Soy Allergy: Symptoms, Treatments and Hidden Ingredients

Soy allergies is one of the most common, yet one of the most understood, allergies that exist today. Most doctors know the triggers for this allergy, yet cannot figure out why it effects humans the way it does. You may think that the reactions come from the actual soybean, but that is not entirely correct, rather the allergens spring from the soy protein. Because of this, believe it or not, some people may be alright with soy sauce due to the processing soybeans go through (though I don't suggest trying it).

Unfortunately, many types of food have soy, some of which do not even state it. If you do have this allergy you should stop eating at fast food places, as their buns are made from soy flour, the meats include soy protein, and they are commonly cooked in soy oil. For those eating vitamin E supplements, you may want to stop that as well, as it commonly contains soy.

Soy products not listed as an allergy, but would still be in the ingredients list is: soya, edamame, gylcine mix, lecithin, vegetable oil, natural flavoring, and vegetable gum to name a few. So read everything with an analytical eye to ensure you cut off all soy consumption, even the hidden types.

Why does this allergy effect people and how can you stop it? Again, the reason why it occurs is debated over, but what is known is that people who are allergic treat soy as an enemy. Their bodies believe it is like a virus, and deploy histamines to destroy it, thus causing the reactions. Rashes, swelling, itching, diarrhea, and some wheezing. The more severe cases are: trouble breathing or constricting or airway, anaphylaxis shock and passing out.

If you know someone who goes into shock like this they need to go to the hospital immediately! There they will administer epinephrine to take them out of the shock. Though commonly not fatal, people with this severe a reaction can indeed die, so if you are living with someone who has a soy allergy don't be irresponsible and cook soy because you think they are overreacting. While most people are only allergic to ingesting soy protein, there are a few that are allergic to it becoming airborne (the reason is that there would be a lower concentration of soy in the air and most people with the allergy have a higher threshold than what their body would take in. But again, those with severe soy allergy and low thresholds will have the same allergic reaction as if eating the soy).

To help stop the symptoms, for the more severe cases, you should carry around an EdiPen or an EdiPen Jr, both of which contain an injection of epinephrine. Consult your doctor to know what use is appropriate. You could also try using antihistamines to block the histamines causing the effects on your body, or allergy medication to ease the effects. If you are not in the severe category then staying away from consumption should be enough, just be sure to read every ingredient and don't risk it if you think the food may have even traces of soy in it.