Corn Free

A Note From Kathlena, The Allergy Chef:

Why hello there corn free friend of mine. People often ask what I can eat safely, and the answer is simple: not much. I have my Summit Spring water, and everything else is a toss up. I unfortunately have to eat food that I'm allergic to every day just to get by. It's not fun, and somedays I choose to go hungry instead.

Through living this life, we have been able to put together invaluable resources for many people, including a very under-served community - those with a corn allergy. Unfortunately, the corn allergy diagnosis is on the rise, especially in children. With that in mind, here are tips and resources for getting started. Before we dive in, we have put together an extraordinary resource called RAISE. As a RAISE Member, you have access to Corn Free Recipes, The Corn Free Safe Products Guide, and Corn Free Courses.

The information below is a short guide to get you started. We have put together an extended guide, as well as many more resources, on our RAISE Membership Platform.

Here are a few of my favorite corn free products for use in our home:

  • Shady Maple Farms Organic Maple Butter
  • The Kefiry Enlivened Root Beer
  • Sno Pac Organic Frozen Peas
  • Authentic Foods Flours (They also make a Corn Free Xanthan from Cabbage)
  • Otto's Cassava Flour
  • Organic Gemini Tiger Nut Flour
  • Organic Cacao from Hummingbird Wholesale (also from a top 8 free facility)
  • Celtic Sea Salt
  • Tolerant Organic Noodles
  • Eden Organic Products such as Black Beans
  • Tropical Traditions Coconut Products
  • Badger Balm Chapstick
  • Inna Jam (select flavors)

Here are a few links to get you started on your journey:

The really old Corn Allergen List made by Jenny Connors

http://corn-freefoods.blogspot.com/p/about-lists.html

Another List of Corn Derivatives

Corn Allergy Advocacy Resources

When finding meat, look for places that have grain free and corn free feed. Also ask about the butchering process, washes that are used, cleaners that are used, and how it's packaged. Every little detail counts unfortunately when a corn allergy is involved. I can honestly say, a lot of allergies are MUCH easier to manage besides corn.

Have someone else pump your gas if possible. Yes, there's corn (ethanol) in gasoline, and the fume can be nasty for corn allergics. As your system clears, you may find that reactions be "stronger" and this is very normal. Essentially, as the body learns "right from wrong" it's bets "better/more efficient" at letting you know. I use those quotes because let's face it, it's not better that the reaction seems to get stronger.

Most OTC medications contain corn. Look into getting it compounded. Bob's Red Mills is hit or miss because they process corn in the same facility.

I don't suggest joining the Facebook corn allergy group. Although it has over 6,000 members, most of the senior members aren't active, and the group has a tendency to be the blind leading the blind. While I appreciate the good intentions, I have personally seen the spread of misinformation, even by their long-standing members. Join at your own risk. Remember, when you're new, you need facts in formation, not opinions.
ADHESIVES ARE NOT SAFE. Bellaphoria makes corn free makeup. On a final note, breathe. There's a huge learning curve with a corn allergy. 

OK, friends, that's it for now. I hope I haven't given you too much. We have many more resources for you as mentioned above:
I wish you all the very best!
Kathlena
~The Allergy Chef