Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Study links fructose to cardiovascular disease and diabetes

I encourage everyone to read this fascinating scientific article which links the ingestion of fructose to a number disorders:  "Conditions linked to modifications in these particular genes include Parkinson's disease, depression, bipolar disorder and other brain diseases."  My own reaction to HFCS is pounding heart, increased pulse rate, internal inflammation, and brain fog/disorientation (Benadryl usually resolves my symptoms within 1-2 hours).




"A team of scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) studied the effect of fructose on the brain. This commonly consumed sugar is found in sweetened drinks, syrups, honey, juices and industrially made desserts. Synthetic glucose-fructose syrup, made from corn starch, is also added to a host of industrially made products for large retailers."




https://www.yahoo.com/news/study-links-fructose-cardiovascular-disease-diabetes-150531437.html



Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Has the Federal Government Violated the Americans with Disabilities Act?

Since the Federal Government did not establish alternative safe sources of food, medications, and water BEFORE they removed them from the corn allergy population; it is my belief that the Federal Government has violated the Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to persons with allergies.

Americans with Disabilities Act

"1. Is a food allergy considered a disability under the ADA?

A: It depends. A disability as defined by the ADA is a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, such as eating. Major life activities also include major bodily functions, such as the functions of the gastrointestinal system. Some individuals with food allergies have a disability as defined by the ADA - particularly those with more significant or severe responses to certain foods. This would include individuals with celiac disease and others who have autoimmune responses to certain foods, the symptoms of which may include difficulty swallowing and breathing, asthma, or anaphylactic shock."

http://www.ada.gov/





"Are Asthma and Allergies Disabilities?" -  Article by Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

http://www.aafa.org/page/asthma-allergies-and-the-american-with-disabilities-act.aspx



Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

"Corn-Based Ethanol: The Real Cost," Article by Michael J. Economides



"It was supposed to be the fuel that could wean, at least partially, the United States and other petroleum importing countries from their dependence on foreign oil."


“Last year, the Congressional Budget Office reported that the cost to taxpayers of using corn ethanol to reduce gasoline consumption by one gallon is $1.78. This year, the corn ethanol sector will produce about 13.8 billion gallons of ethanol, the energy equivalent of about 9.1 billion gallons of gasoline. Using the CBO’s numbers, the total cost to taxpayers this year for the ethanol boondoggle will be about $16.2 billion.”


http://fuelfix.com/blog/2011/05/13/corn-based-ethanol-the-real-cost/



Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Friday, April 22, 2016

Appeal for Personal Testimonies to Present to Congress

As a fellow corn-allergic individual, I am acutely aware of just how difficult it is to navigate living with a corn allergy.  Eventually, it is my goal to present personal testimonies to Congress in my appeal to ask Congress to declare corn an official allergen.  Before I begin, I want to caution contributors that this is a public forum; therefore, do not disclose personal information.  Following is a sample list of questions which I believe will be crucial to our presentation before Congress.  Thank you very much for your participation.


