Soybeans belong to the legume family. This family includes kidney beans, peas, peanuts, and lentils. Immature and whole soybean is called edamame. Soybean is often associated with tofu but you can find it in many food items, such as frozen meals, peanut butter, artificial flavors, condiments, etc. Soy allergy is very common in both adults and children. Those who have soy allergy have a hard time avoiding soy foods. Find out detailed info about soy allergy, its symptoms, and what you can do to avoid the allergy.
What is soy allergy?
An allergic reaction happens due to soy when your immune system falsely identifies soy protein as harmful. Soy allergy can be deadly if you don’t take preventive measures. It is a very common allergy. In most cases, someone who is allergic to soy isn’t allergic to other legumes of the same kind. Mostly, soy allergy develop in infancy. In some rare cases, soy allergy appeared in adults in later life. Here are some facts about soy allergy.
- Soy allergy is a top allergen in the United States and affects 0.4% of adults and 0.4% of children.
- A study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology states that most people who are allergic to soy have consumed allergic products due to mislabeling.
What are the Symptoms of Soy Allergy?
Anyone with soy allergy can have different symptoms based on their age. Sometimes, these symptoms can be mild but in rare cases, they can lead to life-threatening conditions. In some people, symptoms can appear in a few minutes, while others can experience symptoms hours later. Here are some common symptoms of Soy Allergy that you need to look for.
- Hives and itching
- Those who have a history of eczema can develop flareups.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Discomfort and abdominal paint
- Wheezing and coughing
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
In some cases, this allergy can lead to anaphylaxis. It is a life-threatening condition where you need to take the allergic person to the hospital as soon as possible. Here are some symptoms of anaphylaxis.
- Difficulty breathing
- Low blood pressure
- Throat swelling
- Loss of consciousness
Read More: Top 5 Soy-Free Foods for a Healthier Diet
How to Diagnose Soy Allergy?
Thankfully, it is possible to diagnose soy allergy through some simple tests. It is easy to misunderstand the symptoms of soy allergy for some other conditions that can be life-threatening. Here are some common methods that your doctor can use to confirm whether you have soy allergy or not.
- Skin Prick Test: In this test, your skin will be lightly pricked on your arm. Some soy protein will be placed on the pricked skin. Swelling or redness will confirm that you have a soy allergy. This test is used to treat other allergies as well.
- Blood Test: You’ll consume some soy protein, and your blood will be tested for specific antibodies. These antibodies will appear in allergic people only.
- Oral Food Challenge: This test is done under strict supervision only. You’ll consume some soy protein, and your doctor will look for symptoms. The amount of protein will be increased for accurate results.
How to Manage Soy Allergy?
Avoiding soy products is very difficult but those who have soy allergy have to do it anyway. To manage soy allergy, the most effective method is to avoid soy products at all costs. Here are some tips to help you manage soy allergy.
1. Read labels
The best way to avoid soy is by reading labels. According to law, packaged foods companies have to mention allergens present in the product on the label. Sometimes, food companies hide allergens under other names and this can lead to soy allergy. If you’re in doubt about a product, contact the manufacturer for details. Here are some common names that you need to look for on labels.
- Soy derivatives such as lecithin and soybean oil are present in some foods.
- Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein is present in many foods. It is made from soy.
- Some natural flavors also contain soy.
2. Avoid Cross-Contact
Cross-contact means any allergens come in contact with other foods. Avoid sharing utensils, cooking equipment, and cooking surfaces. Clean surfaces before cooking.
3. Look for alternates to Soy
Nowadays, finding alternatives to anything is very easy, and the same goes for soy. Various soy-free items are available in the market. You can replace soy milk with oat or almond milk. If you need protein, consume lentils and chickpeas instead of soy beans.
4. Avoid Soy Foods
Avoid soy foods at all costs. Here is the list of some common foods that contain soy.
- Condiments like soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, and miso.
- Meat alternatives like tempeh, tofu, and TVP (textured vegetable protein) are made of soy.
- Soy flour is used in baked snacks, pastries, and breads.
- Avoid protein bars, chips, and crackers as they contain soy lecithin or protein isolate.
- Some baby formula contains soy.
5. Join a Support Group
If you find it hard to manage your life with soy allergy, join an allergy support group. According to a recent study, those who join a support group have 20% better chances of managing their life even with the allergy. Support groups will help you avoid accidental exposure by educating you.
Soy Allergy in Children
Soy allergy is quite common in children, and parents have a hard time managing it. It is easier than it looks. You just need to maintain a balanced diet. You can give them the required nutrition while avoiding soy foods. The first step is to look for a soy-free formula because some formulas contain soy. If you can’t find a soy-free formula, talk to your physician. The second and most important thing to remember is to balance the nutrition. You can go for soy-free foods such as beans, grains, eggs, dairy, and meat, etc. These foods are soy-free while high in protein.
Conclusion
To maintain a soy-free life, you need everything from awareness to careful planning and diligence. You can live a soy-free life with some simple changes and some extra care. The first step in the process is to talk to a healthcare professional if you suspect you have soy allergy to confirm it. A doctor will help you create a plan for a soy-free life.