The Connection Between Migraine and Corn
Posted: Friday, February 27, 2009
by Joy Healey
Corn is a common allergen, as shown by its inclusion in a study published in the Lancet in 1979(1).
It seems that corn is a known allergen for about 17% of the reactions in the study, which ranks it fairly high - but there has been little research to determine just why corn can cause migraines. Some believe it is the histamine reaction from corn than provokes the allergy; much like seasonal allergies to ragweed or other plant based sensitivities.
As is often the case, formal case studies concentrating on one food allergen in particular are scarce, but personal testimonials abound. One lady remembered that as a child she had a positive scratch test result for corn, however her mother was told she was only allergic to corn pollen carried in the air. As an adult her migraines became more and more severe until she decided to cut corn out of her diet - whereupon her headaches ceased, returning only when she inadvertently ate corn. Even the corn syrup in a Jolly Rancher or a chocolate bar containing 'glucose syrup' (read corn syrup) would cause an intense migraine(2).
Another victim came to the same conclusion after years of suffering and eliminated corn from her diet as well. This got rid of her migraines as well as alleviating even more symptoms such as IBS. To spread the word about the extensive use of corn in American foods she started up a website, and firmly believes that many who suffer migraines should consider avoiding corn, and foods that contain it(3).
Many people who report experiencing corn headaches feel that it is the corn syrup and corn starch in many breads, crackers, drinks and sweets that trigger their migraines. These reports in conjunction with corn syrup's bad reputation for contributing to obesity in the US has caused the Corn Refiners' Association to even issue television ads touting the benefits and 'naturalness' of corn syrup(4).
So far, the jury is still out on the overall safety of corn syrup, but the collaborative evidence against corn is overwhelming - too many people have reported migraines connected with corn allergy, and all that is needed is a formal study to prove it.
Research by Grace Alexander
References:
(1) Food, Allergies and Migraine. Grant ECG, Lancet, May 5, 1979;966-969. 37344
(2) The Corn Culprit
(3) www.cornallergens.com
(4) Pro Corn Syrup Ad (US)
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Joy Healey qualified as a nutritionist in 2000, at the prestigious Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. You will find more articles on migraine in the free mini-course at: http://www.StopTheMigraineMadness.com
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