1.  As a result of your corn allergy, are you required to have your medications compounded?
2.  Does your insurance cover any or all of the cost?
3.  Do you have access to any corn-free prescription medications?
4.  Do you have access to corn-free vitamins or supplements?
5.  What is your average annual out-of-pocket expense for compounded medications?
6.  What is your average annual out-of-pocket medical expense related to your corn allergy?
7.  Has your corn allergy resulted in a significant increase in your family’s budget in an effort to find corn-free food?
8.  Has your corn-allergic child been diagnosed with “failure to thrive” due to the lack of corn-free formula?
9.  Has your child’s pediatrician and/or nutritionist been able to recommend a safe corn-free source of nutrition for your child?
10. With the lack of corn-free formula, what are you currently providing to your child in an effort to avoid corn?
11.  Did your allergist include corn allergy testing as part of a standard panel?
12.  Did you have to request that your allergist test you for a corn-suspected allergy?
13.  Did you ever have an allergist deny your request for corn allergy testing?
14.  Did your allergist ever declare to you that corn allergies are non-existent, since he/she believes that corn is hypoallergenic?
15.  Did you ever seek a second opinion for a suspected corn allergy because your allergist refused to test you?  If so, was your allergy to corn confirmed after seeking a second opinion?
16.  Were you ever administered IV fluid containing corn-derived dextrose after you advised the medical staff that you are allergic to corn?
17.  Within the last two years, how many times have you been treated in the ER as a result of your corn allergy?
18.  Have you consulted with a nutritionist as a direct result of your corn allergy diagnosis?
19.  Was your nutritionist able to recommend safe sources of corn-free foods?
20.  Do you feel that your nutritionist was trained to address a corn allergy diagnosis?
21.  Has a representative from the CDC ever interviewed you or your family?  If yes, did the interviewer include any allergy-related questions for your entire family regardless of age?
22.  Has a food manufacturer ever refused to disclose if their product(s) contain corn/corn derivatives upon your request?
23.  Have you consulted with a therapist as a direct result of your corn allergy diagnosis?
24.  Has a physician declared that even though you have a confirmed allergy to corn, it would be safe to continue consuming corn or corn derivatives?
25.  Does your city tap water cause an allergic reaction due to corn contamination in the drinking water?
26.  If yes, were you able to purchase a corn-free water filter?
27.  In an effort to find safe, corn-free water, have you had to purchase bottled drinking water?  If so, what is the brand that is least corn-contaminated?
28.  Did you ever file a report with the FDA due to an allergic/adverse reaction after consuming a corn-contaminated product?
29.  Were you ever told by the FDA that they cannot file your report since corn is not considered an official allergen?
30.  Was it difficult to find the appropriate adverse reaction reporting form from the FDA website?
31.  Are you anaphylactic to corn/corn derivatives? 
32.  If yes, have you been prescribed an epi-pen?



Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Benadryl May Pose Increased Dementia Risk, Harvard Health Publications

Benadryl is my go-to OTC drug to counteract my reactions to corn/corn derivatives (even though the OTC drug contains a small amount of corn).  Since corn is in/on almost everything on the planet, it would be difficult to survive without Benadryl; however, this article provides safer options.


http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/common-anticholinergic-drugs-like-benadryl-linked-increased-dementia-risk-201501287667


Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Are Food Allergies Considered a Disability Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?

Americans with Disabilities Act

"1. Is a food allergy considered a disability under the ADA?

A: It depends. A disability as defined by the ADA is a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, such as eating. Major life activities also include major bodily functions, such as the functions of the gastrointestinal system. Some individuals with food allergies have a disability as defined by the ADA - particularly those with more significant or severe responses to certain foods. This would include individuals with celiac disease and others who have autoimmune responses to certain foods, the symptoms of which may include difficulty swallowing and breathing, asthma, or anaphylactic shock."

http://www.ada.gov/


"Are Asthma and Allergies Disabilities?" -  Article by Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)


http://www.aafa.org/page/asthma-allergies-and-the-american-with-disabilities-act.aspx




APRIL 26, 2016, UPDATE:
I filed a formal complaint with the Florida chapter of the ACLU accusing the Federal Government of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to the corn allergy population.


If they cannot help us, I will then consider filing a class-action lawsuit against the Federal Government for their blatant violation of this Act.


Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Monday, April 11, 2016

Research by Theron Grant Randolph, MD

"Dr. Randolph was a founding member of NOHA’s [Nutrition for Optimal Health Association, Inc.] Professional Advisory Board. He educated thousands of his patients on the environmental impingements on their health and pioneered an ecological orientation in medicine. In the early 1950’s he discovered that a number of his patients were being make ill by environmental exposures to everyday chemicals such as pesticides in foods, auto exhaust, and gas cooking stoves. They would recover from what had often been chronic symptoms when the exposures were removed."


