try it.

[kabowman]

I react to some styrofoams too, not all, just some.

[ArtGirl]

I googled "avoiding corn message board" - a very interesting site. The author has a list of corn ingredients, some obvious, some hidden.

Here's a link to the Avoiding Corn page:

Open Original Shared Link

Here's a product that is used to coat paper cups taken from the site:

  Quote

zein - My dictionary tells me that zein is "a soft, yellow powder obtained from corn, used chiefly in the manufacture of textile fibers, plastics, and paper coatings" or "a man - made fiber produced from this protein". A helpful netizen tells me that zein is the usual encapsulant for time-release medications.

Looks to me that avoiding corn is about as challenging as avoiding gluten

[skbird]

The restaurant next door to me is really into the green movement and started using those corn-plastic utensils (they're biodegradable). Which is good on one hand but since I react to corn, I avoid them completely. I'm not sure what to think about them and would like to read more info. If it has been made into something that is no longer corn, I'd like to know about that.

I, too, avoid all corn except for in meds, which I try to take as rarely as possible. I even switched to the Advil liquigels ($$$) because no corn starch. In fact, I had a corn-reaction-like thing happen the other day after using some powder (it's been over 105 here for more than a week!!! sweating like mad) and then I realized the main ingredient is corn starch. Not sure if that's what caused the reaction, but I threw it out!

Stephanie

[kabowman]

Here is something else I found on the avoiding corn site:

"I contacted Kimberly-Clark Corp. to check on Kleenex, and was told that Kleenex may contain cornstarch. The representative also said that the cardboard boxes may contain corn products, as they are made of recycled fiber."

Then, I checked my Puffs Plus and it has soybean oil, which I can't have, I wonder if they have corn too???? I won't be using Puffs Plus anymore - good thing my allergy shots and drugs work really well or I would be back to using them all the time, a box at a time.

This is getting more than a little crazy!!!!

[jerseyangel]

The news gets better and better.....

[Cornhusker]

  skbird said:

I'm not sure what to think about them and would like to read more info. If it has been made into something that is no longer corn, I'd like to know about that.

I've submitted a question to International Paper. We'll see what they say. My technical side says that this end product, bio-plastic has very little to do with corn when it reaches it's final state.

  kabowman said:

Here is something else I found on the avoiding corn site:

"I contacted Kimberly-Clark Corp. to check on Kleenex, and was told that Kleenex may contain cornstarch. The representative also said that the cardboard boxes may contain corn products, as they are made of recycled fiber."

Then, I checked my Puffs Plus and it has soybean oil, which I can't have, I wonder if they have corn too???? I won't be using Puffs Plus anymore - good thing my allergy shots and drugs work really well or I would be back to using them all the time, a box at a time.

This is getting more than a little crazy!!!!

Is your corn and soy intolerance a digestion intolerance or more of a contact allergy?

[kabowman]

Actually, I am not worried about Klenex - now the puffs lotion stays on my hands and face and therefore could easily get into my mouth so I will change that but the rest, hey, I figure is probably a little too much to worry about as long as the tissue doesn't crumble and pieces fall into my mouth then I eat a lot of them, well, really, what are the chances I will be eating Klenex???? Slim to NONE?

[Simply-V]

  kabowman said:

Actually, I am not worried about Klenex - now the puffs lotion stays on my hands and face and therefore could easily get into my mouth so I will change that but the rest, hey, I figure is probably a little too much to worry about as long as the tissue doesn't crumble and pieces fall into my mouth then I eat a lot of them, well, really, what are the chances I will be eating Klenex???? Slim to NONE?

As an avid corn avoider, I can tell you that no facial tissues are safe, except Scott's brand.

Corn is nearly impossible to avoid. I saw that you'd found the Corn Avoider's side of visinac, but there is also a discussion forum with a lot of really knowledgable people.

Open Original Shared Link

Open Original Shared Link

And a new research blog devoted to corn allergy and avoidance. Open Original Shared Link

[kabowman]

I have found, the more I am away from corn (as I was with gluten) the more sensitive I become. There are things a year ago that were not a problem but now they are...I figure I will avoid more and more corn as the time goes.

I read that bounce is bad, corn wise from the middle site you listed - any other dry sheets safe?

[Simply-V]

  kabowman said:

I have found, the more I am away from corn (as I was with gluten) the more sensitive I become. There are things a year ago that were not a problem but now they are...I figure I will avoid more and more corn as the time goes.

I read that bounce is bad, corn wise from the middle site you listed - any other dry sheets safe?

I have horrible reactions to Bounce, even the dye-free one. I used to use Downy, but I stopped those as well. I currently don't use any fabric softener as I discovered that I really don't need it.

If you go to the delphi site and ask, others may be able to answer you on what they use.

[kabowman]

Thanks that was my next step...it has kind of been at the back of my mind, every time I go to do laundry.

[Simply-V]

  kabowman said:

Thanks that was my next step...it has kind of been at the back of my mind, every time I go to do laundry.

Yeah I know how that goes. I always think about asking about things just as I'm about to do them and totally forget when I have a moment in advance.

Laundry was one of the first places I went totally corn-free as it was less hassle than some others. Such as cosmetics, bath soaps, shampoos.

I couldn't believe how much it helped. I didn't realize how itchy my clothes were before, it was just a normal feeling to me.

Anyway, Good luck with your avoidances. I avoid many of the same things. Makes life a challenge to say the least.

[oceangirl]

  Simply_V said:

Yeah I know how that goes. I always think about asking about things just as I'm about to do them and totally forget when I have a moment in advance.

Laundry was one of the first places I went totally corn-free as it was less hassle than some others. Such as cosmetics, bath soaps, shampoos.

I couldn't believe how much it helped. I didn't realize how itchy my clothes were before, it was just a normal feeling to me.

Anyway, Good luck with your avoidances. I avoid many of the same things. Makes life a challenge to say the least.

Hi, Corn Avoiders!

I avoid it as well although it's close to impossible. The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan is a must-read for everyone in our country, no matter how hyperbolic that sounds. EVERYTHING is made from corn- including our BEEF!, (who should be eating grass), chicken... It's really awful what this country has done to farming. We have become a ONE-CROP COUNTRY and that crop is CORN! Sorry to go on, but this is important info for gluten avoiders, too. It's a fascinating and disturbing and motivating book. I think Rachel on this board knows quite a bit about corn avoidance. Good luck!

lisa

[ArtGirl]

  Simply_V said:

I can tell you that no facial tissues are safe, except Scott's brand.

I've going back to the good ol' days and am now using a handkerchef. I rather like the pretty prints. However, I am one of those people who rarely have to blow my nose, so it's not much of an issue for me. I'll have to pick up some Scott's tissues - soon, before they change their forumla!!

[kabowman]

I have way too many allergy problems to go with a hankerchief. However, I will go that route if it does get to that point.

I have had to stop using plastic bags for shake and bake oil and seasoning on my homemade steak fries and went to mixing in a bowl that we wash. I don't get sick anymore from that area. Not sure if it is a corn thing or not, I just know I can't use them.