How to Live With a Soy Allergy
Become familiar with the symptoms of an allergic reaction to soy., Identify the symptoms of anaphylaxis., Read food labels., Be aware of and avoid soy based, non-food products such as cosmetics, soap, candles, printing ink and crayons., Join a...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Become familiar with the symptoms of an allergic reaction to soy.
They're usually mild and develop within a few minutes to an hour after consuming soy:
Tingling in the mouth Hives, itching or eczema Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body Canker sores Wheezing, runny nose or trouble breathing Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting -
Step 2: Identify the symptoms of anaphylaxis.
This is a severe, life-threatening reaction that's more common in people who are asthmatic or have other food allergies (e.g. peanuts).
The following symptoms require emergency treatment:
Constriction of airways, including a swollen throat, that makes it difficult to breathe Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure Rapid pulse Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness , In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to list soy as an ingredient in plain terms, but they are not required to state if the product was processed in a facility that also processed soy.
Soy is also used in meat products and meat substitutes, baked goods, candies, ice creams and desserts, condiments, and butter substitutes.
Additional food items to be careful with are listed in the Tips below.
Ingredients to watch out for are:
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) Textured vegetable protein (TVP) Lecithin Monoglyceride Monosodium glutamate (MSG) Guar gum Vegetable oil Vitamin E Natural flavoring Natural Flavors Vegetable broth Vegetable gum Vegetable starch , While most often these products are petroleum based, soy-based versions are sold as an alternative to petroleum based products. , With soy allergies becoming more common, you can connect with others on the Internet and compare notes on which foods have soy and which don't (or how much they do contain).
You can also take action as a group in the interest of people with soy allergies, such as encouraging stricter labeling laws. , If your reaction to soy is mild, you may be able to consume soy products in small quantities with tolerable effects, especially with the help of oral antihistamines. , No matter how hard you try, there is a chance you'll eat a product with soy in it, so be prepared. -
Step 3: Read food labels.
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Step 4: Be aware of and avoid soy based
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Step 5: non-food products such as cosmetics
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Step 6: candles
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Step 7: printing ink and crayons.
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Step 8: Join a group.
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Step 9: Determine your threshold.
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Step 10: Carry injectable epinephrine (such as an EpiPen) with you at all times if you're at risk for a severe allergic reaction to soy.It's also a good idea to wear a medical alert bracelet with information about your allergy.
Detailed Guide
They're usually mild and develop within a few minutes to an hour after consuming soy:
Tingling in the mouth Hives, itching or eczema Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body Canker sores Wheezing, runny nose or trouble breathing Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
This is a severe, life-threatening reaction that's more common in people who are asthmatic or have other food allergies (e.g. peanuts).
The following symptoms require emergency treatment:
Constriction of airways, including a swollen throat, that makes it difficult to breathe Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure Rapid pulse Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness , In the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires manufacturers to list soy as an ingredient in plain terms, but they are not required to state if the product was processed in a facility that also processed soy.
Soy is also used in meat products and meat substitutes, baked goods, candies, ice creams and desserts, condiments, and butter substitutes.
Additional food items to be careful with are listed in the Tips below.
Ingredients to watch out for are:
Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) Textured vegetable protein (TVP) Lecithin Monoglyceride Monosodium glutamate (MSG) Guar gum Vegetable oil Vitamin E Natural flavoring Natural Flavors Vegetable broth Vegetable gum Vegetable starch , While most often these products are petroleum based, soy-based versions are sold as an alternative to petroleum based products. , With soy allergies becoming more common, you can connect with others on the Internet and compare notes on which foods have soy and which don't (or how much they do contain).
You can also take action as a group in the interest of people with soy allergies, such as encouraging stricter labeling laws. , If your reaction to soy is mild, you may be able to consume soy products in small quantities with tolerable effects, especially with the help of oral antihistamines. , No matter how hard you try, there is a chance you'll eat a product with soy in it, so be prepared.
About the Author
Charles Young
Writer and educator with a focus on practical DIY projects knowledge.
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