The Soy Conspiracy

Okay, "conspiracy" is a pretty strong word.  But I do feel strongly about the over-consumption of soy in the U.S.  Many of us who turn to a vegetarian or vegan diet often replace animal proteins with soy protein.  Soy protein is the only plant-based complete protein, it's true.  But soy is, in my opinion, just as damaging to the body as animal proteins.

Even if you're not a vegetarian, you probably consume a greater amount of soy than you think you do.  It's in everything; check your food labels.  Look especially for the word "lecithin."

Photo Credit: http://www.britishfoodanddrink.blogspot.com

My friend, Bean's Mommy, recently asked me what I thought about soy and wondered if I had written a blog post about it.  Oh shoot.  No, I haven't.  So what's my problem with soy?  I'm happy to tell you:

• My number 1 issue is that soy is the most genetically modified crop grown in America.  If you are not yet familiar with the dangers of GMO (genetically modified organisms), PLEASE read this and this and this and KEEP learning about what's in your food.  I am constantly learning more about what I'm feeding my family (see my Carrageenan post).  If you insist upon consuming soy, you better make sure it's organic.
• Soy interferes with the body's normal estrogen production in both males and females (yes dudes, you also produce estrogen).  The body's natural production of hormones is an already delicate balance, highly susceptible to the smallest change.  Soy is a phytoestrogen that stimulates some sex hormones, while inhibiting others.  Consumption by men can actually lower their testosterone levels, which lowers the sex drive in turn.  
• New studies are showing evidence that soy can actually increase a woman's risk of breast cancer, rather than the previously accepted theory that it helps decrease the risk.
• Other studies are showing links between soy consumption, particularly lecithin, and brain development in fetuses, infants, and children, as well as impedance of reproductive system development.  Yikes, y'all.

I've mentioned before that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, aka PCOS.  When I first began learning about my condition, every book, essay, and article I read strongly advised limiting soy consumption.  In those days, I was a happy soy consumer.  Soy milk, tofu, soy yogurt, edamame, were all a big part of my diet.  I thought I was doing the right thing - I'd been told that soy helps lower a woman's risk of developing breast cancer, that it's an excellent meat replacement, that the people of Japan and China have lower instances of heart disease and cancer because of their regular soy consumption.  Imagine my resistance to cut it out altogether.  I loved my soy lattes and tofu stir fries.  I didn't know then that soy was everywhere and in everything.  

When I became pregnant, I really made the effort to cut out soy completely.  I began using almond milk and learned more about other non-animal sources of protein (I could not stomach chicken during most of my pregnancy, I don't eat pork, and if I can't have my meat medium, I don't want it).  After Babydoll was born and my monthly cycle returned, I noticed something pretty major: I had no more PMS symptoms.  My entire life, up until that point, my cycles had meant horrible mood swings, unbelievably tender breasts, unbearable cramps, and unpredictable periods.  I can't begin to describe my elation, then confusion, about the change.  What was different, I wondered.  Is it because I've had a baby?  Maybe because she was born via Cesarean?  And then one day, it hit me: I don't eat soy.  My body's hormone function is working by itself, with no outside influences.  This is fantastic!

I recently tried an experiment on myself: about six weeks ago, I started eating a Luna bar for breakfast every morning.  Luna's primary ingredient is soy (but they are so very delicious).  I wanted to see if there would be any change.  Well, there was.  During ovulation (which I affectionately refer to as "laying an egg"), my mood dipped down lower than I had experienced in a long time - I even thought I might be pregnant because of how I'd felt right before I learned I was pregnant with Babydoll.  A week later, my breasts felt tender - even standing in the shower was painful.  And then, laying in bed early one morning, I felt that familiar twisting of my insides - the cramps lasted for three days and were so painful, I had to take Advil, which is not something I reach for easily.

How crazy is that?  Within weeks of consuming soy again, my body resorted back to where it was when I ate soy on a regular basis.  This was my proof-positive that I really, truly have an adverse reaction to soy, even in a small amount.

What do dietitians always say?  "Everything in moderation," right?  I think I probably have a higher sensitivity to soy than others, but I still caution you from over-consumption.  If you must, I can't stress this enough: please make sure it's organic.