Soy doesn't cause stomach aches in most adults, so if you develop pain after consuming a product that contains soy, you should see a doctor. Soy is one of the most common allergenic foods; it can cause digestive complications along with other symptoms. Another common condition that can result in stomach ache after eating soy is soy intolerance. This condition is easily confused with a food allergy because of common symptoms. Talk with your doctor for a clinical diagnosis.
Soy Allergy
Soy is a food product deriveded from soybeans. It is commonly used as a filler in foods, a protein additive and an alternative for dairy products. Soy contains potentially alergenic proteins that could trigger a release of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation of soft tissue throughout your body. The lining of your intestines can swell, leading to stomach pain, cramping and diarrhea. Stomach aches from a soy allergy will develop within a few minutes after consuming the soy product.
Allergy Consideration
If you don't develop other symptoms beside stomach ache, your reaction may not be caused by an allergy. A food allergy will cause other parts of your body to react to the allergen as well. If the stomach ache is the result of a soy allergy, you will also develop symptoms such as sinus drainage, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, shortness of breath, wheezing, skin rashes, hives and eczema.
Soy Intolerance
Soy intolerance, also triggered by consuming soy products, is not the same condition as a soy allergy. Soy intolerance is the result of your digestive system not producing a specific enzyme needed to break down the proteins in soy. When the enzyme is lacking, the proteins in the soy will go undigested, causing irritation and inflammation to the intestines. A soy allergy is the result of an exaggerated immune system reaction, while soy intolerance is the result of a defect in the digestive tract.
Treatment
Both conditions require elimination of soy from your diet to prevent stomach aches and other symptoms. Soy is found in various foods -- obvious sources include tofu, miso, soy milk, soy sauce and soy flour. Soy may also be found in unlikely food items, such as ice cream, nondairy creamers and artificial flavoring. Once you've ingested soy, there is no treatment for the stomach ache. The soy proteins need to be expelled from your body before the stomach ache will subside.
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