The Truth About Soy

| Modified on Aug 27, 2022
The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Soy Dangers
Posted by Lisa (Bullhead City, Arizona) on 11/20/2012

Its been found that soy products cause multiple types of cancer and many other health problems. If you use soy, even in smaller amounts STOP!!! Do not give your babies soy formulas either. Every study done on this has proven to be hazardous to your health. Please heed this warning and dont use soy!!!


Soy Dangers
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh/usa) on 09/28/2012

I did some googling and found this link re the top 10 genetically modified foods ("GMO") to avoid eating :

http://www.naturalnews.com/035734_GMOs_foods_dangers.html


Soy Dangers
Posted by Mr. Ree (Somewhere, Usa) on 09/27/2012

I see where Bill from the Phillipines said "NOW" lecithin is GMO... My question is does anybody know where I can find out exactly what lecithins products are and are NOT GMO products? It would help with everybodys health...

I heard 90% of all soy products are GMO and that ALL soy in this country is sprayed with agent orange... This came from a very good source...Thank you

Ted's Defense of Soy
Posted by Quixote (Las Vegas, Nv) on 03/11/2012

I am very interested in Ted's info about Soy as I had only heard one other person an MD say it was good for men bu, it seems everyone else thinks it is bad-so would Ted say that if you get the NON GMO soy would he recommend it for reasons stated?

Love the website by the way, Quixote


Ted's Defense of Soy
Posted by Quixote (Las Vegas, Nv) on 03/11/2012

I am very interested in Ted's info about Soy as I had only heard one other person an MD say it was good for men bu, it seems everyone else thinks it is bad-so would Ted say that if you get the NON GMO soy would he recommend it for reasons stated?

Love the website by the way, Quixote


Soy Dangers
Posted by Cat (Tauranga, New Zealand) on 02/17/2012

However, this was not my actual question; which concerns whether soy products are really as healthy as the food industry likes to portray them? The main principle lies in the amount, because too much is unhealthy, as you always say.

Basically soy is a high-quality plant protein in which Isoflavones are also contained in large quantities in the form of phytoestrogens. Nevertheless, the protein and the Isoflavones, as well as other substances of soy, are in no way harmless. In particular with long-term consumption of large quantities, the Isoflavones effect the hormone balance quite critically.

However, all the other soy substances are not harmless either, which is why they should be used as food only with sufficient caution or not at all. In particular no kind of food for children should contain any soy products at all, because with regard to the Isoflavones, especially the health of babies, toddlers and adolescents is impaired by soy products and in other respects health is seriously damaged. Already less than one quarter of a milligram of Isoflavones per one kilogram of body weight per day can cause very bad and irreparable health defects in children of every age, namely in relation to consciousness activity, the brain, the intelligence, the world of thought and feeling, the psyche, the physical body and the behaviour pattern etc.

If pregnant women consume soy products it can lead to heavy and irreparable damages to the foetus' body, limbs, nerves, cerebrum and muscles as well as to body deformations. More than a quarter of a milligram of Isoflavones per kilo of body weight should not be given to babies and toddlers under any circumstances.

Said with easy and generally understandable words and concepts, soy products of all kind, because of their toxic ingredients, in larger quantities are even capable of impairing the health of strong adults and to cause serious damage, which can lead to growth of tumours, respectively cancer and to the fostering of brain-, consciousness and behavioural disorders, personality changes and to infertility.

Especially breast cancer in women and men is often caused by soy products, as well as depression and Parkinson's, namely in particular when a hereditary disposition exists for it. Also Alzheimer's and dementia can be results of an excess of the Isoflavones, as well as an impairment of eyesight, the taste buds, the ability to concentrate, the moral balance and various other important life factors.

Then what ought to be the amount of soy that the adult may take? The quantity depends on the concentration of Isoflavones, of which a person should consume no more than half a milligram per kilo of body weight daily if he does not want to be impaired toxically. This means that a person of 70 kilograms of body weight should not consume soy products that exceed 35 milligrams of Isoflavones. However, with soy consumption this amount is reached very quickly.

This is indeed the case, because already a normal soy drink of 2.5 dl in size contains about 30 milligrams of Isoflavones.

And what is the case with drugs made of soy respectively concerning their Isoflavones? Such drugs are in no way recommend, if, on one hand, they are not adjusted for the body weight, and, on the other hand, are taken for too long a time, or if the person is especially susceptible with regard to Isoflavones

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/3513607.stm

I recall reading somewhere that tofu, miso etc (the fermented types of soy) are safe and that's why Asians have no problems with their consumption of soy. It's really only the western world that has decided to include soy in so many products (canned tuna for instance) and this is where the problems lies. Check the labels in your pantry and you'll be amazed at how much soy we're consuming, to our detriment!!!

Soy Feedback
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 12/29/2011

I came across this article on the dangers of soy being hidden in our foods. I think everyone should read it. It says that soy is high in antrinutrients and blocks nutrients being digested in the digestive tract. It can affect masculinity and drive down fertility. Women eating large quantities of soy can experience hair thinning amongst other things. Consumption can according to the article lead to thyroid disfunction.

