Soy is a subtropical plant that is native to southeastern Asia. Soy is often used as a meat replacement and touted as a healthy substitute for foods like milk and cheese for vegans; however, men who consume soy can be at a risk of serious diseases and other health complications.
Infertility
According to a study performed by Brigham Young University's Neuroscience Center, soy's phytoestrogens can decrease testosterone levels in the body. The BYU study notes that in a relatively short period of time, which was five weeks, soy was shown to significantly alter hormone levels in the body. Other studies have shown that soy can lower sperm count, according to registered dietitian Janel Ovrut. Ovrut notes that studies are unclear because it is not known how much soy was consumed or whether these men had other health problems that contributed to lowered sperm count and infertility.
Potential Allergy Issues
According to the Mayo Clinic, soy may act as an allergen similar to milk, eggs, peanuts, fish or wheat. All of these products can lead to allergic reactions that can range from itching and sneezing to serious issues like blood pressure problems or trouble breathing. The Mayo Clinic notes that soy has also shown to cause problems with the digestive and intestinal tract, leading to bloating, nausea and constipation. In addition, some soy related products have been known to cause migraine headaches, according to the the Mayo Clinic.
Thyroid Problems
According to a study from the Institute of Endocrinology in the Czech Republic, soy can affect the thyroid function. The study showed that levels of soy isoflavones do correlate and can interfere with thyroid hormone parameters. The Mayo Clinic says that after stopping soy many of these thyroid issues return to normal. In addition, Dr. Todd Nippoldt notes that people who take thyroid hormone replacements should avoid soy because soy can interfere with the body's ability to absorb the medication which can in turn lead to thyroid problems.
High Estrogen Counts
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are concerns regarding soy having estrogen-like effects on the bodies of people. According to Cornell University, soy contains phytoestrogens that are a group of chemicals that can act like the hormone estrogen. Soy's phytoestrogens can mimic estrogen and have the same effect on the body that estrogen would, according to Cornell University. These estrogen issues in men can lead to lowered testosterone levels, men losing hair and developing feminine related issues. Beasley adds that soy's estrogen spikes have shown to have potential to retard growth and brain development in young boys.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Soy (Glycine Max)
- My Family Doctor: The Soy Controversy: Is soy dangerous? Answers for men and women
- NCBI: Dietary soy-phytoestrogens decrease testosterone levels and prostate weight without alterning LH
- Cornell University: Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer
- Mayo Clinic: Soy: Does it Worsen Hypothyroidism
- NCBI: Short-term effect of soy consumption on thyroid hormone levels and correlation with phytoestrogen levels in healthy subjects
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