soy allergy Interesting Roadmap

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1. Giorgio says

   I like to read a lot of general interest books – medical, health, etc, and I have long suspected that soy, in the quantities that we eat it, is probably not healthy. I read an article a while back in a science magazine that said as much – that as a healthy food which we eat in small quantities, it is fine and even beneficial, but used as an additive in everything, as a formula for babies, to replace milk or meat products, or as a supplement, can cause some really unfortunate health effects in otherwise healthy and non soy-sensitive people, and even the soy growers associations had said that it’s only healthy in certain doses, and isn’t recommended as a supplement/ pill.

   So I was interested and sympathetic to this message, and I learned some new information and gained some new tips on avoiding soy additives in my food.

   The thing that I did feel could use improvement about this book is that while the message and information were on point and important, the critical information for most people to know could be condensed down into a five-page article. For example, there is a soy-free recipe section that, while it includes some delightful-sounding recipes, the recipes are for things that, when I make them at least, don’t contain soy anyway. They were mostly meat-containing recipes, so while a few of the side dishes would be helpful to vegetarians, there wasn’t really a good consideration given to how to replace soy products in a vegetarian lifestyle.

   The majority of the book is personal stories of people who have had problems with soy. If you suspect you are a person suffering from a problem with soy, then you may see yourself in these stories and this could be a very valuable book for you. Doctors with an interest in soy may also like to read this to hear some of the anecdotes of people who have had an issue with soy.

   The problem for me with most of the book being personal stories is that I feel like you can construct a case for anything using hand-selected personal stories from people. I really wanted a meaty scientific analysis, or a lot of case studies from multiple doctors, or something more to make it feel like this was really given a thorough scientific consideration.

   This gets four starts because it is dealing with a topic that is really being ignored and deserves to be considered and researched more, and for those with a specific issue, it could be a lifesaver. For the average reader, if you use moderation when eating soy, watch out for hidden soy in your food by reading labels, and don’t take soy supplements or give soy formula or milk to children, you probably don’t need to read this book.

   March 8, 2010, 6:23 pm
2. Guan says

   I strongly appreciate that Dianne wrote this book. As someone who is aware of Soy and its supposed health benefits, I was not fully aware of how many foods and supplements actually contain Soy. One can quickly and easily find themselves with a Soy overload just from consuming a good every day diet. I also appreciate Dianne taking the time to provide some counter points to her beliefs.

   March 9, 2010, 6:41 am
3. Klug says

   Due to recent indigestion problems on my part, after some research on the Internet, Alex decided to buy me a book titled THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF SOY by Dianne Gregg. What an eye-opening book! I never realized too much soy in the diet could cause some of the problems I was havingsuch as; bloating, nausea, a feeling that I had to throw up, diarrhea and gas. I did go to a gastroenterologist to see what he could find. Alex even questioned soy, but the doctor didn’t seem to think that was my problem. After reading this book, I think soy may be at least part of the problem I am currently having.
   Dianne stated in her book that she learned she was severely allergic to soy. She had almost died due to eating what she considered a healthy diet, which included soy. She began to gain weight, felt sick to her stomach, had nausea, diarrhea, and then almost died due to anaphylactic shock. All because she ate and drank a lot of soy products. She learned the hard way, but she wrote this book so others won’t have to learn as she did. Soy is not good for everyone.

   No longer does Dianne take life for granted. She has to be very careful not to let soy ruin her life. Perhaps that is what the rest of us should also do. Cutting back on the amount of soy in your diet may help lessen problems in the future. Children are subjected to soy on a daily basis, even babies. Soy is in baby foods, soymilk, soy bars, cereals and more. We as parents have to be on the look out for dangerous things our children may eat or drink. Read labels when you are in the grocery store. If the label states soy or lecithin, and some vegetable oils in the first three ingredients, then the product has too much soy.

   Soy is grown to be an emulsifier in foods. An emulsifier is a food additive that prevents separation of sauces or other processed foods. Soy is used widely in Asia, where it is fermented. The United States does not ferment the soybeans, leaving in the toxins. This may be part of the problem, which Dianne suggests. More and more babies are being fed soymilk, resulting in health issues as they grow up. Studies indicate Mrs. Gregg may be right, but she may also be wrong. Would it really hurt to lessen the amount of soy in your diet? Read her book. The price is low enough so you can buy it, but it’s also well worth spending those few dollars to understand the dangers soy can have on your own health and that of your family.

   March 9, 2010, 6:23 pm
4. Jaffee says

   Approximately half of all humans eat significant amounts of soy on a near daily basis with none of the ill-effects shown in this book. I personally grew up eating soy “meat” dishes and so did about the 150ish extended family members with whom I am in regular contact (which include more than a dozen medical doctors). None of them have had any of these problems either.

   Not a single scientific study supports the wacky assertions of this book.

   March 10, 2010, 6:04 am
5. Hicks says

   This book has confirmed what I had learned in Europe while living there, and what I experienced when consuming soy products. Getting off soy has really improved my health, and I am thankful the word is getting out.

   March 10, 2010, 6:07 pm
6. Ley says

   Good for allergies, not intolerance. If you’re looking for information on food intolerance, look for a different book.

   March 11, 2010, 6:41 am
7. Herring says

   I developed a shrimp allergy when I was in my early 30s, complete with wheezing and hives. Over the next several years, I found that many foods affected me in unusual and uncomfortable ways. What was once just a faint tingle on my tongue when I ate a banana turned into a more significant reaction with many, many more foods than just bananas. I picked up a copy of Food Allergies For Dummies in hopes of finding some answers, and I got many. This book is so full of information for the newly diagnosed or someone trying to determine if food allergies might be an issue. I felt much more prepared when talking to my doctor and could ask informed questions (and understand the answers!) after reading it. Plus, the author suffers from food allergies himself, so he was able to bring first-hand experience to the book as well as plenty of stories from his medical practice — I definitely felt he was talking *to* me and not *at* me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is or might be allergic to various foods and wants to know more about this issue and the options for treatment.

   March 11, 2010, 6:34 pm
8. Nunnery says

   I wish this book had been available years ago when my child was first diagnosed. It answers so many of the questions we struggled with. Dr. Wood has a friendly, down to earth, living-with-it practical way of presenting information. From diagnosis to recipes to venturing off to school, there is a chapter on just about everything you can think of. I was especially fascinated with the future of treatments. This is an excellent, comprehensive yet easy to read book – thank you Dr. Wood!

   Next book request on my wish list – the psychological and emotional toll living with food allergies has on our lives and how to overcome them.

   March 12, 2010, 6:27 am
9. Jilly says

   This book arrived in good condition and in the time frame given for shipping. Thank you.

   March 12, 2010, 6:13 pm
10. Jeffre says

    This book gives a little of everything and is a terrific reference for any allergy family.
    Particularly good information on outgrowing, research, and getting your child settled in school. The recipes are not the best, but everything else is top notch.

    March 13, 2010, 5:56 am
11. Charlton says

    Finally found a protein bar without soy or nuts, a little pricey, but perfect with a cup of hot green tea!

    March 13, 2010, 6:38 pm
12. Coates says

    I have tried these before since my son is allergic to peanuts. It is hard to find anything that is tasty for quick on the go snacks. This is a super price on Amazon, wonderful these are being offered for the subscribe program. Both of my kids love these. The only reason they did not get 5 stars is that they come apart and crumble soooo easily. Hard for a 2 1/2 yr old to hold on to. That is my only complaint. Wonderful flavor and a great option for allergic folks.

    March 14, 2010, 6:26 am

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