It certainly is getting harder to try to avoid getting very sick these days and it is hidden using various names in most processed foods. Along with MSG and aspartame you wonder what Governments are doing to the worldwide population.

No wonder our kids minds are being turned to mush. I would be interested in others thoughts on this.

http://www.justmindpower.com/Soy.html

Soy Feedback
Posted by Dale7010 (Lansing, Mi) on 12/18/2011

I read carefully the first entry on the page -"Ted's Defense of Soy" and clicked on the link for pubmed.org which he stated would support the case for soy not affecting testosterone. I found this link

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21353476

which clearly demonstrates in this particular case that discontinuing a soy-based vegan diet restored a male's normal testosterone levels after a year.

I'm going to limit soy from now on.


Ted's Defense of Soy
Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg, North West South Africa) on 12/09/2011

Hi Jen, I fully agree with you, phytoestrogens in soy is 2nd to flax, I will strongly advise people to stay away from anything that contains phytoestrogens, it makes girls out of boys & girls are reaching puberty earlier than they should. Men lose testoterone & suffer from ED. Estogen dominance is a very serious thing. Look up estrogen dominance & research it & you will never touch soy & flax seeds again. Then there xenoestogens in plastic, chemical sprays etc that disrupt your hormones.


Ted's Defense of Soy
Posted by Susan (San Francisco, Ca) on 12/09/2011

My two cents worth on soy - 1) The soy that is good for you is formented soy (miso is one example) - 2) Why is soy in the ingredients lists of thousands (... Hundreds?) of products? Because the people who grow soy are the same people who grow corn (think high fructose corn syrup). Soy is cheap to grow so it gets pushed as being a health benefit and is now hard to avoid.


Ted's Defense of Soy
Posted by Jen (Bozeman, Mt, Us) on 12/09/2011

I am truly thankful that we live in a world where we are free to make our own decisions. The only problem is that not everyone is willing to research everything they put in and on their bodies. But they have the choice to do so and that is wonderful. I myself choose not to eat, drink, or put soy on my body. That does not mean that I disagree with Ted but that I have researched the subject and have chosen for myself and my family to steer clear of it. As my family has thyroid problems I have decided that there is too much evidence against it for people with thyroid disease. I also do not know much about how to prepare organic home made soy and therefore do not trust that it is healthy for me or my family.

I do not believe that Ted has sided with the certain interest groups, multinational companies or goverments on this topic as he is always willing to offer help that is unconventional and unbiased. His post was a long time ago so things change and will keep changing depending on different diseases popping up, studies being done, and lawsuits being faught. Some day soy will be back on the ok list just like eggs and dairy are now. There is no doubt that certain interest groups, multinational companies and governments will always try to sway the people into taking or not taking certain foods and supplements but we are free to decide (at least for the time being) if we will follow the rest of the herd or choose to do the unconventional.


Ted's Defense of Soy
Posted by Rob (Manhattan, Ny) on 12/09/2011

I agree with Ted.. The strongest proofs are in the epidemiological studies. Japan for instance. That said there is propably a percentage that have adverse reactions to it. One should definitely choose organic as Monsanto has been manipulating this one as a "Roundup Ready" crop. (as well as Canola) Truly an evil company but that's another topic..

I also point to Weil's view here after reconsidering new evidence...

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA326575


Ted's Defense of Soy
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Zug, Switzerland) on 12/09/2011

I understand where you are coming from Jordan.... I have never understood how we have come to be in this place. We live in a society where no one seems to know anything anymore! Everything can kill you or be of great help, amazing! From all I have read I won't touch unfermented soy and I am very sorry that I gave soy formula to two of my daughters when they were babies, is Ted right? I have no clue but as I don't really feel like trying out soy and I don't drink milk anyway for me it is not a problem! But too bad we live in a society where no one seems to be able to make up their minds on anything, leaving people not know what to do! It is like playing Russian roulette....


Ted's Defense of Soy
Posted by Jordan (Lincoln, Nebraska Usa) on 12/08/2011

So I am sure that there are no alterior motives pushing soy? No certain interest groups, multinational companies or goverments who might benefit from more soy being sold?

If you are going to post something like this on the internet at least be non biased. I dare you to find five studies that just as staunchly will tell you how bad soy is. Just because you can copy and paste is no excuse to think you are right.

I was just reading this little tid bit before I ran accross this.

http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/23/11/2584.full

Funny how if you only look at papers supporting your point of view, you end up looking right. Be the devils advocate to your own point of view.


Ted's Defense of Soy
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 07/25/2006 392 posts

For years I have tolerated growing onslaught of misinformation about Soy even though most studies relating to soy is quite positive. Today, I am angry and decided to post this myself.

If you don't believe me that soy is good for you, you don't have to! You can prove this for yourself! I will tell you how! The secret is here.

Do this: go to www.pubmed.org and do a search using the following keyword as follows:

  • soy cancer
  • soy dht
  • soy testosterone
  • soy estrogen
  • soy osteoporosis

You will then learn the truth and you don't even have to believe me. I have done this for you already, and here are the summaries in case you don't have time! True information that I will post the research citations verbatim directly from research studies as follows:

1. DHT hormones (dihydrotestosterone) are the major cause of male hormone baldness. When lack of testosterone does not generate that much DHT stays on your head. The only known substance to reduce that is DHT.

