Food-Allergy Sufferers: Alternatives to Corn, Soy and Wheat

You waited patiently for your food-allergy test results, and you tested positive to more than one food. Some food allergies can be a nuisance, such as cabbage or pinto beans. These foods are normally served individually. But what happens when you find that you are allergic to wheat, corn and soy? You have just eliminated over seventy-five percent of all foods that are prepackaged in the grocery store or served in restaurants. Corn is used in so many forms in everyday foods like sweeteners, food thickener, and even in cosmetics. Wheat is the other staple found in everything from bread to hair conditioner. Soy is used in many foods to cut down on cost as a bulking agent not to mention its use in Asian cooking.

The doctor will give you a generic list of what products contain corn, wheat and soy but it is not a complete list. Corn can be anything from glucose that is found as another sweetening agent in food to dextrose that is used in IV solutions at the hospital. There is a web site that has a list that was compiled by a woman, Mrs. O'Connor, that has a severe corn allergy. The list is a compilation of ingredient listings that are corn based, but be aware that it is not a complete list. Depending on how severe your allergy is you may be able to still have corn in small amounts but if your allergy is severe you will need this list to eliminate all corn products that you come in contact, use or eat. Carry it with you when you go shopping. With a wheat or soy allergy you will also have to read labels to ensure that none of the wheat or soy products are listed as an ingredient. I've attached a link of websites with information about corn, wheat and soy allergens.