Symptoms and Treatment Of Soy Allergy

Soy allergy is somewhat different from other forms of allergies because the initial exposure to the substance does not manifest allergic reactions at all. The initial exposure of the individual to soy makes our immune system determine whether we are allergic to it or not. Once our immune system mistakenly determines it as a threat, the next ingestion of soy will definitely cause soy allergy symptoms and reactions.

Soy Allergy Physical Reactions

The soy allergy reactions may differ from each individual and with each form of soy that individuals are exposed to. Not all forms of soy are harmful and the degree of the allergic reaction is tempered by what kind of soy one is exposed to.

Some soy allergy symptoms are acne, swelling, cankers, colitis, vomiting, difficulty in breathing and many others. Other forms of skin allergy may also manifest themselves due to soy allergy. These are atopic dermatitis, eczema, itching and urticaria. The symptoms may not come out for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours after the ingestion of soy and other foods with soy additives.

Foods With Soy

There are several foods that are made with soy of some form and will most likely cause soy allergy for those who are sensitive to soy. These are several natural forms of soy (soy milk, soy albumin, soy fiber, soy sprouts, soy flour and soy nuts), soya, soybean, soy sauce, soybutter, tofu, miso, tempeh, edamame and many more.

The following foods additives may contain some form of soy and you should read the ingredients well before using on food. Canned chicken broth, flavoring, bouillon cubes, vegetable broth and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. These may cause mild soy allergy reactions in some individuals.

Some studies have also shown that vegetables and fruits from the same plant group as soy may cause the same allergic reactions in people who have soy allergy. The intensity and severity of the allergic reaction varies per person and also with the amount of soy ingested. The following fruits and vegetables belong to the same plant group as soy, strawberry, mangos, banana, chestnut, avocado, kiwi fruits and latex.

Treating Soy Allergy

Soy allergy can be controlled by taking medication with antihistamine, for mild cases of allergic reaction. For more severe occurrences of soy allergy, epinephrine is the way to go. This drug affects the body immediately upon administration and it has helped save lives. You might like to avoid soy and all other forms of food and food additives that contain soy for reduced risk of a severe soy allergy reaction.