does soy milk cause congestion

Does Soy Milk Cause Congestion?

The health benefits of soy milk are many, but some people may experience certain distressing symptoms on drinking soy milk. Does soy milk cause congestion? Scroll down to find out why one may develop congestion on drinking soy milk.

Soy milk is often referred to as a great alternative to cow's milk, especially for those who are lactose intolerant. For the same reason, soy-based infant formula is used for infants suffering from galactosemia, which is one of the rare inborn errors of metabolism, wherein one cannot digest galactose, which is a simple sugar that is present in lactose. The nutritional profile of soy milk is quite good. It is rich in antioxidants and is also rich in proteins. However, soy milk is not a rich source of calcium which is why the manufacturers usually fortify it with calcium and other vitamins in order to increase its nutritional value. Though it may be projected as an alternative to cow's milk for those who are lactose intolerant, some people could develop an allergic reaction on drinking soy milk. Wondering how to find out if soy milk does not agree with your system? Well, your body itself would reveal the truth. Runny nose, skin problems and diarrhea are some of the common symptoms of a soy allergy. Can Soy Milk Cause Congestion? Though some people believe that excessive consumption of milk and dairy products can cause excessive production of mucus, there isn't enough evidence to corroborate the link between nasal congestion and consumption of milk or dairy products. Though soy milk, or other milk substitutes, are suggested for those who have trouble digesting lactose, the possibility of such people developing an intolerance to such milk substitutes cannot be completely ruled out. Thus, infants who develop an allergic reaction on drinking cow's milk, are definitely susceptible to developing soy milk intolerance. Does soy milk cause congestion? Well, nasal congestion may actually be a sign of an allergic reaction to the protein present in soy milk. Wondering why do some people experience nasal congestion on consuming soy milk? Well, congestion may actually be caused due to the hypersensitivity of the immune system to a protein found in soy milk. Congestion, facial swelling, runny nose, diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms of soy allergy that one may experience, appear in response to the release of certain chemicals. Let me give you a basic idea about this immune response. Whenever the immune system considers a substance to be a foreign invader, it reacts by producing immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies bind to the allergenic substance and stimulate the subcutaneous immune cells to secrete histamines in order to fight the allergen. It is the secretion of histamines in the nasal passages and throat that gives rise to inflammation of the mucus membranes. While, inflamed membranes in the throat may cause coughing. Swelling, wheezing or development of skin rashes are also attributed to the inflammatory response caused due to secretion of histamines. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that may occur in some people. Under such circumstances, the airways may swell up and become constricted, thereby causing shortness of breath. Immediate medical assistance is required under such circumstances. Soy Milk Allergy Prevention These days, blood tests are often conducted in order to identify the food items one may be allergic to. If these tests reveal the identity of certain food items that you may be allergic to, it would be best to refrain from consuming such foods. If you have been experiencing nasal congestion ever since you started drinking soy milk, you can get yourself tested to find out if your body may be reacting to the protein present in soy milk. Avoidance of the allergenic substance is the best way to prevent congestion. For those who seem to be experiencing the symptoms of soy milk allergy, it would be best to stop drinking soy milk. In order to alleviate the symptoms of allergy doctors recommend the use of antihistamines. Antihistamines are drugs that undo the effects of histamines, thereby reducing the inflammatory response. Some other drugs may also be prescribed if one seems to be exhibiting symptoms such as diarrhea. In severe cases, where one is experiencing shortness of breath, one may have to use inhaled medications. Oxygen therapy or intravenous administration of fluids may be required in such cases. If you feel that drinking soy milk is causing any health problems, it would be best to avoid drinking it. Though manufacturers market soy milk as an excellent substitute for cow's milk, research has revealed certain side effects of soy milk as well. Those who are allergic to soy milk must avoid it completely, while those who aren't, must drink it in moderation.

Похожие статьи