How to Prevent an Allergy to Soy
Soy allergy is not an easy allergy to manage because of the numerous soy derivatives that exist in everything from food and infant formula to floor wax and crayons. If you have been diagnosed with soy allergy, there are several things you must do to avoid soy in all its forms.
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Instructions
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Avoidance Is Key
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Find out everything you can about soy allergy. The more knowledge you have at your disposal, the easier it will be if you have an allergic reaction. Read books about the food industry such as "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan. You will be shocked by the ways soy is ending up in our food. If you know what is in all the food and drink you are consuming, the easier it will be to avoid it. Ask your doctor any questions and make sure to carry medications prescribed to you everywhere you go.
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Create a list of soy derivatives. Examples of soy derivatives include natural flavors, guar gum and soy lecithin. The soy industry is constantly coming up with new ways to use soy, including candles, furniture, pesticides and even clothing. Create a list of derivatives and sign up for updates so that you are not just in the know, but also to prevent suffering in the future from unknown sources.
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Stock up on foods that are completely soy-free. Make your kitchen a safe zone so that you know when you eat there, you are completely safe. Get to know all the names of brands that do not contain soy, such as Namaste and Enjoy Life Foods. A sure way to be safe is to buy foods from health-food chains such as Wild By Nature or Whole Foods and read all ingredients. You also can find out if the feed being used for meats is soy-free, since many meats in regular grocery stores are soy-fed. Family-owned bakeries are another good source of breads that usually do not contain soy, since they are made fresh on premises and not shipped in. Always ask the bread makers and read labels very carefully. If in doubt, call the company.
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Cook at home. Most people do not know about soy derivatives, so you can't expect restaurants to be completely free of soy and all of its derivatives; chances are, something will contain soy. You can print out the derivatives of soy to take with you to restaurants, but this is a huge risk and is not recommended for those with severe allergies. When traveling, simpler is better: Avoid breading, breads, sauces and gravies. Make sure to speak with a chef or manager about your allergy to avoid a reaction.
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Soy is in a lot of makeup so reading labels is key to avoidance. Go to the Household Products Database resource page below and type "Soy" into the quick search box. You will then come to a list of soy derivatives. Each different derivative will give examples of products that contain that ingredient. Check all the products you use. You may need to replace a lot of your makeup and hair products. Don't be discouraged, there are many products out there that do not contain soy, it just takes a bit of research.
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Join support groups for those with soy allergies. It will help you adjust to a new way of life, share knowledge and help you realize you are not alone.
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Tips & Warnings
Sometimes in ethnic restaurants or overseas, you may encounter language barriers. You may find some resistance to your allergy or people who do not understand the seriousness of your requests. It is important that if they don't understand or ingredients are unclear, do not eat the food. It is not worth risking your health or your life over a meal. If in doubt, speak to someone who speaks English or find someone to translate and always carry medicines with you.