"Common foods (such as corn) turned out to be the most frequent causes, but first the food had to be unmasked and avoided."


"In 1949, he was invited to testify before the Food and Drug Administration in Washington, DC. He requested that all food ingredients, especially corn, cane, and beet sugar, be listed on all processed food."


"Dr. Randolph's approach involved much more time and effort for both the doctor and the patient to discover exactly what this patient's individual sensitivities were, and then to avoid them. On the other hand, starting with the mind altering drugs in the early 1950s, the conventional doctor simply had to prescribe a pill and have the patient to take it. This led to the rapid growth of our billion dollar pharmecalogical industry. Drugs simply smother the symptoms, and often lead to additional bad side effects. Dr. Randolph's ecological approach, while it initially takes much more time and effort, identifies the true cause(s) of the patients symptoms, and allows them to return to healthy, happy, productive lives without taking any drugs at all."




http://superiorsites3.com/Biographies/RandolphBio.htm
http://www.worldcat.org/identities/lccn-n80-50140/
http://oasis.lib.harvard.edu/oasis/deliver/~med00062
https://books.google.com/books?id=oXypBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA226&lpg=PA226&dq=Theron+Grant+Randolph,+MD&source=bl&ots=UaFfElnOKM&sig=FwZVqnwd89jprEp0PbtuIeb4hqY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjl_KKjqIjMAhVFTSYKHQP4CVoQ6AEIOzAF#v=onepage&q=Theron%20Grant%20Randolph%2C%20MD&f=false


Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

"The Surprising Food That May Cause Anger & Aggression," Published Article


A story shared by Jaclyn Harwell about her son's allergy to corn, and published in "Deep Roots at Home," November 16, 2015

"“After eating corn, Camden would become incredibly angry over seemingly small stuff. And there was no reasoning with him or helping him to see things from another perspective. We tried discipline during these times, and even spanked him, but this just made him more angry, and at times, he became physically aggressive in return. No brand or amount of discipline got through to him. This was one wave that we just had to ride out."

http://deeprootsathome.com/the-surprising-food-that-may-cause-anger-aggression/


[Many members in one corn allergy group refer to their symptoms as "corn rage."  On a personal note, if I am exposed to corn/corn derivatives; I am in complete and total misery for a full 7 hours if not treated with Benadryl.  I not only suffer physical allergic reactions, but psychological stress as a result of these reactions.]


Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

My Message to the National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP)

(REVISED 3/15/18)

Since I felt that ER physicians must understand the difference between dextrose and corn-derived dextrose, I posted the following message on their Facebook page on 4/11/16.  If you have ever experienced an adverse reaction due to the administration of IV fluids with corn-derived dextrose after you have notified the hospital of your allergy to corn, you should notify the NAEMSP in addition to your state hospital association (each state hospital association contact is listed in this blog for your information).

It is critical that EMS physicians know the difference between dextrose and corn-derived dextrose, citric acid and corn-derived citric acid, ascorbic acid and corn-derived ascorbic acid, etc. for the corn allergy community.

If you are one of the estimated 10 million American citizens diagnosed with an allergy to corn, you know that you have few safe sources of nutrition, medication, or water. The corn allergy community can consume very few processed foods and no commercially-processed non-organic meat, poultry, fish, produce, or fruit due to government-authorized corn-derived antimicrobial chemical washes. Most flour, oats, sugar, etc. have been contaminated through cross-contact with corn leaving the corn allergy community with even fewer sources of safe food. Corn is in most medications (requiring many to have their medications compounded to exclude corn) and tap water due to corn-derived purification chemicals..  Since there are no commercially-manufactured corn-free formulas, many corn-allergic infants have been diagnosed with "failure to thrive," and their physicians and nutritionists can do nothing to help them. The corn-allergic patient must avoid IV fluids with corn-derived dextrose (also iodized salt with corn-derived dextrose); and since corn derivatives are added to blood transfusions, the corn-allergic patient is at risk should this need arise. In addition, since hospitals are ill-equipped to safely nourish the corn-allergic patient, most patients require their family/guardian to supply them with previously-prepared safe foods during their hospital stay. An allergy to corn can be contact-reactive, inhalation-reactive, or ingestion-reactive and many members of the corn allergy community are anaphylactic to corn/corn derivatives. We are witnessing an emerging world-wide corn allergy crisis.