2. Phytoestrogen has no effect on estrogen levels or hormone levels or even testosterone.

3. Soy helps with osteoporosis.

4. Soy reduces cancer and is used to treat cancer victims.

I will post the medical abstracts verbatim below.

Now the reason why such a relentless attack on soy is that there are ulterior motives from certain interest groups such as

1. Decreasing milk cows sales.
2. the use of genetically modified cows
3. the use of bovine growth hormones injected into cows which we drink and may cause obesity
4. The prevalence of mad cow's disease
5. The findings of a chemical toxins and toxic vaccines and might be found in cow's milk.

I am an Asian, here where I live we actually consume more soy milk then even fermented soy products. And it has kept us relatively low of osteoporosis.

Because of so much bombardment against soy, I will not put any thing here besides research abstract below. Ted"

Nope: soy does not effect testosterone:

Serum prostate-specific antigen but not testosterone levels decrease in a randomized soy intervention among men.

Maskarinec G, Morimoto Y, Hebshi S, Sharma S, Franke AA, Stanczyk FZ.

1Cancer Research Center of Hawaii, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA.

Background: Low prostate cancer incidence and high soy intake in Asian countries suggest a possible protective effect of soy foods against prostate cancer. The goal of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of a randomized, crossover soy trial among men and to investigate the effects of daily soy intake on serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and testosterone levels.Methods:We randomized 24 men to a high or a low soy diet for 3 months. After a 1-month washout period, the men crossed over to the other treatment. During the high soy diet, the men consumed two daily soy servings; during the low soy diet, they maintained their usual diet. During the entire study each man donated four blood samples and five overnight urine samples. Dietary compliance was assessed by soy calendars, 24-h dietary recalls, and urinary isoflavone excretion measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection. Blood samples were analyzed for serum testosterone and PSA by radioimmunoassay. When necessary, variables were log transformed. Two sample t-tests compared the two groups before each study period. Mixed models incorporating the repeated measurements were used to evaluate the effect of the soy diet on urinary isoflavone excretion and serum analytes.Results:Twenty-three men aged 58.7+/-7.2 years completed the study. The compliance with the study regimen was high according to self-reported soy food intake and urinary isoflavone excretion. No significant between-group and within-group differences were detected. During the high soy diet, dietary isoflavone intake and urinary isoflavone excretion increased significantly as compared to the low soy diet. A 14% decline in serum PSA levels (P=0.10), but no change in testosterone (P=0.70), was observed during the high soy diet in contrast to the low soy diet.Conclusion:The high adherence as shown by three measures of compliance in this pilot trial demonstrated the feasibility of an intervention based on soy foods among free-living men.European Journal of Clinical Nutrition advance online publication, 14 June 2006; doi:10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602473.

PMID: 16775579 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Asians have less osteporosis because of soy milk consumption! We consume more soy milk then the so called fermented things that Dr. Mercola claims!

Osteoporosis prevention education programme for women. Chan MF, Ko CY.

School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong SAR, China.

AIM: This paper reports an evaluation of a nurse-initiated education programme on four specific osteoporosis prevention behaviours which led to their adoption or to positive attitude changes.

BACKGROUND: In the past, osteoporosis was a serious health concern that most commonly affected women in Northern Europe and the United States of America, but was less commonly seen in Asian women. However, in Hong Kong, osteoporosis is currently among the top five conditions causing disability and prolonged hospital stay for older people. From an economic perspective, the most cost-effective approach is to focus on primary prevention via education, and nurses often have the responsibility of providing such educational programmes.

METHOD: A randomized controlled study was conducted from July 2004 to March 2005 with 76 women (38 cases and 38 controls) recruited in two private beauty clinics in Hong Kong. Pre-, post- and follow-up education data were compared regarding attitudes and adoption frequency before and after the education programme. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant increases for each behaviour: consumption of soy foods (P < 0.001), milk (P < 0.001), more exercise (P = 0.01) and vitamin D/exposure to sunlight (P < 0.001) for the case group compared with the control group. Most participants either disagreed (n = 15, 39.0%) or strongly disagreed (n = 23, 61.0%) that there was not enough information provided in the education programme to motivate them to change. They rated the nurse's performance as either satisfactory or very satisfactory on presentation, ability to answer their questions and ability to describe each behaviour clearly.

CONCLUSION: Although positive results with a nurse-initiated education programme were demonstrated, future research examining the effects of education and occupation on these four adoption behaviours should focus on more diverse populations with respect to age, income or ethnicity. The findings suggest the value of creative approaches in future health education for the prevention of osteoporosis, and the need for a critical appraisal of current strategies and a re-evaluation of services and funding.

PMID: 16553702 [PubMed - in process]


A rat study confirms improved bone when fed with soy

Soy affects trabecular microarchitecture and favorably alters select bone-specific gene expressions in a male rat model of osteoporosis.

Soung DY, Devareddy L, Khalil DA, Hooshmand S, Patade A, Lucas EA, Arjmandi BH.

