Soy-Free help!

Kenzay412

Ive just tecently found out i have a high intolerance to soy. Kind of crazy but now i know why my body always hates me. So now starts the new journey of learning how to eat foods again but now have to be soy free. Any pointers or tips would help greatly!

enterdanger

I have the same thing. I can have trace amounts of soy but no more or my bowels get very angry with me. I just read labels and try not to eat a lot of packaged foods. I also found out at the same time that I have similar (although less severe) issues with wheat, rye, citrus, and almonds. Who knew? Now I also know why almond milk kills me.

doesthisappmakemelookfat

I'm still figuring this out, but I do know that soy kills me. Although, I could drink organic GMO free soy milk, so it clearly is not as cut and dried as it looks. Try keeping a diary of what sets you off and look for patterns. I think that's the surest way to figure it out.

enterdanger

I know what you mean @round7. I drink cashew milk all the time and it has almond in it and I'm fine. I drink straight up almond milk and things get rough. I also have a problem with xylitol. hurts my tummy. But I use nutrasweet daily with no issues.

My sister has similar problems but on a much larger scale. She did this crazy diet with a nutritionist where she was only allowed to eat like 10 super bland foods for a couple weeks and then they added stuff back in to see what would affect which it turns out for here is like everything.

eugenia94102

I second the advice to keep a food/symptoms diary. OP, make sure you read the "inactive ingredients" or "other ingredients" in any vitamins and supplements you take. Soy is one of the most commonly used "fillers" in those products.

JGertch

I'm allergic to soy among a ton of other things. It's hard but you can do it. Your body will thank you. :-)

ecjim

Soy is not the great nutritious food it is made out to be - The best way to avoid it is to prepare your meals starting with food it its natural state - meat, fish, veggies, rice etc. Stay away from prepared food - stuff in cans or boxes. Take some time and read the labels as to what is in there. Soy is very common and counted to the protein total. High Fructose Corn Syrup and other sugars are in a lot of packaged food. Eastcoast Jim

ladipoet

Make sure your read the ingredient list on the back of ALL food products that you purchase because soy is in so much of all processed foods out there. If it lists soy, don't buy it. You will probably have to start cooking most of your meals at home in order to largely cut the soy from your diet. I'm in the process of eliminating soy from my diet too. Feel free to add me as a friend.

RaeBeeBaby

I am both soy and gluten-free. It's not that difficult and I still eat a wide variety of delicious foods. As others have said, read ALL labels. Soy is in many (if not most) processed foods and a lot of supplements. Soy lecithin, which is a by-product of soy processing, is used as a filler and emulsifier in a multitude of food items. Sadly, it is in many foods that are touted as healthy and natural, such as Kind and Cliff bars, canned tuna fish, and Bolthouse salad dressings.

Mostly, I just eat whole foods and make my own salad dressing. I buy Soy-Free Veganaise in place of mayo and use for creamy dressings. I'm planning to experiment with making my own protein bars, as well. I do eat out at restaurants, but I'm careful about where and what I order. Very rarely eat fast food, because many of the items are pre-made (much more processed) than say just ordering a salmon and veggie dinner. I've had to give up soy sauce, but I'm going to try something I recently read about called Coconut Secret, which is supposed to be similar in flavor.

Kenzay412

Thank you so much for the advice guys!! Almost a month out of the soy free lifestyle. Not too bad. My family forgets about my allergy most of the time but cant get mad about it. My favorite dish is steamed shrimp. I could basically live off of it. Literally. I feel so much better watching out for soy. Not bloated anymore and no more running to the bathroom constantly!!