by Kellie Davis

Many health publications boast the positive benefits of soy protein, but fail to mention how soy truly affects your body. Consumption of soy products actually increases your risk of developing thyroid disease as well as other hormone complications. Isoflavones in soy protein act as a strong anti-thyroid agent, capable of suppressing thyroid function.

Soy Isoflavones Revealed

The isoflavone Genistein found in soy is a potent phytoestrogen. These chemicals behave as endocrine disruptors, or plants that act as hormones, interfering with the endocrine system. United Kingdom studies show that large amounts of soy will disrupt the menstrual cycle, altering fertility and even changing the status of sex hormones.

Isoflavones not only suppress your thyroid, but also interfere with any thyroid medication you are taking. Soy protein inhibits the absorption of synthroid, so soy should be avoided altogether if you have thyroid disease.

Taking a Risk

Since the 1950’s, soy-based baby formula has been known to cause potential risks in infants, including development of autoimmune thyroid disease.

Studies show that these infants have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds found in their blood that babies fed milk-based formula or breast milk.  This equates to taking 5 birth control pills per day. Girls fed soy formula run the risk of prematurely developing, while boys are often underdeveloped.

Soy Toxicity

Soy is a known toxin for both humans and animals alike. Known as anti-nurtients, toxins found in soy prevent your body from absorbing vital nutrients from other food sources. They also have the ability to target specific organs and cells, causing detrimental health issues.

Phytic acid is one of the most dangerous chemicals found in soy protein. The typical process to prepare soy products does not neutralize phytic acid. High levels of phytic acid have been shown to decrease assimilation of magnesium, calcium, zinc, and iron. The processing of soy-based foods has also resulted in the making of carcinogenic toxins like lysinoalanine and nitrosamine.

Soy Means Big Business

Processed soy products in all forms are notoriously bad for your health. Healthy soy needs to go through a 2-year fermentation process, and this is completely disregarded by the soy industry. The soy industry has been encouraged for years to remove isoflavones from its products. Instead, it continues to publish reports on the health benefits of soy products.

Consuming Soy Safely

For children, especially infants, no amount of soy is safe to consume. Adults risk thyroid and other hormonal problems when consuming 30 grams or more of soy protein a day. That equates to 5 ounces of soy milk.

Read all labels when purchasing products at the store. You will find that soy is listed in many food processed food items. The USDA published a list of foods, with a total of 128 containing isoflavones. Many include vegetarian labels products like soy hot dogs, tofu, meatless burgers and soy formula.

About Kellie

Kellie Davis is a graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University with a B.A. in English. She is now a freelance writer, contributor to the Olicious Life, and NPC figure competitor. She currently resides in Arizona with her husband and two young children.