Department of Nutrition, Food & Exercise Sciences, Florida State University, 436 Sandels Bldg, Tallahassee, Florida, 32306-1493, USA,

We have recently reported that soy isoflavones particularly when provided in the context of soy protein are capable of preventing loss of bone mineral density due to orchidectomy in F344 rats. We hypothesize, that soy isoflavones also exert beneficial effects on bone microstructural properties, in part, by enhancing bone formation. Therefore, in the present study, we examined the dose-dependent effects of soy isoflavones on femoral bone microarchitectural properties and select bone-specific gene expressions in the same rat model. Seventy-two, 13-month old rats were either orchidectomized (ORX; 5 groups) or sham-operated (Sham; 1 group) and immediately placed on dietary treatments for 180 days. Four of the ORX groups were fed either casein- or soy protein-based diets each with one of two doses of isoflavones either 600 or 1200 mg/kg diet. Rats in the remaining ORX control and Sham groups were fed a control casein-based diet. Soy protein at the high isoflavone dose, and to a lesser extent with the lower dose, reduced the magnitude of the ORX-induced decreases in trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number (Th.N) and increase in trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) at the femoral neck site. These modulations of trabecular microstructural properties by isoflavones may be due to increased mRNA levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (COL), and osteocalcin (OC), which are associated with enhanced bone formation. These findings confirm our earlier observations that the modest bone protective effects of soy isoflavones are due to increased rate of bone formation.

PMID: 16830200 [PubMed - in process

Soy reduces dangerous DHT that causes you to go bald But yet had no effect on good hormones!

1: J Nutr. 2005 Mar;135(3):584-91.
Soy protein isolates of varying isoflavone content exert minor effects on serum reproductive hormones in healthy young men.

Dillingham BL, McVeigh BL, Lampe JW, Duncan AM.

Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.

Inverse associations between soy and prostate cancer and the contribution of hormones to prostate cancer prompted the current study to determine whether soy protein could alter serum hormones in men. Thirty-five men consumed milk protein isolate (MPI), low-isoflavone soy protein isolate (SPI) (low-iso SPI; 1.64 +/- 0.19 mg isoflavones/d), and high-iso SPI (61.7 +/- 7.35 mg isoflavones/d) for 57 d each in a randomized crossover design. Twenty-four-hour urine samples indicated that urinary isoflavones were significantly increased by the high-iso SPI relative to the low-iso SPI and MPI. Serum collected on d 1, 29, and 57 of each treatment revealed that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and DHT/testosterone were significantly decreased by the low-iso SPI [9.4% (P = 0.036) and 9.0% (P = 0.004), respectively] and the high-iso SPI [15% (P = 0.047) and 14% (P = 0.013), respectively], compared with the MPI at d 57. Other significant effects included a decrease in testosterone by the low-iso SPI relative to the MPI (P = 0.023) and high-iso SPI (P = 0.020) at d 29; an increase in dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate by the low-iso SPI relative to the MPI at d 29 (P = 0.001) and relative to the MPI (P = 0.0003) and high-iso SPI (P = 0.005) at d 57; and increases in estradiol and estrone by the low-iso SPI relative to the MPI at d 57 (P = 0.010 and P = 0.005, respectively). In conclusion, soy protein, regardless of isoflavone content, decreased DHT and DHT/testosterone with minor effects on other hormones, providing evidence for some effects of soy protein on hormones. The relevance of the magnitude of these effects to future prostate cancer risk requires further investigation.

PMID: 15735098 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Soy is used in cancer treatment!! Cancer causing? You have been lied to by the Cow's milk consortium! Yes it protects against Prostate Cancer!

Effects of a diet rich in phytoestrogens on prostate-specific antigen and sex hormones in men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Dalais FS, Meliala A, Wattanapenpaiboon N, Frydenberg M, Suter DA, Thomson WK, Wahlqvist ML.

International Health and Development Unit, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of diets rich in soy and linseed compared with a control diet on biochemical markers of prostate cancer in men diagnosed with prostate cancer. METHODS: Twenty-nine men diagnosed with prostate cancer and scheduled to undergo a radical prostatectomy were randomized to one of three groups: soy (high phytoestrogen), soy and linseed (high phytoestrogen), or wheat (low phytoestrogen). A bread was specially manufactured to incorporate 50 g of heat-treated (HT) soy grits or 50 g of HT soy grits and 20 g of linseed as part of the study participant's daily diet. Baseline and preoperative levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, free androgen index, and dihydrotestosterone were measured. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were detected between the HT soy grits group and the control wheat group for the percentage of change in total PSA (-12.7% versus 40%, P = 0.02) and the percentage of change in free/total PSA ratio (27.4% versus -15.6%, P = 0.01); and between the HT soy grits group and the HT soy grits and linseed group for the percentage of change in free androgen index (16.4% versus -15.5%, P = 0.04) and the percentage of change in free/total PSA ratio (27.4% versus -10%, P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The data from this study indicate that a daily diet containing four slices of a bread rich in HT soy grits favorably influences the PSA level and the free/total PSA ratio in patients with prostate cancer. This work provides some evidence to support epidemiologic studies claiming that male populations who consume high phytoestrogen diets have a reduced risk of prostate cancer development and progression.

PMID: 15351581 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]


Genistein and daizein is o.k.

