Soy is a legume (like peanut and lentils) however it is also an allergen; one of the eight foods that trigger 90% of all food allergy reactions. Soy protein isolate* can be found in protein bars, meal replacement shakes, bottled fruit drinks, soups, sauces, baked goods, breakfast cereals and some dietary supplements.
*Soy protein isolate is a highly refined or purified form of soy protein with a minimum protein content of 90% on a moisture-free basis. It is made from defatted soy flour which has had most of the non-protein components, fats and carbohydrates removed. Because of this, it has a neutral flavor and will cause less flatulence due to bacterial fermentation. (Wikipedia)
When suffering from any food allergies, reading food labels becomes a necessary habit; fine-tuning this skill will allow you to spot the allergens lurking within packaged foods and prevent unwanted allergic reactions.
Knowing what to look for on labels is how you can find soy traces in:
- Chewing gums
- Toothpaste
- Cosmetics
- Vitamin supplements
- Vegetable broths
- Candles
- Pet food
- Over-the-counter medication
- Peanut butter
Over 60% of foods available at grocery stores contain soy and soy byproducts as a substitute for proteins mostly used for vegan diets. Interestingly, soy beans are usually not the prime culprit of allergic reactions. It is the genetically modified (GM) ones containing anti-nutrients, which affect digestion and absorption of essential vitamins.
5 must-know rules on how to read a label:
- Avoid any product with the “soy” on the label.
- Ingredients to avoid: edamame, miso, natto, shoyu, soy (soy albumin, soy cheese, soy fiber, soy flour, soy grits, soy ice cream, soy milk, soy nuts, soy sprouts, soy yogurt), soya, soybean (curd, granules), soy protein (concentrate, hydrolyzed, isolate), soy sauce, tamari, tempeh, textured vegetable protein (TVP), tofu, vegetable broth.
- Stay away from Asian cuisine.
- Be aware that refined soybean oil is not an allergen. According to various researches most allergic patients can safely eat soy oil that has been highly refined (not cold pressed, expeller pressed, or extruded soybean oil).
- If you are allergic to soy you can safely eat soy lecithin.
As always, if you suspect that you or any family member experience symptoms of allergy to soy, please contact the allergist closest to you in order to get properly tested, diagnosed and treated.
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