Corn and Corn Derivatives

In order to keep my Crohn's from flaring, I eat a corn free and gluten free diet. By following this diet, I keep myself from flaring and stay healthy.

It's really important that I avoid all sources of corn, but corn can be found everywhere! Foods like corn itself, corn flakes, corn meal, corn starch... basically anything with the word 'corn' in it. But corn comes in many different forms as derivatives, and most can be difficult to recognize.

Below are some of the most common foods containing corn that most people would not consider:

• Baking powder (mixed with corn starch)
• Distilled white vinegar
• Grits
• Hominy
• Ketchup (vinegar and corn syrup)
• Maize
• Marshmallows (corn syrup)
• Mayonnaise (vinegar and corn syrup)
• Mustard (vinegar)
• Pickles (vinegar)
• Powdered sugar (mixed with corn starch)
• Relish (vinegar)
• Pepsi (corn syrup)
• Zein

Below are some of the most common corn derivatives I avoid in order to stay in remission:

• Corn meal
• Corn starch
• Corn syrup
• Maltodextrin (can be a derivative of corn and/or gluten)
• Modified food starch (often modified with corn starch)
• MSG
• Sorbitol
• Splenda
• Xanthan gum

For some of these, substitutions can be found. Sometimes I can find condiments that use real sugar and apple cider vinegar instead of corn syrup and white distilled vinegar. I have had to become a label reader.

Sometimes, I can find substitutions for some of the foods I love that contain corn. Some condiments are made with real sugar instead of corn syrup. Other vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar are safe for me to eat and sometimes products will use this instead of distilled white vinegar. At this point in time, I have become an expert at label reading.

I use powdered sugar in some of my baking, but I buy Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Powdered Sugar. This brand  is great because it is mixed with tapioca starch instead of corn starch and taste just as good.

For baking powder I use Featherweight brand where they use potato starch.

I like to drink Pepsi Cola Throwback, made with real sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. I also drink seltzer water with a little lemon or lime in it.

For pancakes and french toast, I use %100 real maple syrup. It's important for me to avoid commercial brands which usually add corn syrup.

I also like to use Dandies Original Vanilla Marshmallows - Vegan. These use real sugar instead of corn syrup.

Sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, are also derived from corn. Personally, I prefer to eat real sugar in moderation instead of taking a chance with artificial sweeteners. Please note: diabetics still need to watch their sugar intake and I am not advocating eating sugar for them. These decisions should be made with a doctor.

I have to be very careful in the gluten free section of my grocery store. Gluten free does not mean corn free and I have to avoid both gluten and corn. Unfortunately, a lot of gluten free products will contain corn to make them more tasty. Always read the labels!!! There are still plenty of gluten free products available that are also corn free.

What I Eat: Barramundi

Last night we had delicious Barramundi fish. With fish, I don't add any sort of breading unless I'm sure it is gluten-free. Instead, I like to use lots of seasonings, including garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. I grilled it in the pan for about 10 minutes and flipped it half-way through.

I had a side of roasted broccoli and potatoes, mixed with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. I roasted them in the oven (425 F) for 20-25 minutes.

I always try to add lots of fresh fruits and veggies to my diet, so I had my fish with a side salad of leafy greens, apples, and peppers. Most dressings aren't good for my diet because they usually contain distilled white vinegar (which is derived from corn). To substitute, I love to use a combination of lemon juice and olive oil for a fresh taste!

[As a side note, distilled white vinegar is the ONLY type of vinegar that flares me. Apple cider, balsamic, white wine, and rice vinegar have never caused me to flare.]

Probiotics

I just started using this probiotic a few weeks ago, and I've already started to see an amazing improvement! It's called Fortify Optima Max Potency 100 Billion Probiotic by Nature's Way. I got this at my local Whole Foods market at about $40 for a 30 day supply. Not a bad price for a really good probiotic.

Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that have huge benefits for the digestive syste
m. We usually think of bacteria as being what makes us sick, but this isn't always true. The human body has tons of bacteria that the body needs to stay healthy, and probiotics help to make sure there's plenty of good bacteria in the gut.

It's especially good to take a probiotic after you've been on any antibiotics. Antibiotics are made to kill the bad bacteria in the body that is making you sick, but it also tends to kill the good bacteria as well. This can cause your digestive system to get all out of wack and cause problems like diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, or inflammation.

Because probiotics help to calm inflammation and help to balance your gut health, they are a MUST for anyone with digestive diseases like IBS, Colitis, and Crohn's.

These are also enteric-coated. That means that they dissolve in your intestines instead of your stomach. This allows for the full dosage to be delivered without being broken down by stomach acid.

They can be taken with or without food, but I like to take them in the morning with my breakfast.

Please note that I do unbiased product reviews. I was not paid by this company for advertisement.

What I Eat: French Toast

There is nothing as delicious as French toast in the morning. Unfortunately, that is not always an option on a gluten free and corn free diet. This morning I used my homemade gluten free and corn free bread to make it. It is very important to only use pure maple syrup because commercial brands use corn syrup. I also only use powdered sugar that is free of corn starch.

I like to use 365 Everyday Value Organic Powdered Sugar. I usually get tis at my local Whole Foods market. Another great alternative available online is Wholesome Sweeteners Powdered Sugar.

What I Eat: Tasty Baked Salmon

This beautiful specimen is a whole salmon fillet I like to buy at Walmart. I use a combination of soy sauce (gluten free) and brown sugar. I just mix it up and put it on as a glaze before baking. Once in a while I also like to add some garlic powder.

Now, the important thing to remember here is to use soy sauce that is gluten free. I usually like to use Kikkoman Gluten Free Soy Sauce.  Sometimes I'll use Bragg's Liquid Aminos instead of the soy sauce. This sauce is also a great alternative for any gluten-free diets while tasting just as delicious!

I love to pair this salmon with rice and sautéed vegetables.