Table of contents:
- What makes a person allergic to soy?
- Symptoms that can appear when an allergic reaction occurs
- How do you deal with a soy allergy?
- Prevent allergic reactions by not eating foods containing soy
Soybean is one type of legume that is widely used to make various kinds of food. Its products are also often consumed as daily food in Indonesia, some of which are soy milk, tofu and tempeh.
Unfortunately, there are some people who have allergies to this one ingredient. What is a soy allergic reaction like and how can you deal with it?
What makes a person allergic to soy?
Soy allergy is one type of food allergy that often occurs, especially in infants and children. Often times, allergies are developed from infancy by reactions to soy-based formulas.
Broadly speaking, an allergic reaction can occur due to an excessive response from the immune system when exposed to an allergen, the name for a substance from a food that triggers a reaction.
In people who have this allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies protein in soy as a dangerous threat. That's why the body produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) which send signals to release histamine and other chemicals in the bloodstream.
The release of histamine also fights soy protein, resulting in various reactions such as itching, tingling sensations around the mouth, or other symptoms.
Keep in mind, there are several factors that make a person more at risk of developing a soy allergy. These factors include family history, age, and other allergies.
If you or your child has family members who have allergies, the risk of getting them is higher. Food allergies are also more prone to occur in children, especially infants and toddlers. Additionally, you can develop sensitivity to soy if you have allergies to other foods.
However, soy allergies that occur in childhood usually disappear with age. Those of you who have a soy allergy will not necessarily experience a reaction if you eat other types of legumes.
Symptoms that can appear when an allergic reaction occurs
Symptoms of food allergies due to soy are generally only mild symptoms. Usually the reaction will occur within a few minutes to several hours after consuming the allergen food. The various symptoms include:
- itchy rash,
- a red rash on the skin,
- redness of the skin,
- itching or tingling sensation around the mouth,
- swelling of several parts of the body, such as the lips, tongue, face, or others,
- stomach cramps,
- nausea and vomiting,
- diarrhea,
- cold,
- wheezing, and
- hard to breathe.
In rare cases, soy allergies can also cause more severe symptoms. This symptom, which is often called anaphylactic shock, is very dangerous because it can be life-threatening. Some of the signs are:
- swelling of the throat that makes shortness of breath,
- a drastic drop in blood pressure,
- a weakened pulse, and
- dizziness to loss of consciousness.
People who have asthma or also have other allergies may be more prone to developing anaphylactic shock.
How do you deal with a soy allergy?
If you are worried that you might have allergies, then all you have to do is check with your doctor to get a diagnosis. Especially when reactions have occurred several times after consuming soybeans.
During the examination, the doctor will ask you about the symptoms you feel, such as the symptoms that appear, what foods you consumed before, when the symptoms occurred and for how long you had them. The doctor may also ask you and your family's medical history to find out if there is a possibility that allergies are inherited.
Next, you will have to undergo some further food allergy tests to confirm the allergy with an allergen exposure test through a skin prick or a blood test to measure how many antibodies are in the body.
After you are diagnosed with a soy allergy, your doctor may give you a drug in the form of an antihistamine. Antihistamines are not drugs to relieve allergies, but they can relieve symptoms whenever an allergic reaction occurs.
Some of the antihistamines you can buy at the pharmacy include diphenydramine, cetirizine, and loratadine. When you accidentally eat foods containing soy, take this medicine immediately to reduce the symptoms.
If your allergies are more severe, your doctor will give you a drug in the form of an auto injection of epinephrine. Whenever you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock, you should immediately get an injection of epinephrine in the area of your upper thigh. After that, seek medical attention immediately and don't wait for symptoms to subside.
Prevent allergic reactions by not eating foods containing soy
Source: Food & Nutrition Magazine
Preventing food allergies by staying away from soy products is still the best way. Indeed, avoiding soy foods is very difficult because this ingredient is often used in various products and daily cooking.
To help you, all you have to do is read the information label about the composition of the ingredients listed on the package. Sometimes soy is also found in unexpected foods like canned meats and soups. Therefore, reading the composition of the ingredients is very important.
Here are foods that you should avoid consuming other than soybeans themselves.
- Soy milk includes various products such as cheese, ice cream and yogurt
- Soy flour
- Tofu
- Tempe
- Miso
- Edamame
- Soybean oil
- Shoyu
- Soy sauce
- Soy protein (concentrate, hydrolyzed, or isolate)
- Natto
Sometimes there are some foods that contain soy lecithin and refined soybean oil (not oils that use flavors). In products such as chocolate coatings and margarine, lecithin is often used to provide a more even and consistent texture.
Foods that contain lecithin are said to be safe for some soy allergy patients because of their very low protein content. However, you still have to consult a doctor before consuming it so that there are no unwanted reactions.
