Soy nuts are soy beans that are rinsed, drained and baked to resemble a type of nut. Soy nuts will cause an allergic reaction if you're allergic to soy. Soy is a legume, in the same family as peanuts, lentils and beans, so if you're allergic to other legumes, you may have an allergic reaction when you eat soy nuts. Soy nuts are primarily used as a nut alternative because they're crunchy and the same size as most tree nuts. Talk with your doctor if you develop symptoms after eating soy nuts.
Background
Soy is a common food allergen that is primarily discovered during childhood. Although most children outgrow the condition by the age of three years, you can develop an allergy to soy at any point in life, according to MayoClinic.com. If you eat soy nuts and you're allergic to soy beans, your body doesn't recognize the proteins in the soy nuts as safe and begins to develop a defense to protect the body. During this process, the immune system creates IgE, or immunoglobulin E antibodies to neutralize the soy proteins. This action causes mast cells in the body to produce histamine, a chemical that causes inflammation in soft tissue.
Symptoms
If you're allergic to soy proteins, you will develop common soy allergy symptoms within a few minutes after eating the soy nuts. Depending on where histamine is released will determine where your symptoms develop. Histamine in the lungs will cause asthma-like symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing shortness of breath and chest tightness. Histamine in the sinus cavity can lead to nasal congestion, sneezing, a runny nose and postnasal drip. Your skin may react with inflammation and rashes, such as eczema and hives. The digestive tract can be affected, resulting in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to CNN Health.
Avoidance
If you're allergic to soy beans, you need to avoid eating soy nuts and other products that contain soy. Soy is widely used in processed foods, such as lunch meat, ice cream and some cheeses, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Before you eat any food, read the directions to ensure it doesn't contain soy.
Caution
A soy bean allergy can cause a severe reaction that could lead to death if not properly treated. Symptoms associated with anaphylaxis include facial swelling, the throat closing-up, hives and dizziness. Call 911 or visit the emergency room at the first signs of anaphylactic shock. You may need an injection of epinephrine to alleviate symptoms.
