How To Rid The Body Of High Fructose Corn Syrup

High-fructose corn syrup, or HFCS, is a sugar substitute found in processed foods. It is used very commonly in the U.S. to replace sugar because of its cheaper cost. However, reseaerch has linked HFCS with obesity, diabetes and other chronic diseases. In fact, some countries subject HFCS to a production quota and many concerned consumers often search for products that do not contain HFCS. Since HFCS is used very commonly in processed foods, it takes some determination and education to avoid consuming it altogether.

Step 1

Read food label before you purchase any processed foods, including beverages such as juice and sweetened tea, condiments such as ketchup and soy sauce and dairy such as yogurt. Avoid deli and bakery goods. The lucnheon meats and bread used in delis often contain HFCS. Almost all commercial bakery goods, including breads, are made with HFCS.

Step 2

Go organic and shop smart. The word "organic" on a product's label does not mean it does not contain HFCS. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, there are four types of organic labels: "100 percent organic," organic," "made with organic [specified ingredient(s) or food group(s)]" and "some organic ingredients." Only products labeled "100 percent organic" must not contain HFCS. Furthermore, products labeled "natural" may contain HFCS. The Food and Drug Administration does not have regulation on the use of the word "natural".

Step 3

Avoid sweetened beverages, including soda, sport drinks, soy milk and tea. Try to buy beverages from certain brands of small bottlers that use sugar instead of HFCS. Sodas from certain countries such as Mexico and Canada are made with sugar. Buy them from across the border.

Step 4

When eating out, ask and make sure that the ingredients and condiments used do not contain HFCS. Avoid fast foods since most of them are made with HFCS.

Tips and Warnings

Do not think that replace HFCS with sugar can help with weight loss or getting healthy. Both HFCS and sugar contain the same amount of calories and added sugar is still a processed food that is bad for your health. Therefore, avoid all sugary foods altogether for a healthy diet. Instead, eat fruits when you have a craving for sweet.