Soy Allergy Ayurvedic Treatment

Introduction

Food allergies are infrequent but sometimes our immune system responds to some food protein violently resulting in allergy. For managing Milk protein allergy Soy has been successful for a longer period but sometimes the body’s immune system causes hypersensitivity to soy protein.

Soy allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction, which is immune-mediated to soy protein, an allergen that is commonly found in many food products. The first soy allergy case was reported in 1934. Approximately 16 potential soy proteins act as allergens and cause mild to severe symptoms which range from digestive discomfort to life-threatening conditions. Soy allergy is mainly seen in children but may continue during adulthood.

As per Ayurveda, soy allergy can be categorized as an incompatible food (Viruddha Ahara or Aahara Asatmayta) and may occur due to the vitiation of Kapha and Pitta Dosha. Here, you will find the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and Ayurvedic treatment for soy allergy like Panchakarma Procedures (internal purification of the body), Yoga procedures, Single Herbs, Diet and Lifestyle modification, etc. The therapy helps in balancing the vitiated Kapha and Pitta, which will help to fight against soy allergy.

What is Soy Allergy?

Soy allergy is the abnormal response of the immune system to soy protein where it misidentifies soy protein as a threat and triggers the release of histamines resulting in a hypersensitivity reaction.

Which Soy Protein Acts as a Common Allergen?

A recent study revealed that approximately 16 soy proteins are identified as potential allergens for triggering immune responses in sensitive people. The 16 common soy protein allergens are:-

• The alpha subunit of beta conglycinin (the main soy allergen in children)
• 7S Globulin (Conglycinin)
• 11S Globulin (Glycinin)
• Beta- Conglycinin
• Bowman-Birk inhibitor (seed storage protein)
• Gly m TI (Kunitz Trypsin inhibitor)
• Gly m Lox (Lipoxygenase)
• Profilin
• Gly m 4 (Defensin-like protein)
• Vicilin- like protein
• Gly m Bd 30K (P34 protein)
• Water soluble soy fractions 9 Soybean albumin)
• Iso-flavone binding protein
• Cupin protein belongs to the superfamily resistance to digestion
• Heat and digestion-resistant storage globulins
• Trypsin inhibitors

Soy Allergy – As Per Ayurveda

As per Ayurveda, different types of allergies are the result of an imbalance of Dosha in the body and due to weakened digestive fire (Mandagni). Soy allergy as per Ayurveda can be correlated to incompatibility (Asatmyata) or incompatible diet (Viruddha Aahara) which by improper digestion and compromised immune system results in the accumulation of the toxins (Ama) in the body and gives abnormal immune response i.e. soy allergy.

Who Gets Affected by Soy Allergy?

Soy allergy is predominantly seen in infants and young children. Adults also suffer from this allergy, but the prevalence is less as compared to children. Along with this, people with a family history of pre-existing atopic conditions like asthma, eczema, etc., and various other allergies are more prone to soy allergy.

How Common is Soy Allergy?

As per the survey, the prevalence of soy allergy in the general population is 0.3 to 3% approximately. Approximately 0.2 to 0.45 of the population worldwide suffer from allergies in which soy protein is classified as an allergen. As per a recent study, 10- 14% of individuals with a cow milk allergy also have soy allergy. Soy allergy is more common in children affecting about 0.4 % and in adults it is estimated around 0.3%.

Types of Soy Allergy

Soy allergy can be classified into three types:-

1. IgE-mediated soy allergy (Immediate Soy Allergy)
2. NON- IgE mediated soy allergy (Delayed Soy Allergy)
3. Mixed-type soy allergy

1. IgE-Mediated Soy Allergy (Immediate Soy Allergy) – Due to immunoglobulin E antibodies just after consumption of soy the symptoms start appearing.

2. NON-IgE Mediated Soy Allergy (Delayed Soy Allergy) – This type of allergy is mainly seen in infants. Delayed soy allergy mainly involves the gastrointestinal tract and symptoms in this type of allergy take a longer time to manifest.

3. Mixed Type Soy Allergy – In this type of soy allergy, symptoms appear as the combination of both IgE-mediated or non-IgE mediated type of soy allergy.