Soy is one of the most common foods that cause an allergic reaction. Over 15 proteins have been identified in soy beans that can trigger an allergic reaction, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Soy is found in many unsuspected items, such as lunch meat, ice cream and ketchup. If you're diagnosed with a soy allergy, you will be instructed to avoid consuming any product that contains soy ingredients. A soy allergy can cause mild to severe symptoms, which should be evaluated by your doctor.
Soy Allergy
Soy allergies are most commonly found in young children, but they usually outgrow the allergy as they get older, according to MayoClinc.com. Although a soy allergy is uncommon in adulthood, it is not unlikely. Although it is still unclear how soy proteins cause an allergic reaction, it is known that the immune system malfunctions. When you eat soy products, your immune system overreacts to the proteins in the soy as if they were a threat to the body. Antibodies and histamine are created to fight off the soy proteins, resulting in soy allergy symptoms.
Common Symptoms
The most commonly reported soy allergy symptoms include hives, eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma and anaphylactic shock, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Hives and eczema are allergic skin rashes that can form anywhere on your body, causing swelling and irritation. Allergic rhinitis is a sinus allergic reaction that causes a runny nose, nasal congestion and postnasal drip. Asthma symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breathe. Report all symptoms to your doctor.
Avoidance
The most effective way to prevent a soy bean allergy symptoms is to strictly eliminate soy from your diet. The Food and Drug Administration requires that all packaged foods specify on the label if the product contains soy ingredients. Not all ingredients are obvious, such as vegetable protein, tofu, miso, tempeh, natto and edamame. Read the ingredients in all food products before you eat them. When eating out, tell your server about your soy allergy.
Considerations
Soy beans are in the legume family and may increase your risk of developing an allergic reaction to other foods related to this food family, including peanuts, kidney beans, string beans, chickpeas, lentils, licorice, lima beans and peas, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Use caution when eating any foods in this family.