Genistein and daidzein downregulate prostate androgen-regulated transcript-1 (PART-1) gene expression induced by dihydrotestosterone in human prostate LNCaP cancer cells. Yu L, Blackburn GL, Zhou JR.

Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory, Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.

Epidemiologic investigations and laboratory studies suggest that bioactive soy phytochemical components may be used as an effective dietary regimen for prevention of prostate cancer. Studies designed to identify new genes that are responsive to androgens and are sensitive to the prevention of prostate cancer using soy bioactive components have become a research priority. In this study, we determined the effect of soy isoflavones on the expression of prostate androgen-regulated transcript 1 (PART-1), a newly discovered androgen-induced gene that may represent a novel androgen-dependent prostate cancer tumor marker. In an androgen-depleted cell culture system, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induced expression of PART-1 transcript in androgen-sensitive LNCaP, but not in androgen-independent DU 145 or PC-3 human prostate cancer cells. The soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein dose-dependently inhibited DHT-induced expression of the PART-1 transcript. Genistein at 50 micro mol/L completely inhibited expression of the PART-1 transcript in LNCaP cells induced by DHT at 0.1 and 1.0 nmol/L. Daidzein was less potent than genistein, whereas glycitein at the same levels as genistein or daidzein did not inhibit DHT-induced PART-1 transcript expression. Our studies suggest that use of the PART-1 gene as a biomarker for evaluating the efficacy of soy isoflavones on androgen-dependent prostate cancer warrants further investigation.

PMID: 12566472 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Soy Sauce
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 10/12/2011

Soy sauce is not created equal most have only a very small percentage of fermented soy and the rest is soy (usually GMO soy), wheat, colours and salt. It is very rare that the salt is the good sea salt. Traditional soy sauce is called Tamari (or at least in Australia it is) and it contains only soy beans, water and sea salt and is naturally fermented. As you are using it every day it would be worth getting the organic tamari. It would also pay to make sure you are getting enough iodine.


Soy Sauce
Posted by Loren (Queens, Ny) on 10/11/2011

Hey everyone: Can someone tell me once and for all if soy sauce (kikkoman for example) is not good for people who are hypothyroid? I use this sauce in everything I cook and am worried now if it should be off limits for people who have thyroid disease because of the soy. Help please!!

Soy Feedback
Posted by Natalie (Sonoma, Ca) on 06/28/2011

Just like everything else, moderation is the key. EVERYTHING is bad for you if you take it repeatedly every single day. Most of the problems that arise from soy occur when it's taken with extreme frequency. We rarely see this with other food groups and they would probably have their own health drawbacks. Pure oxygen is actually bad for you, but since we breathe it in a mixture of gases our bodies can take it and it becomes not only extremely beneficial, but vital- moderation.

Another good point is that everyone's body is different. If something is making you sick you should stop having it. Dairy gives me stomach problems but I'm not going to assume suddenly that it's poisonous for everyone. There are so many diet fads and extremist views that people "swear" by with food when the reality is you need to just use common sense and eat intuitively. I personally love soy, I eat tofu or drink a glass of soymilk often and I've never experienced any health problems from it. Also, if we examine diets of other cultures, Japan is known for the longevity of its people (outliving Americans on average by nearly ten years) and they have a diet that's rich in soy. That may not be the reason why they are living so long, but it's clear that soy isn't killing them off.

Clearly, there is conflicting research, but the backlash against soy is sudden and extreme, much like, well, a fad. It's very "in" right now to hate soy, just like back when it became very "in" to love soy when it became popular in America.


Soy Feedback
Posted by Kay (Atlanta, Georgia) on 02/22/2011
★☆☆☆☆

I was an avid soy/tofu/tempeh eater & soy-milk drinker, however that changed completely in 2006. I began having extremely heavy menstrual cycles, cramping and headaches during every cycle which went from 6 days to 10 days.

The final threat was an incident at work while on my cycle, I got up to walk to a colleauges office and as I stoood approximately 2 to 3 cups of blood poured out of my body. I now know that to be "flooding".

My GYN doctor immediately put me on Progesterone hormone therapy, which worked temporarily. The progesterone was to aid in balancing my hormone levels of estrogen & progesterone.

She advised that the fibroids had grown very large (the size of a 6 week pregnancy) in my uterine walls.

I learned that Soy has high traces of estrogen and this is what aided to the growth of fibroids.

Sadly, I had to have surgery in 2008. It was very traumatic and I even ended up with a large keloid scar.

After the surgery, I limited soy and replaced soy-milk with almond milk.

In December 2010, I decided to become vegan and again increased my soy/tofu/tempeh, again, my fibroids are back and my doctor has advised that I will need to have surgery again.

I am convinced that the soy products added extra dosages of estrogen which contributed to the growth and regrowth of my fibroids.

It's obvious that all people do not react the same to foods and/or drugs. But, similiar to medications and the listed possible side effects, the same should always be stated with any reference or suggestion to natural remedies or supplements.

Thank you.


