Corn and soy allergies are unrelated, but if you've been diagnosed with both conditions, you will need to modify your diet to avoid consuming these products. Corn allergies are much rarer than soy allergies, but they are becoming more common. There is no cure for corn or soy allergies, but the condition is manageable through identification and avoidance. Talk with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. Do not modify your diet without first talking with your physician.
Information
Soy is among the top eight foods that cause most food allergies. Soy allergies are commonly discovered during infancy and can last a lifetime. Some children outgrow a soy allergy by the age of 3. Corn allergies can develop at any part of life and will cause similar symptoms of a soy allergy. Both conditions occur because of a hypersensitivity of the immune system to the proteins found in corn and soy. Instead of recognizing that the proteins are safe, the immune system mistakes them for a dangerous substance that triggers a chemical reaction in the body, which leads to common food allergy symptoms.
Identification
Identification includes a proper diagnosis and recognizing products and ingredients that contain corn or soy. Food allergies are diagnosed using blood tests and skin prick tests that expose the body to corn and soy proteins to see if the body creates allergy-related antibodies. Once diagnosed, you need to learn the hidden sources of corn and soy proteins.
Avoidance
Soy and corn are both difficult to avoid because both foods are widely used in many processed and packaged foods. Corn syrup is commonly used to sweeten breads, desserts and beverages. Corn starch, corn flour and corn proteins are used in baked goods. Soy is found in miso, tempeh, tamari, tofu, soy sauce and vegetable broth. Ingredients containing soy include soy protein, textured vegetable protein, flavoring, vegetable gum and hydrolyzed plant protein. While the federal government requires that soy is disclosed on the products labeling, the listing of corn ingredients is not required.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a soy and corn allergy will form within a few minutes after eating either of the allergens. Common symptoms include skin rashes, hives, shortness of breath, facial swelling, wheezing, eczema, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, cramping, nasal congestion, dizziness, lightheadedness and tingling in the mouth.
