Constipation Could Be A Symptom of A Corn Allergy

Most people don't like to talk about constipation although many struggle with it on a nearly daily basis. It appears that large or hard bowel movements may be behind such things as advertisements for toilets that can flush 29 golf balls at once. To alleviate this painful and difficult condition, many turn to laxatives. While laxatives can work short term, they are not recommended for long term use. Additionally, chronic constipation can cause all sorts of other problems for your body. It's important to get to the root of the problem instead of relying on harsh medications.

Lifestyle changes such as eating more fruits like apples, walking or exercising more can all help alleviate constipation. Adding other foods like yogurt to your daily routine can also be a way to improve overall digestive health. If you've tried all of these things, but still have chronic constipation, your problem might actually be an undiagnosed food allergy such as a corn allergy.

Not everyone who is allergic to foods has constipation as a symptom, but some do. I've received many emails from people who are allergic to corn and suffered with severe constipation until they realized the problem and eliminated corn. Unfortunately, most people eat corn or a corn derivative at every meal, so it's hard to realize what the real cause of the constipation really is.

Infants who are allergic to corn can be particularly susceptible to constipation, especially if the baby is being fed formula. Most formulas are made with corn syrup solids or other corn derivatives that can cause constipation or abdominal pain, gas and bloating for the baby. New parents often don't understand that the formula is the cause of their baby's stomach aches and continue to feed their baby formula only to learn the cause of their infant's distress much later.

In addition to constipation problems, some people are so sensitive to corn that using toilet paper, which has corn starch in it, can cause problems. Some get a raw bottom, others get hives or sores. Wipes can also contain corn. If someone is this sensitive to corn, they will have to use water or cloth or both to clean themselves. Additionally, diapers or feminine products might cause similar reactions. Calling companies individually is the best way to confirm whether or not products contain corn. Unfortunately, many have found it necessary to call companies multiple times and proceed with caution when trying anything new. Often times the people answering the phones don't have enough information to answer questions correctly, so if your allergy is severe, you must be extremely careful.