Soy Feedback
Posted by Annon (Anywhere, Usa) on 02/21/2011

Lanos wrote: 02/21/2011: Lanos from Socalifornia, Usa writes: "Tybrid is absolutely correct, stay away from soy products. My experience with it was very regretful.
------------
Hey, Lanos - Maybe you should just pray to God over it, and then take it anyway. Refering to your other post, and your condescending attitude.
GOD BLESS.


Soy Feedback
Posted by Lanos (Socalifornia, Usa) on 02/21/2011

Tybrid is absolutely correct, stay away from soy products. My experience with it was very regretful. Never give soy products to infants or children. Thyroid and other problems with the glandular system can occur.


Soy Feedback
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 02/21/2011 392 posts

Some people are allergic to soy and soy is not good in that instances. But whether it is dangerous for all human consumption is another matter. I am aware of Mercola and most of the points he raised is not substantiated in pubmed.org. I don't have time at the moment to go point by point. I do use soy in many serious medical conditions such as cancer and osteoporosis, so it helps if you just do a point by point search in medical journals at pubmed. All clients here in Bangkok are pro soy since there were greatly helped. In any case what works for you doesn't work for someone else. My time right now is greatly limited to very grave disease and should you have time to visit me in Bangkok I can go point by point very easily.

Ted


Soy Feedback
Posted by Tybrid (San Jose, Ca) on 02/19/2011

Hello Ted and all. Although I really appreciate you Ted and the Earthclinic site for all of the invaluable information that has helped me and countless others in our quest for excellent health and well being, I have to strongly disagree with you on your stance on soy and that soy is overall good for you and safe. I am of the belief that for the most part, soy is not good for us, in its natural state (very toxic and has to be highly processed for people to consume). Isoflvones have been shown to be estrogenic. It is not just the dairy companies that slam soy as their ulterior motive is obvious. There are so many natural, holistic, naturopaths, sports nutritionists, alternative scientist and others who are saying the same negative things about soy and some of them have the actual clinical studies to support this. But my own personal negative experience with soy, which was validated in such a way by a well known chiropractor/naturopath whose main supplement he sales is a soy formula. Some background. I used to be a personal trainer and a natural, drug free bodybuilder(before the show, you are put under a polygragh and urine is tested for steroids and performance enhancing drugs) , fitness model, etc. Well at one point, I remember hearing from my TCM (Traditional Chinese herbalist) to eat more tofu and soy as well from this well known natural chiropractor to reduce amount of animal protein and eat more soy. Well, I did this, I switcehd to a soy based protein meal replacement... About 4 days in using this, I felt like crap and my drive (all of my drives) drive for life, energy, libido, all of that was gone as if never existed. This was shocking as I have a natural strong drive and a go-getter. I was doing some research and stumbled upon many articles on how soy mimics estrogen and negatively effects testosterone in the body. I immediately stopped taking soy and went back to egg protein, grassfed beef with the fat and noticed almost overnight how my testosterone levels and drive went back to normal. Going back to this well know chiro, who promoted an anti-cancer/disease program and whose main supplements was soy protein. I was one of the biggest seller of his products, books etc in the country but after my experience with soy and all the research I did, I questioned him about this and his response or lack of response was even more proof to me, that soy is not as good for us as we have been led to believe... I had dinner with this natural doctor and he was willfuilly answering all of my questions until, I asked him about soy and the negative effects on testosterone and increased estrogen and why as a man, I would want to take anything that would increase estrogen in my body. He simply stopped chewing his food, put his fork down and paused as he was thinking on how to respond. He then replied, "No comment" and kept eating as if the question was never asked. I took this as a yes, there is validity to the negative effects of soy (fermented soy like soy sauce, etc is not as toxic but in excess still negatively effects the hormones) as well as years of my own research especially with athletes and sports doctors, etc.

Go to www.mercola.com or drwongradio. com (Naturopathic doctor who has podcasts about alternative health much about dangers of soy and estrogen excess); Dianne Gregs site: http://hiddensoy.com/ etc., Ori Hoffmekler author of the Warrior Diet and The Anti-Estrogen Diet. They all can't be wrong coming from the alternative and holistic community but I encourage anyone curious about soy on whether or not it is right for them, to do their "due diligence" and research both the pros and cons and then make an educated decison...

so, thanks again Ted for keeping us informed and I appreciate this site in where we can freely agreed to disagree...

T

Soy Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 07/30/2010

Hi Elsaeasterly, thanks for your kind words about my use of the English language! Funny enough I only lived in England for a few months when I was 18 (now 53) but my husband is British and we have been together for almost 5 years. Still, when I went to live in England at 18 they considered my English so good that although there was no place for me to study English in Harrow College they were prepared to let me do the course. Being 18 I decided that I didn't feel like it (very silly, I know... ). I started learning English at school when I was 12 and read mostly in English from then on, many, many books. One of my daughters started speaking English fluently at the age of 7 (in Holland) and even translated for the teachers at school when a Canadian girl moved there. She had never had a lesson. Thanks again for your words.... I surely do my best...


Soy Feedback
Posted by Elsaeasterly (Elsewhere, Ca, Usa) on 07/29/2010

Francisca,

I was fed soy formula as an infant, and I do not know of any health problems that I have ( I don't have many) that are connected to soy. That being said, knowing what I know now, I certainly would not give a soy formula to an infant, but I wouldn't worry about the past too much. By the way, you have said that you grew up in Portugal and now live in France (correct?), but your English seems flawless. What's your secret?


