IBS and HFCS

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) Three causes are (1) excessive fructose ingestion HFCS (high-fructose corn syrup is the culprit), (2) disruption of intestinal flora (due to strong antibiotics), (3) food intolerance and (4) poor digestion. To eliminate (1), read ingredients. To deal with (2), consume probiotics found in fermented “live” foods (no heating after fermenting). The most common are yogurt and sauerkraut, but the former is sometimes heated and the latter usually is. Poor digestion may be due to low hydrochloric acid production or bile/gall bladder problems (such as removal). HFCS Most fructose in processed foods is not derived from fruits in any way. It is made from "sweeteners" added later. The sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) are artificially manufactured from corn starch. This is not extracted from fruits, as manufacturers say so. Consequently even as there is fructose in fruit and entire fruit is healthy to consume in a proper diet, most fructose does not derived from fruit rather a chemical process. HFCS is not a good for your health mania to include in ones normal diet. Americans consume more HFCS than sugar. The process of HFCS from corn was developed in the 1970s. HFCS uses grew rapidly. Later in the late 1990s, use of sugar actually declined as it was eclipsed by HFCS. Three different enzymes are required to break down cornstarch. cornstarch is composed of series of glucose molecules of almost infinite length, into the simple sugars glucose and fructose. The development of the HFCS process came at an opportune time for corn growers. Refinements of the partial hydrogenation process had made it possible to get "better" shortenings and margarines out of soybeans than out of corn. HFCS filled a void as demand for corn oil margarine declined. Lysine, an amino acid, can be produced from the corn residue after the glucose is removed. Basically food conglomerates break down commodities into their basic components, and then put them back together again as processed food. Today HFCS is used to sweeten jams, condiments like ketchup, and soft drinks. It is also a favorite ingredient in many so-called health foods. Four companies control 85 percent of the $2.6 billion business-Archer Daniels Midland, Cargill, Staley Manufacturing Co. and CPC International. In the mid-1990s, ADM was the object of an FBI probe into price fixing of three products-HFCS, citric acid and lysine-and consumers. Allegations of corporate manipulation still abound.