6 answers

Allergic to Soy

My 7 year old is allergic to soy. It is in EVERYTHING. He is also lactose intolerant. He complains of IBS type symptoms and gets diarrhea when we get too much soy or dairy in our system. I do give him Lactose Free Milk probably 3 times a week. We take tums (on the suggestion of our doctor) for calcium. I need some lunch ideas; he is not a fruit and vegetable guy and he doesn't like change. I try my best to make healthy dinner choices and not eat too much processed food, and make organic choices more than not. Any suggestions or the name of a good Nutritionist.

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So What Happened?™

Thank you for all your wonderful advice. We have decided to have him allergy tested to make sure that we are not looking at other food allergies, then we will head to a Nutritionist to work out the diet issues.

More Answers

I have a son who is also allergic to soy also. In my research, I've found more negative about soy than beneficial. I believe it would benefit us all to avoid soy (except possibly in a fermented state) because it takes more from the body than it leaves, simply put. My approach has been to keep all of our food in it's most natural state. If it comes in a can or box, be suspicious. Soy can hide in these "foods" under many guises, like "natural flavorings" or "spices".

Food ideas could be - almond or cashew butters with apples or a true whole grain bread. (Conventional grocery stores will have no bread options, either make it or use Whole Foods or Central Market.) Rice or spelt pastas with simple tomatoe sauce and cheese. "Pizza" using wheat tortilla (again, I get mine at CM.) slices tomatoes fresh mozarella and olive oil. Carrots/veggies and yogurt dip. (We use goat milk and goat yogurt.) I try to avoid cereals, b/c let's face it, they're processed foods. I use Back to Nature granola, though in a pinch, but careful, some of the flavors have a soy protein.

I hope that gives you a few ideas. I'm a busy mom, but making time for true food saves me time and energy when it comes to my families' health. If you want more or need recipes, I'm happy to share. I also supplement his diet with healthy bacteria and minerals.

1 mom found this helpful

D., I don't know any kids with this problem, but I actually developed a soy allergy when I was about 10 and had to put up with it until I was about 20, then it just went away. I had similar symptoms, especially with the dairy and the IBS like symptoms.

If his symptoms are strictly diahrreal, obviously you need to try to stay away from processed foods because those contain the MOST soy and will cause the worst reactions. You said you are already trying to do that with dinner which is great. You could probably get away with foods that contain smallish amounts since soy is so tough to completely avoid. The rule for me was always to stay away from it if it's in the first 5 ingredients or it would land me in the bathroom. The dairy ease and lact aid products are great for the lactose intolerance as well.

I have seen LOTS of foods at Whole Foods that are soy-free. If you explain to anyone working there that you need soy free food, they are pretty knowledgable and can usually help you narrow it down quickly.

I am so sorry for your son-I hope you are able to find tasty food for him and that maybe he will luck out and grow out of this. I wish you all the best!

Dr. Lois Vanderhoof in Plano is the BEST Nutritionist I know. She is VERY up-to-date on information and is used to working with children and teenagers. She has had clients with challenging health and allergy issues.
Her business is called, "Applied Nutrition Concepts" and her phone number is ###-###-####

If you have any trouble contacting her, let me know and I will try to help! Good Luck.

K. Ta. ()972) 94-2162

You are right, soy seems to be in everything. It's difficult to get away from. It sounds like your little guy has quite a challenge with his digestive system. I would HIGHLY recommend a phone consultation with a nutritionist named Andrea Stevens. Her email is ____@____.com and her phone number is ###-###-####. She is FANTASTIC at helping families with children. Her website is www.healthbasics.net

I hope your soon feels better soon.

Hi D.,

I am a chiropractor and I use Applied Kinesiology and Cold Laser Therapy to help eliminate allergies. I also use nutritional supplementation to help the digestive tract. I have worked with a lot of adults and children and have seen some pretty dramatic results. If you are interested or have questions, please don't hesitate to call me - Dr. Sandra S. ###-###-#### or visit my website at sullivanchiropractic.com

Have you tried rice dream? its rice milk and tastes good. I use it in my cereal.

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