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Over the past few years, my stance on soy has been somewhat neutral as I’ve been awaiting further research. I have never recommended or encouraged soy, due to the mixed and controversial information out there. Now, however, the literature is overwhelming. I decided it was time to outline what is known about soy so you can make your own informed decision. A lesson I’ve learned, yet again, is the importance of being open minded and to question everything.

We should start by acknowledging that much of what people believe about soy is due to how it’s been marketed to us. The media deems soy as a “heart-healthy” source of protein, — also telling us that whole grains are good for our hearts and eggs are bad for our hearts. What should we believe? (Case in point: Don’t believe what the media is telling you and click here if you need to unbrainwash yourself.) Despite its healthy halo, I do not classify soy as “real food” and therefore don’t recommend it or choose to consume it myself. Here’s why:

*This claim that soy foods prevent heart disease is based on the fact that soy foods lower cholesterol. Soy foods can lower cholesterol, however this is not necessarily a good thing. Lowering cholesterol does not prevent heart disease like we used to think, and can, in fact cause an increase in other disorders including cancer, autoimmune disorders, intestinal diseases, stroke, accidents, violent behavior, depression and suicide. The significant increase in heart disease in the United States has actually paralleled the great increase in the use of soy foods. Read more of my thoughts on cholesterol in this post and I strongly urge you to pick up a copy of Cholesterol Clarity and/or The Great Cholesterol Myth — two invaluable resources on heart health.

  • Soy isoflavones are a class of phytoestrogens which mimic estrogen in the body. Altering estrogen levels is not beneficial for men OR women. For men, this can decrease sperm production, lower libido and cause weight gain. Higher levels of estrogen can put women at a greater risk for breast cancer and lower fertility.
  • Soy negatively affects those with an existing thyroid condition because the isoflavones in soy interfere with production of T3 and T4, which is necessary for a well functioning thyroid. I see many clients who have struggled with hypothyroidism (an under-active thyroid) and the frustrations that accompany it, including a slowed metabolism and difficulty losing weight. I’ve also come across sources that believe soy can lead to hypothyroidism. Either way, it’s just not worth the risk. Personally, my thyroid is functioning just fine and I want it to stay that way!
  • Many soy products endure a lot of processing before they reach your fork or cup and most soy in the United States is genetically modified. Processing is never a good thing. That being said, I think soy products that are minimally processed, such as miso or edamame, are fine in moderation.
  • Soybeans are high in phytic acid, just like grains and legumes, which inhibit absorption of several minerals like magnesium, calcium, copper, zinc and iron and can lead to mineral deficiencies. Why put something into your body that isn’t helping you get the most nutrition from your foods?
  • Soy products can cause gastric distress such as gas and bloating because soy is difficult to breakdown and digest. This can wreak havoc on gut health.
  • Soybean allergy is one of the more common food allergies. I’ve experienced mild allergic reactions from soy first-hand. It took me a while to make the connection, but when I would drink a latte made with soy milk, my throat and ears would get itchy and my eyes would water. It’s not a severe allergic reaction, but an uncomfortable and obvious sign my body was trying to tell me that I was putting something in it didn’t like. And if those are the symptoms I’m exhibiting on the outside, it makes me wonder what’s happening on the inside. (Hint: Inflammation.) Word of advice: always listen to your body.
  • Soy foods increase the body’s requirement for Vitamin D, which more than 90%of Americans are already low in.
  • Last but not least on my list (there are many other reasons to avoid soy, but I chose to include the above list because to me they are the most important), long term use of soy products are not known. Just like long term usage of artificial sweeteners, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

I do realize that soy is commonly used by those who are lactose intolerant or who follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. If the reason is lactose intolerance, my suggestion is to use coconut milk, almond milk, or heavy whipping cream instead. I recommend that everyone avoid soy milk. In order to make soy milk, the soy is heated to an extremely high temperature and pumped with preservatives and stabilizers (and often times sweeteners too). And on the vegan/vegetarian topic:  I am not an advocate of a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle that does not include at least some type of animal protein (such as eggs, fish or a whey protein powder) since our bodies receive so much benefit from these quality protein sources. If soy is being used as a protein replacement, I would recommend getting protein from a different source — even a plant based protein powder, which far outweighs the negative risks of soy if you ask me.

All in all, the more we learn about soy, the less appealing it is to me, and for all the reasons I’ve outlined in this post, I choose not to put it into my own body. I know this is a controversial topic and as someone who was neutral on this topic for quite some time, I wanted to share what I’ve learned and where I currently stand. I personally enjoyed using soy for a while, but ended up making the decision to stop putting it into my body based on what the literature was suggesting and how my body was reacting to it. If you choose to continue using soy products, that’s okay! I’m not here to be the food police. You are free to choose whatever works best for you. I am just here to share my research-based opinion and give you the most effective nutrition options possible. That being said, do note that organic would be a better choice if you do choose to consume soy because of the pesticide levels on the crop. (Remember, when in doubt, always go organic! Natural and whole beats processed and fake any day of the week.)

For more on soy, check out The Whole Soy Story by Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN and work with a dietitian coach to learn how to navigate a balanced way of eating that works for you.

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