Comments on: Living With A Soy Allergy

By: TH

TH — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 17:34:16 +0000

I recently developed an allergy to soy oil. I have been sensitive to soy for a few years, but was able to avoid issues by simply avoiding soy as a major ingredient. Now I react to even trace amounts of soy oil. My allergist does not believe the you can be allergic to soy oil and I find this very frustrating.
It was a laundry detergent that triggered my first sever reaction. It had a soy based fabric softener. I inquired with the company and it turns out that soy oil is used as the fabric softener. I had a sever case of hives for 5 weeks. I now fear staying at people’s homes or in hotels because I don’t know how their linens are laundered.
As for chocolate…I have found several sources, but most not very good. The one that I recommend is Schmerling’s chocolate. I would check the labelling to be sure as with anything else, but thus far I have found it o be soy free.

By: susie

susie — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 16:24:08 +0000

in reference to thiamine mononitrate – I sent an email to the flour company (flour I like to use) and asked about it – they actually checked theirs out and it is one not made from soy and so far I had used it and one other flour and they are fine so far. So far there has only been 2 flour brands I found I react to. So if I am not sure about any product – I have been checking with companies and they are really good to get back and it is amazing that they don’t know about hidden soy so they also get educated. I also found two local bread companies that make bread without any soy additives hidden or otherwise – really good.

By: AF

AF — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 18:14:23 +0000

I am 36 years old, no children and I was diagnosed with a soy allergy 3 months ago. I was feeling dizzy and waking up with severely swollen lips and fingers for over a month. After a day that included a vanilla soy latte from Starbucks in the morning and a sushi lunch, I went into anaphylactic shock. I now carry an epi-pen.

I come into contact with small amounts of soy and my lips swell. So far, my reactions are mild discomfort and severe ugliness. So, I am grateful it takes a lot of soy to make me stop breathing. Nonetheless, I am furious that the FDA in the US and other similar government entities in other developed countries are asleep at the wheel. There is enough evidence to warrant further study into what’s causing all of these widespread allergy issues. Peanuts, wheat, soy, etc. The most significant clue to this sudden problem is genetic modification of crops. Food is life. It shouldn’t mame and kill for the sake of profits.

On a lighter note, has anyone found a lipstick/lipliner that’s soy-free?

By: Svetlana

Svetlana — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:06:37 +0000

Shirley, your article is very well documented and very useful. I have also read all the comments posted so far, and I must say this: People! Where is the American fighting spirit? All of you are so nice and polite, trying to find alternatives to foods, supplements, and cosmetics that contain soy. I do not perceive anger, which all of us suffering from soy allergies should rightfully display. No more being victims. Why should we restrict our diets, not be able to eat in restaurants occasionally, be admitted frequently to emergency rooms ,a.s.o, when those responsible for this soy disaster are reaping higher and higher profits because they are replacing time-honored ingredients with cheap extracts from soy (most of it genetically modified soy, at that)? Have we not had enough?

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 10 May 2010 02:20:56 +0000

I am allergic to soy also. But I started reacting to milk eggs, chicken, and beef. I found out that the chickens and cows are being fed soy. So, I can no longer eat these things including also cheese or anything made with milk or eggs. Has anybody else that is allergic to soy been experiencing this?

By: Jessica

Jessica — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 03:27:12 +0000

I have been in denial about soy allergy until
I broke out into an itchy rash on my face after
eating a cookie made with crisco. I also have
gi reactions,dry eyes, and get extremely cold,
especially my hands. Does anyone else experience
these symptoms? Is benadryl the best medicine
to take after a reaction?

By: irene

irene — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:11:57 +0000

I am new to this soy allergy and am having a very difficult time finding anything without all those listed… if I buy a bread machine, can I make bread? I noticed that THIAMINE MONONITRATE is in all flour? Please help?! Thanks

By: Ruby

Ruby — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:56:03 +0000

I did not see this on your list collagen casing.
Collagen got me yesterday like everyone else allergic to soy I read every label before I consume anything.I found a turkey snack stick I thought was safe.It didn’t contain vegetable protein,msg,soy oil or natural flavor.About 5 mins after eating it came back.My reaction was traced back to the collagen casing the snack stick was made with.My husband found that collagen casings are a blend of food grade acid and vegetable cellulose fiber.
http://www.midwesternresearch.com/CASINGS_COLLAGEN.htm

Does anyone know a brand of soy free vitamin or vitamin d made without vegetable cellulose? I can’t seem to find any.

By: catcamus

catcamus — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 05:26:21 +0000

I’ve recently identified soy as a most-probable problem-food, and thus have gone soy free (my symptoms are typically 2-day delayed severe fatigue, but I also have unexplained hives and rashes, and sometimes I have a flu-like skin sensation shortly after eating a problem food). However, I have been having trouble completely eliminating soy (as you all well know how hard this can be). I therefore really appreciate your very comprehensive list and for all the supportive comments.

One question I have: I know that the general ingredient label “natural flavors” is bad, but what about specifically listed flavorings? For example, if a label says “natural vanilla flavor” (or “artificial vanilla flavor” or just “vanilla flavor”) is it at risk of containing soy? I tried asking a manufacturer and they sent me back a “our sources aren’t required to label this” and we are covering our legal butts letter that was not in the slightest bit informative or helpful to me.

Sincerely, frustrated in seattle!

By: Sue

Sue — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 22:37:36 +0000

Your website is a great resource! Thank you for taking the time to put this information together. To add to the knowledge base about soy and herbal teas, there are a few from a company called Stash. I had purchased a few (soy was not on the label) and contacted customer support to thank the company for making teas without soy. Come to find out that the teas I ordered did have soy lecithin. I asked for a list of teas that did NOT contain soy and this is what they sent me: Chamomile, Chamomile Nights, Cinnamon Apple Chamomile, Licorice Spice, Mango, Passionfruit, Orange Starfruit, Ruby Mist, Peppermint,
Strawberry Pomegranate Red, Wintermint and Red Tea. I wasn’t surprised to see chamomile on the list, but was surprised they have quite a few interesting looking selections.
I really do wish manufacturers would be held to more stringent standards. Every time I see the words “natural flavors” I just sigh!
Does anyone have any good recommendations on soy-free vitamins?