"CORN: IT'S FEED. IT'S FUEL. IT'S FOOD. IT'S EVERYTHING!" Iowa Corn
https://www.iowacorn.org/corn-uses/

March 15, 2018 Tweets:

National Association of EMS Physicians (NAEMSP), @NAEMSP


My February 25, 2018, Letter to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Re: mandate that hospitals stock corn-free foods, fluids, & drugs for the safety of corn-allergic patients.

My Submission to The Joint Commission






Saturday, April 9, 2016

Articles to Present to Physicians Who Falsely Claim that Corn is Hypoallergenic

Result of Maize food allergy: a double-blind placebo-controlled study, published in Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 38:12 2008 Dec pg 1943-9:
"CONCLUSION
Maize is a cause of IgE-mediated allergic reactions to foods in adults and children. Nearly half of the subjects recruited were confirmed by challenge to be allergic to maize. Twenty-three percent of the positive challenge patients manifested symptoms that involved two organ systems, thus fulfilling the criteria for maize induced anaphylaxis. Maize is allergenic and can pose a risk for symptomatic food allergy at a dose of 100 mg."


If corn is not considered an allergen, why does Baxter Labs advise physicians not to administer IV fluids with corn-derived dextrose to corn-allergic patients? Excerpt from their product information sheet: 
"Solutions containing dextrose should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products.”  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/016679s104,016682s105,016692s095,019367s026lbl.pdf


"Probable Anaphylactic Reaction to Corn-Derived Dextrose IV Fluid Solution," Published Report
The corn allergy community should carry a copy of this article with them at all times, since the majority of medical personnel do not believe that anyone can be allergic to dextrose (they don't understand the difference between dextrose and corn-derived dextrose).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1808842


Published corn allergy studies:
http://www.allergyadvisor.com/Educational/March04.htm

http://library.bcpharmacists.org/6_Resources/6-7_ReadLinks/ReadLinks-MayJun2007.pdf


http://www.phadia.com/en/Products/Allergy-testing-products/ImmunoCAP-Allergen-Information/Food-of-Plant-Origin/Grains/MaizeCorn/



Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Thursday, April 7, 2016

Contact National Corn Growers Association & State Affiliates

I encourage the corn allergy community to contact the National Corn Growers Association and their state affiliates:


http://www.ncga.com/about-ncga/state-affiliates


Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Corn Allergy Testing

"Because skin tests and tests for anti-corn antibodies in blood are generally negative, the assumption that corn allergy is uncommon has been made to the detriment of many corn-sensitive individuals - usually children. As this case study demonstrates, corn allergy is an example of a food allergy that can only be successfully and accurately identified by elimination and challenge."

http://www.allergyadvisor.com/Educational/March04.htm



Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources

@CornAllergy911

Ascorbic Acid

I recently suffered a severe reaction (requiring Benadryl) to Mott's 100% pure natural applesauce with ascorbic acid.  The company confirmed that their ascorbic acid is corn-derived.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascorbic_acid


Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin:  (Wikipedia)


"Maltodextrin can be enzymatically derived from any starch. In the US, this starch is usually corn; in Europe, it is commonly wheat."


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maltodextrin


Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Grape Sugar: [alpha]-D-glucopyranose

The FDA and the NIH NLM believe that vine grapes are produced from (grown on) corn stalks!   Grape Sugar: [alpha]-D-glucopyranose Grape suga...