Soy is a wildly popular ingredient.
From its vegetable form as edamame, to products
like tofu, tempeh, soy sauce and soy milk,
soy is everywhere.. …but for those with
a SOY ALLERGY, this bountiful bean can be
dangerous.
Like other food allergens, soy can cause mild
to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions.
Symptoms of a reaction can occur a few minutes
to a few hours after eating a soy product.
Common symptoms of a MILD allergic reaction
to soy include hives, itching around the mouth
or throat, and digestive problems.
For symptoms like these you may only need
to take an antihistamine, but remember, an
antihistamine cannot control a severe reaction
and is no substitute for epinephrine.
Some people may have a more SEVERE reaction
called ANAPHYLAXIS, which can include problems
breathing and swallowing, vomiting and diarrhea,
coughing, swelling, and loss of consciousness.
To treat anaphylaxis, administer a shot of
EPINEPHRINE immediately, and then call 911.
To prevent a reaction, avoid soy and soy products.
Soy is commonly found in many Asian dishes,
in tofu, miso, edamame, and derivative sauces,
oils, and other soy products.
Soy proteins and fats can also be found in
certain broths, canned and processed meats,
cereals, cookies, crackers, energy bars, infant
formulas, peanut butter, tempeh, tofu, and
even some soaps and moisturizers.
Federal law requires food makers to list soy
on their packaging, so be sure to check every
label for soy and soy ingredients, ask questions
about food that wasn’t prepared yourself,
and check out FARE’s website for a broader
list of potential soy sources.
But here’s the good news: Diets that avoid
soy can be rich in whole foods, nutrients
and fiber.
While soy is widely used in processed foods
and Asian dishes, it is much less common in
fresh foods.
Consult with a dietician for guidance on how
to replace certain processed foods that may
be a part of your regular diet.
If you think you or your child has an allergy,
be sure to consult your doctor or qualified
healthcare provider for appropriate testing
and accurate diagnosis.
If you’re diagnosed with a food allergy,
read your labels carefully and always be sure
to keep at least two injectable epinephrine
devices with you at all times in case of severe
reaction.
Finally, know FARE is always here for you
as a resource at foodallergy.org - and be
sure to sign up for FARE alerts to stay up
to date on the latest Food Allergy news, reports,
recipes and more!
