Sensitive to Soy? Here's How to Determine If You Have a Soy Allergy

If you suspect that you have a soy allergy, it's important to see an allergist for proper testing and diagnosis. The allergist can perform a variety of tests to determine if you have an allergy to soy or other foods.

One common test used to diagnose food allergies is a skin prick test. During this test, a small amount of the allergen, in this case, soy, is placed on the skin of your forearm or back. The skin is then pricked with a needle to allow the allergen to penetrate the skin. If you are allergic to the allergen, you will develop a raised, itchy bump or wheal on the skin within 15 to 20 minutes.

Another test used to diagnose food allergies is a blood test. In this test, a sample of your blood is analyzed in a laboratory to measure the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to soy or other allergens.

In some cases, an allergist may recommend an oral food challenge, in which you are given small amounts of soy to eat and closely monitored for any signs of an allergic reaction.

It's important to note that self-testing for food allergies is not recommended as it can be dangerous and lead to severe allergic reactions. Always seek medical attention from a qualified allergist for proper testing and diagnosis of food allergies.

What's the difference between a soy allergy and a soy intolerance

A soy allergy is an immune system response to proteins found in soy. When someone with a soy allergy consumes soy, their immune system sees the proteins as harmful and overreacts, triggering an allergic reaction. Soy allergy can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe, including hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening emergency.

A soy intolerance, on the other hand, is a digestive system response to soy. People with soy intolerance may experience digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, after consuming soy. Unlike soy allergy, soy intolerance is not caused by an immune system response, and the symptoms are generally milder and do not pose a life-threatening risk.

It's important to note that while soy allergy and soy intolerance have different causes and symptoms, the treatment for both conditions may involve avoiding soy or soy-containing foods. If you suspect that you have a soy allergy or intolerance, it's important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can recommend the appropriate tests and help you develop a plan to manage your condition.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Soy Allergy?

Soy allergy is an immune system reaction to proteins found in soybeans. The symptoms of soy allergy can vary from mild to severe and can occur within a few minutes or up to several hours after consuming soy or products containing soy. Common symptoms of a soy allergy include:

Skin reactions: Itchy or swollen skin, hives or eczema, redness or rash.

Respiratory problems: Runny nose, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

Digestive issues: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea.

Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even death.

If you suspect that you have a soy allergy, it is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. In case of severe symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

How Long Do Soy Allergy Symptoms Last?

The duration of soy allergy symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the allergic reaction and the individual's immune system. Mild symptoms such as skin rash or itching may only last for a few hours or a day, while more severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis can last for several days or longer.

In general, symptoms of a soy allergy can last from a few minutes to several hours. However, in some cases, the symptoms may persist for a few days. The best way to manage soy allergy symptoms is to avoid soy or products containing soy proteins altogether.

If you experience severe or persistent symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve symptoms and manage the allergic reaction. In addition, your doctor may recommend that you carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times in case of a severe allergic reaction.

What to do if you think you’re allergic to soy?

If you suspect that you are allergic to soy, it is important to see a doctor or allergist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Keep a food diary: Write down everything you eat and drink, as well as any symptoms you experience. This can help you and your doctor identify any patterns or triggers that may be causing your symptoms.
2. Avoid soy products: To confirm if soy is the cause of your symptoms, try eliminating all soy products from your diet for a period of time. This can help you determine if soy is the culprit.
3. See a doctor: If you experience symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis, seek medical attention immediately. Your doctor can perform tests to determine if you have a soy allergy and recommend appropriate treatment.
4. Carry an epinephrine auto-injector: If you have a diagnosed soy allergy, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector, which you should carry with you at all times in case of a severe allergic reaction.
5. Read food labels: Be aware of hidden sources of soy in processed foods and read food labels carefully to avoid soy products. Soy can be found in a variety of foods, including baked goods, sauces, and processed meats.

Remember, if you have a soy allergy, the best way to manage it is to avoid soy or products containing soy proteins altogether.

How To Test For Soy Allergy

If you suspect that you have a soy allergy, it is important to see a doctor or allergist for an accurate diagnosis. Here are some common tests used to diagnose soy allergy:

Skin prick test: A small amount of soy protein is placed on the skin, and the skin is then pricked to allow the protein to enter the skin. If you are allergic to soy, you will develop a raised bump or hive at the site of the prick.

Blood test: A blood sample is taken and tested for the presence of antibodies to soy protein. If you have soy antibodies in your blood, it may indicate that you have a soy allergy.

Elimination diet: Your doctor may recommend that you eliminate soy from your diet for a period of time and then reintroduce it to determine if you have a reaction. This should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional.

Oral food challenge: This is a test where you are given small amounts of soy protein under medical supervision to determine if you have an allergic reaction.

If you have a diagnosed soy allergy, it is important to avoid soy or products containing soy proteins altogether. Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve symptoms and manage the allergic reaction. In addition, your doctor may recommend that you carry an epinephrine auto-injector with you at all times in case of a severe allergic reaction.

Which foods to avoid if you suspect a soy allergy

If you suspect that you have a soy allergy, it is important to avoid all soy-based foods and products. Soy is a common ingredient in many processed foods, so it's important to read labels carefully. Here are some common foods and products that may contain soy:

1. Soybeans and products made from soybeans, such as tofu, tempeh, and soy milk
2. Soy sauce and other soy-based sauces, such as teriyaki sauce and Worcestershire sauce
3. Edamame and other soy-based snacks
4. Soybean oil and other vegetable oils that may contain soy
5. Soy-based meat substitutes, such as veggie burgers and vegetarian sausages
6. Soy-based protein powders and supplements
7. Baked goods and other processed foods that may contain soy flour or soy lecithin as an ingredient
   

It's important to note that soy can also be found in non-food products, such as cosmetics, so it's a good idea to check the labels on all products before using them. If you suspect you have a soy allergy, you should consult with a healthcare professional and consider getting an allergy test to confirm the diagnosis.

References

1  Messina, Mark PhD, MS; Venter, Carina PhD, RD Recent Surveys on Food Allergy Prevalence, Nutrition Today: 1/2 2020 – Volume 55 – Issue 1 – p 22-29 doi: 10.1097/NT.0000000000000389

2  Savage, Jessica H et al. “The natural history of soy allergy.” The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology vol. 125,3 (2010): 683-6. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.994

3  T.Y. Hendrawati, K. Audini, Ismiyati, A.I. Ramadhan, H. Gustia, Effects and characterization of different soybean varieties in yield and organoleptic properties of tofu, Results Eng., 11 (2021) 100238, Https://Doi.Org/10.1016/J.Rineng.2021.100238.

4  Kattan, Jacob D et al. “Milk and soy allergy.” Pediatric clinics of North America vol. 58,2 (2011): 407-26, x. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2011.02.005