Soy powder does not cause bloating in most healthy adults. If you develop bloating every time you use soy powder, you need to be evaluated by your doctor. The most common causes of bloating from consuming soy powder are soy intolerance or a soy allergy. The two conditions may lead to shared symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose solely on your adverse reactions. Only a medical doctor can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and treatment options.
Soy Powder Protein
Soy powder is commonly used to add protein to shakes, health bars and weight lifting food products. Soy powder is made from soy beans, which contain more than one protein. The proteins found in soy powder can cause adverse reactions to occur in your digestive system. If you develop severe stomach pain, excessive vomiting or diarrhea, call your doctor right away. Do not use soy powder until you can be seen by your health-care provider. Soy powder may be found in breads, baked goods and crackers. Read the ingredients of all products before ingesting the food.
Soy Intolerance
Food intolerances can occur with any food. If you're intolerant of soy, your digestive system lacks a specific enzyme needed to break down and digest one or more of the proteins in soy, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. This enzyme deficiency causes some proteins to go undigested, causing inflammation and irritation to the lining of the intestines. Along with bloating, you may also develop gas, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and abdominal cramping. Food intolerances are incurable and are primarily treated with an elimination diet.
Soy Allergy
Bloating may result from an allergic reaction to soy proteins found in soy powder. An allergic reaction is different from soy intolerance, because a soy allergy is not caused by digestive complications. The allergic reaction is the result of a hypersensitivity of the immune system to one or more proteins found in the soy power, according to MayoClinic.com. The hypersensitivity causes your body to respond as if it were under attack by a virus or bacteria. The body creates various chemicals to fight off the soy proteins, which in turn causes inflammation in your digestive system, respiratory system and skin.
Identifying An Allergy
You can identify a soy allergy apart from soy intolerance because of the type of symptoms. Bloating will occur during a soy allergy, but other areas of your body, aside from the digestive system, will become affected. Other common symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rashes, hives, eczema, nasal congestion, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
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