Soy allergy symptoms commonly first crop up when a baby gets soy infant formula. Most people who suffer from a soy allergy are under the age of 3 years. Soy allergy is one of the most common food-related allergies, according to the Cleveland Clinic. One of the primary symptoms after consuming soy-based products is digestive difficulties, such as vomiting, stomach cramping and diarrhea. A soy allergy and soy intolerance are two different conditions that could cause similar symptoms, especially diarrhea. Talk with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Cause
If you have a soy allergy, your immune system malfunctions every time you eat foods or beverages containing soy. The immune system mistakes the proteins in the soy as harmful substances, causing the body to develop a defense, according to the Mayo Clinic. It produces antibodies to specifically fight off the soy proteins, which trigger the mast cells to create higher levels of histamine. Histamine is the main hormone in the body during an allergic reaction that causes most symptoms.
Digestive Effect
Increased levels of histamine in the small intestines lead to inflammation and swelling, making it difficult to digest the soy product. The body attempts to get rid of the soy proteins as fast as possible. This results in diarrhea, vomiting or stomach cramping. Diarrhea from a soy allergy will develop within a few minutes or up to an hour after eating soy.
Avoidance
Avoiding soy is the most effective way to prevent adverse reactions in the body. According to the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, the FDA requires all food manufacturers to disclose the use of soy in the product. Read the ingredients carefully to avoid ingesting soy. Some foods that may have soy are lunch meats, cereals and desserts. Check with your doctor before modifying your diet to treat any medical condition.
Treatment
The Mayo Clinic website states that if you accidentally ingest soy, take an oral antihistamine to reduce the amount of histamine being produced and drink plenty of water. Medline Plus recommends eating foods that are easy to digest, such as rice, bananas or toast until the diarrhea subsides.
Warning
If you have a soy allergy you are at increased risk of experiencing anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening allergic reaction. Participate in allergy testing to determine what foods you are allergic to and the severity of the allergy. If you have a severe allergic reaction, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you wear a medical ID bracelet and carry an injection of epinephrine on your person.