Soy Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 07/28/2010

I am also a mother of two children who were fed with soy formula because they were lactose intolerant. I had no idea of the risks or else I wouldn't have done it. The oldest who had lactose free formula had no problems, the two youngest, fed with soy formula had a lot of eczema, the youngest had severe respiratory infections during the first year of her life and now has asthma. I have no idea whether this all comes from the soy formula but I have read that they can have hormonal problems through their lives. I really feel bad about this as I have always tried to give my daughters a lot of love and the best of care! They were also given fluoride tablets by the doctor and used them for a number of years when they were small! This is not done anymore though...But that doesn't help my daughters. I have heard that soy formula is nowadays only prescribed under doctor's supervision (maybe they should ban it alltogether...)


Soy Feedback
Posted by Janna (London, Uk ) on 07/21/2010
★☆☆☆☆

I just wanted to comment on the dangers of soya milk for the infants. I didn't read closely about the dangers of soya milk products because as a family we do not really consume them. However, my son who is now 7 years old and who had been on soya formula since the age of 4.5 month till perhaps 22 month. At about two years of age he started drinking cow's milk with no problems. Before had terrible intolerance to it and this soya formula was the only way for me to get him fed. Well, I did listen to the doctors (sadly) and had no idea that goat milk could be a substitute. In my family we are usually all healthy with good genes. In my husband's more or less also. With this in mind, I was taken aback when my son got pneumonia at 2 y.o. Then a few month later it reoccurred. Second time he needed oxygen mask as well. And this condition reoccurred again soon after. I became desperate. In the end we got it under control with salbutamol. The diagnosis wasn't asthma. But some kind of bronkho. . . Spasms. We had been using salbutamol constantly till he was 4 y.o. Then all of a sudden this breathing problem of his was gone. But soon came a new one - heavy allergy to mold that resulted in him no longer being able to properly breath through the nose. It also made him so susceptible to developing severe cough as soon as got a cold. He is otherwise fine - intelligent, very fit and tall. But he does have very strange behavior sometimes. I even thought of taking him to see a psychologist. He likes to annoy every one in the house, cannot find occupation for himself on his own - he craves attention all the time! I've got another boy, 2y.o. who I breast-fed till he was 15 month. Of course, I compare the two often. The younger one is much healthier - no pneumonia, allergies, coughs or bronkho spasms. No attention cravings! And is just as fit, tall and strong and a clever one too. God, if I had only known then what kind of long-term harm I would cause my child with this soya formula!

Soy Sauce
Posted by Baldev (Mumbai, Maharashtra, India) on 07/07/2010 184 posts

I would like to know if there are any advantages or disadvantages of taking Dark Soya Sauce in meals? Also, is it true that Sodium bicarbonate depletes Vit. B complex from the body? Thanks

Soy Feedback
Posted by Billie (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) on 06/02/2010

yes i think you should definitely tell your daughters...im so glad my mum told me about what she had read about soy milk...i saw alot of doctors and none of them seemed too interested in my lack of periods...i kept hearing "just go on the pill to regulate"

One man even sat back in his chair and put his hands behind his head and told me that..."can i ask you how much you weigh" when i told him i have always been a petite 45kgs no matter how much i eat and my parents and friends aren't concerned about my weight because they know my eating habbits, he then said in a patronising way..."well you do relies your the weight of alot of anorexic girls and when you starve you body you most likely stop menstruating" i couldn't believe it....that was the last time i saw him...it was probably easier for him to put me in a box with his conclusion.

i feel that alot of western trained doctors really don't want to believe there is any relation between herbal/natural remedies and health...its too easy to just prescribe a pill.

My youngest brother was bought up on soy milk as he was severely allergic to dairy...he had lots of issues with his health in his early years....he is now 18yrs and as my mum tells me he has confided in her that he has a very small "little friend" (& he just ended up in hospital with enlarged cysts on his testicles) he also has a strange voice which sounds high and blocked...too much oestrogen? i have 2 other brothers that were fine with dairy that have no problems like he has...a coincidence or fluke?

i still eat tofu and temphe as im sure these are good for you...

since i stopped soy milk everything is back to normal im happy to say..


Soy Feedback
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 06/02/2010

I have been reading a lot about unfermented soy products lately and all the problems they create. My children were born in Holland. They all three had lactose intolerance. The oldest was given formula without lactose but at the time the youngest two were born soy was already in fashion and they were prescribed soy formula by the doctor. Back then one didn't think twice about what the doctor prescribed so we had no problem with it. As I understand now it can cause them problems for the rest of their lives. Soy formula is now only prescribed in cases the baby is watched closely by the doctor. But I ask myself... why still prescribe it at all? They say that it is the same as giving a new born one to two anticonception pills....... Who on earth would do that? I don't know whether to tell the news to my daughters but I think that I ought too. Their doctor should know because in case they indeed have a problem it might be easier to solve if the doctor knows they have had this terrible formula when they were babies.


