Wheat and soy are two of the eight most common foods that cause an allergic reaction. The most common foods related to allergies are wheat, soy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts and peanuts, according to MedlinePlus. If you have a wheat and soy allergy, your doctor will recommend modifying your diet to avoid consuming products that contain either of these ingredients. Wheat and soy allergies can lead to severe allergic reactions such as anaphylactic shock.
Wheat Allergy
A wheat allergy is an abnormal immune system reaction to the proteins found in wheat. Gluten, one of the proteins found in wheat, may cause the allergic reaction. Gluten sensitivity, or celiac disease is often mistaken for wheat allergy, however, a genuine wheat allergy is an immune system reaction where antibodies and histamine are produced to fight off the wheat proteins. These chemicals cause soft tissues throughout the body to become inflamed, irritated and swollen. If you're allergic to wheat, you are more likely to be allergic to other grains.
Soy Allergy
Soy, a derivative of soy beans, is found in various products as filler, and is used as a meat substitute and protein enhancer. Most soy allergies are found in young children, but can develop at any age. Because soy beans are a legume, if you're allergic to them, you are more likely to have an allergy to other legumes, such as peanuts, beans or lentils. Some examples of foods to avoid with a soy allergy are miso, tempeh, soy sauce, lunch meat and sausage links. Talk with your doctor about what other foods you should avoid if you have a soy allergy.
Common Symptoms
Both soy and wheat allergies will result in common symptoms that mainly affect the digestive tract, the skin and respiratory system, according to MedlinePlus. Digestive symptoms include nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, abdominal pain and gas. The skin can become inflamed, with an outbreak of eczema or hives on the body. You may also experience tingling in the mouth or lips after consuming a food you're allergic to. Respiratory symptoms include sneezing, nasal congestion, a runny nose, coughing, wheezing shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Warning
A wheat and soy allergy can lead to anaphylactic shock, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. During anaphylactic shock, your body releases excessive amounts of histamine that can cause your throat to close-up, your skin to become inflamed, your blood pressure to drop, your heart rate to increase and your face to swell.
