If you are allergic to soy, you need to avoid all foods and beverages that contain soy proteins; otherwise, soy in foods are considered safe to eat. For example, if you're allergic to milk, soy in foods will not trigger your milk allergy. Food allergies are less common than you may think. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that food allergies affect less than 2 percent of adults in the United States as of 2009. Food allergies are easily confused with food intolerances because of similar digestive symptoms. Make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause of your adverse reactions.
Background
Ninety percent of all food allergies are caused by eight foods: soy, milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, tree nuts, wheat and shellfish, according to MedlinePlus. Only if you're diagnosed with a soy allergy should you avoid soy in foods. Food allergies cause unpleasant symptoms within a few minutes of ingesting the food you're allergic to. Symptoms may be mild to severe and can lead to further complications if you continue to eat that food. Food allergies are incurable but can be managed by dietary modification and a proper diagnosis.
Soy in Foods
At first, soy may seem like an easy food product to avoid, but soy is commonly found in many unsuspected products, such as lunch meat, ice cream and sausage. Soy is used as an additive to extend certain foods, such as breads and meat products. MayoClinic.com states that soy may be hidden in the following ingredients: lecithin, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, Asian cuisine flavoring, vitamin E, vegetable broth, monodiglyceride and vegetable oil. Foods that are made directly from soy include soy sauce, tempeh, tofu and miso. If you've been diagnosed with a soy allergy, talk with your doctor about carrying an epinephrine pen on your person in case of a severe allergic reaction. An epinephrine pen will help alleviate symptoms of anaphylactic shock, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction.
Soy Substitution
Soy is commonly used as a substitute for people with a dairy allergy. Soy products are made to replace common dairy products, such as cheese, milk and yogurt. Soy products are dairy-free and considered safe for people with a milk allergy. Use soy substitutes that are fortified with vitamin d and calcium.
Considerations
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that many people who believe they have a food allergy are actually intolerant. Food intolerance is more common than food allergies and can be determined by your doctor. The main difference between the two conditions is the cause. Food allergies are caused by a malfunction of the immune system, while food intolerance is a defect of the digestive system.
