The dangers of soybeans and soy products have been a controversial subject since 1999. Health and nutrition magazines tout the benefits of soy as a solution for weight loss, heart disease, cancer prevention and many other health problems. This has resulted in a multi-billion dollar soy industry that makes huge profits from the product. Various experts and organizations such as Dr. Joseph Mercola to Weston Price Foundation, however, adamantly oppose soy, claiming it is a toxin, and particularly harmful for thyroid patients. Natural Health Strategies reports that soybeans and soy products contain large amounts of phytic acid, which prevents your body from absorbing the nutrients it needs, such as magnesium, calcium, iron, copper.
Identification
According to SoyOnline.co.nz, one of the most prominent dangers of soy is phytoestrogen. Found in estrogen plants, phytoestrogens interrupt normal endocrine function, which can cause female infertility and breast cancer. Phytoestrogens also cause thyroid cancer. Soy increases your body's need for vitamin D and vitamin B12. The site further explains that when exposed to high temperatures during processing, fragile soy proteins are unfit for human digestion, causing cancerous effects if the finished soy product is later consumed. Many soy products contain the toxin MSG, which also develops during soy food processing. Soy foods contain high levels of toxic aluminum, which damages your nervous system and kidneys.
Dangers for Babies and Children
According to the New Zealand Medical Journal, Natural Health Strategies and SoyOnline.co.nz, giving babies infant soy formulas is the equivalent of giving them birth control pills. In addition to the danger of cancer, SoyOnline.co.nz reports how phytoestrogens also cause babies to have developmental and behavioral disorders when they grow older. Natural Health Strategies states that among boys, phytoestrogens cause delayed physical maturation, including the possibility of not developing sexual organs at all. Many girls, on the other hand, show signs of puberty before the age of eight.
Digestive Dangers
SoyOnline.co.nz reports how soy contains a large amount of trypsin inhibitors, which prevent trypsin from performing its function in your body. Trypsin is an enzyme in the digestive system needed to digest protein properly. Without an adequate amount of trypsin, you will be in danger of having many digestive problems. Diarrhea, stomach cramps and bleeding are some of the problems you’ll encounter without enough trypsin. A lack of trypsin will also make you vulnerable to future pancreas problems.
Misconceptions
Many people do now know that soy is a highly allergenic food in modern diets. Health Canada is a soy regulation authority that recalls poorly labeled foods and warns people about the dangers involved with food that contains soy. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency recalled pork products and cookies because even though both products contained soy, neither included it in the list of product ingredients. One of the main dangers associated with soy allergies is anaphylactic shock, which can cause death.
Warning
If you consume a large amount of soy, Natural Health Strategies warns that you are in danger of exhibiting symptoms which include anemia, behavioral problems, lethargy, sore bones and joints, hair loss, watery or swelling eyes, brittle nails and always feeling cold or warm. See a doctor immediately if you display any of these symptoms.
Sources:
- Natural Health Strategies
- New Zealand Medical Journal; The Potential Adverse Effects of Soybean Phytoestrogens in Infant Feeding; Irvine, C.; May 24, 1995
- SoyOnline.co.nz
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