Soy digestive problems: how does this happen?

Although the legume is a popular basis for meat substitute products, not all vegans can benefit from it. Because some people experience digestive problems when consuming soy . These feel very uncomfortable. Those affected then suffer from stomach pain or flatulence , for example.

In this article we explain which foods contain soy. We will also look at the factors that can be responsible for digestive problems. We will then explain the resulting complaints and what you can do about them.

It is important to understand that not every person has the same symptoms when it comes to food intolerance . It is best to seek advice from a doctor to correctly identify digestive problems related to food intolerance.

It is also advisable to seek nutritional advice to ensure a balanced diet. You will also receive tips on how to recognize legumes as an additional product in everyday foods. This is especially important if you eat out.

Because soy is rich in nutrients , it is often used for vegan nutrition. But even people who don't follow a vegan diet occasionally like to use protein sources that are considered healthy. So it's no wonder that legumes are found in many foods. This can be problematic if you have a corresponding intolerance. For this reason, you should always check the ingredients list of foods if you have an allergy or intolerance .

You should be particularly careful with these products:

• Tofu : Made from soybean curd, tofu is a versatile ingredient, especially for vegan and vegetarian dishes.
• Tempeh : This is a fermented soy product that has a firm texture and a nutty taste.
• Miso : The paste is made from the beans of the legume and is often used in soups, sauces and dressings in Japanese cuisine.
• Protein bars : Some protein bars and shakes use soy protein as the main source of plant-based protein.
• Egg substitute : If you are vegan and therefore do not want to use animal eggs, you should pay close attention to the ingredients when using vegan substitute products . Since soy flour improves the binding and texture of baked goods, it is often used as an egg substitute.

Soy is also contained as an additive in many processed foods . It can also be a component of food ingredients such as emulsifiers, flavors or texturizers.

Digestive problems are often very unpleasant for those affected. For example, if you get flatulence from eating a certain protein , you usually avoid it. The stomach pain restricts freedom of movement and unpleasant smells cause a negative stir. Similar symptoms can occur if you have a soy intolerance . If you are affected by this, you are probably wondering where this intolerance comes from.

This question usually cannot be answered with certainty.

However, there are several reasons why your body cannot digest the legume well:

• Allergy : You may have a soy allergy. This occurs when your immune system reacts to certain proteins in soy. Symptoms can range from digestive problems such as abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea to skin reactions such as itching. If you have breathing difficulties or cardiovascular problems, please see a doctor immediately.
• Enzymes : Soybeans contain enzymes that can complicate the process of digesting proteins. In this case, finding vegan protein sources is not easy. However, heating or fermenting the beans can reduce the content of enzymatic inhibitors. Some people can then digest them better.
• Carbohydrates: There are certain carbohydrates that are found in certain foods and are not well tolerated by some people. They are called so-called FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols). Soybeans contain oligosaccharides that can cause digestive problems in sensitive people.

In addition, it should be noted that babies should not be fed soy milk as the substances it contains can have negative effects on development. This also applies if a child is allergic to cow's milk. The legume itself is classified as a highly allergenic food. If an infant cannot be breastfed, you should always look for vegan alternatives together with your doctor so as not to endanger the child's health.

Digestive problems do not manifest themselves the same way in every person. They can be accompanied by various symptoms and can be either mild or severe.

These often express themselves like this:

• Abdominal pain : Abdominal pain can manifest itself as a general feeling of being unwell, a feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdomen, or even cramp-like pain. The stronger they are, the more they restrict the everyday life of those affected.
• Nausea : Some people experience nausea after consuming soy products, which in some cases even leads to vomiting. The nausea is often accompanied by abdominal pain.
• Flatulence : Flatulence occurs due to the buildup of gases in the digestive tract, particularly the large intestine. They manifest themselves as a tense feeling in the abdomen.
• Diarrhea : With diarrhea, stools are thin, watery, or loose and occur more frequently than usual. It is the result of an inadequate digestive process.
• Loss of appetite: Loss of appetite or a feeling of fullness can also occur as side effects. Acid belching is also possible as a physical reaction.

Since these symptoms can also be associated with a gastrointestinal disease or fat intolerance , for example, you should discuss your symptoms with a doctor to be on the safe side. This can also rule out other physical illnesses.

It is also important to know that cross-allergies can occur. This means that a food intolerance to a certain substance can promote further intolerance . An example of a cross allergy in soy intolerance is allergy to legumes. People who are allergic to soy may also react to other legumes such as peanuts, lentils, chickpeas or lupins. The reason for this is that legumes contain similar proteins to soybeans.

If you avoid soy products , the symptoms usually disappear quite quickly. However, as soon as you start consuming the legume again, they quickly return. In this respect, soy intolerance is no different from gluten sensitivity . You will find out how you can still live with it in the next section.

Many people eat meat substitutes or fish substitute products because they are vegan or vegetarian and want to do something good for nature. They don't want an animal to suffer and die for their food. However, since many such substitute products are made from soy , special caution should be exercised in the event of intolerance. You should always look at the list of ingredients. If the legume is present, the product should be avoided .

In Greenforce's wide product range you will find delicious soy-free meat substitute products . Instead, they are made from peas. So they are not only well tolerated, but also rich in protein. A great addition to the vegan diet! Likewise, you no longer need to ask yourself what you can eat if you have gluten intolerance . We offer you a special gluten-free kit with vegan schnitzels, burgers and other delicacies.

With our products we would like to support you in changing your diet. Because this is not easy for many of those affected. But if you have a positive attitude towards new eating habits, you will quickly get rid of the feeling of having to do without something.

Also be prepared that it may take some time until you feel fit again. Especially if the symptoms were severe, your body needs a few days to regenerate. During this time you should take it easy.

The following tips can also help:

• Warm your stomach : A hot water bottle on your stomach can help relieve stomach pain.
• Drink tea : Chamomile tea in particular is said to have calming properties. So treat yourself to a cup of warm chamomile tea.
• Light food : Temporarily avoid fatty foods as they can put a strain on the digestive process. You should also avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks.

Stress can make soy digestive problems worse. Give your body a little rest and use the time to find out about other alternatives to soy products .