Soy Feedback
Posted by Billie (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia) on 05/30/2010
★☆☆☆☆

i became a vegetarian and started drinking soy milk at the age of 16..i started using it in everything...i got up to the point of drinking about 1 ltr every day 1.5 days...i loved it!! i was addicted to drinking tea with creamy original soy...i had it on everything...

At the age of 25 my period started slowing down in frequency, between the age of 25-30 i was only having about 3-6 "clotty" 2day periods a year and i developed a big thick chunk in the middle of my neck "swollen thyroid", i had ultra sounds on it apparently it was "normal" "its just more visible due to your slim neck"...i saw many doctors and had tests but they all told me i was fine and to just go on the pill if i wanted to regulate my period...this was not an option for me...i started worrying about my fertility, would i ever be able to get pregnant.
Then at the age of 30.5 my mum read an article about the bad side of soy milk and she told me to get off it quickly....

So i switched to rice milk and 28 days later i got a 5 day period and 2yrs on i have been getting them every 28days..my swollen thyroid has even slimed down :-)....oh and within 5 months of stopping soy milk i got pregnant.

For me this is proof enough...the oestrogen in the soy was messing up my natural cycle...

well thats my story.

Soy Feedback
Posted by Steve (Atlanta, Georgia) on 05/09/2010
★★★★★

Ted is correct in distinguishing between fermented and non-fermented soy. 93% of soy in the USA is non-organic, hence the natural confusion for consumers who don't know the difference. In fact, there are 10,000 species of soy which adds to the challenge to evaluate it properly.

The National Cancer Insitute spent $20 million and concluded that soy when fermented had the most anti-carcinagenic properties.

When processed at a low temperature and hydrolyzed and nitrogenated into a beverage it has been a very effective alternative for treating advanced cancer patients as well as Crohn's disease, and other auto-immune illnesses.

It is a powerful immune booster and harnesses the body's natural healing powers more than most realize.

regards,
Steve Becker
Atlanta Ga


Soy Feedback
Posted by M (Mukilteo, Wa) on 03/15/2010

I use Silk a lot so I wrote the company to ask about an email on your site. I got this back from the company and if it is something you can use, you might put it on the site.

----------------------------

Thank you for your recent e-mail to Silk®. We appreciate your interest in our products.

Until recently the terms Genetically Modified Organism (GMO), GMO-Free and Non-GMO were used to help identify foods that contained genetically altered ingredients. These terms are no longer recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and therefore cannot be used on food packaging.

According to the National Organic Standards, products that are certified organic by definition cannot contain genetically modified ingredients. At Silk, we use only Non-GMO soybeans. Look for the biotechnology statement on our packaging, under Nobody makes soymilk like we do: "We take extra care to select only the best beans, grown without genetic engineering right here in North America."

Thanks again for contacting the Consumer Affairs Department.

Sincerely,
________
Consumer Response Representative


Soy Feedback
Posted by Robt (Manhattan, New York) on 03/07/2010

Hi Claudia, (in addition to Ted's advice)

you may want to consider adding Natto to your diet. Especially for your Mom. There are studies linking it's use to increased bone density. http://www.isoflavones.info/isoflavones-abstracts.php?article=menaquinone
I buy mine from a local Japanese store and purchase organic which hopefully ensures non GMO.
(there are videos on youtube showing is preparation)


Soy Feedback
Posted by Claudia (Hoor, Skane, Sweden) on 03/07/2010

Ted, hi and thanx for your always amazing bank of knowledge. I personally love soy products, from the taste to the known benefits. My mom is now suffering from severe osteoporois; it's awful and sad to watch her suffer. On a personal note, I used to eat a lot of soy for the obvious reasons - found I could not digest it. My Naturopath told me I was allergic (due to the symptoms I was having) - he also mentioned that so much of the soy we now have is GMO so the that in itself kind of negates the benefits. Am wondering :

A. Do you know of a way to ensure one is not getting GMO product?
B. What can someone like myself do who has allergic reactions to soy (gastric distress, etc).

Thanx so much for all your help!

regards,
Claudia

Soy Feedback
Posted by Mom In Calif (Santa Barbara, Calif, Usa) on 02/22/2010

There are a lot of ways to process soy. Traditional fermented soy foods are healthy - miso, tofu, shoyu, etc. I think the more modern uses of soy, such as meat substitutes, isolated or hydrolized soy protein, etc. are more problematic.

Also, remember that in the USA at least, a huge proportion of (non-organic) soy products are made with genetically-modified soy, which is very allergenic and messes with the immune system.


Soy Feedback
Posted by Bogazot (Cedar Knolls, Nj) on 02/22/2010

Why do you recommend soy as it is very clear in literature that soy is not a healthy food source.

EC: That's Ted's (a frequent contributor) opinion on soy, not Earth Clinic's...

Soy Feedback
Posted by Erynn (New Haven, Ct) on 02/12/2010

While I agree that the commercial industry of food is trying to force us to think that soy is bad, I do have to disagree on one part. I do think Soy effects estrogen, but may not necessarily be in a bad way. Women who are diagnosed with infertility are constantly using soy (in replacement of infertility drugs, like Clomid) to build their uterine lining and ovulate. Estrogen is the KEY horomone in Clomid, related with soy? I think the success of Soy proves this.



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