How to test for soy allergy at home
Medically reviewed on August 1, 2022 by Amy Harris, MS, RN, CNM. To give you technically accurate, evidence-based information, content published on the Everlywell blog is reviewed by credentialed professionals with expertise in medical and bioscience fields.
Table of contents
- Learn what a soy allergy is
- Keep watch for signs and symptoms
- Take an allergy test
- Trust Everlywell with your at-home allergy testing needs
Soy can be a delicious and healthy part of nutritious diets. It’s an excellent source of plant-based protein and many other nutrients. But if you think soy could be causing an allergic reaction, testing for a soy allergy is one way to get answers to your questions about your symptoms.
Soy allergies are among the most common food allergies. [1] Typically, they appear in childhood. Some people outgrow a soy allergy by the time they reach adulthood. However, soy doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Some people have trouble digesting soy. Others actually have an allergy that prevents them from consuming soy and soy-based products.
Luckily, you can do initial testing for a soy allergy from the comfort of your home. Keep reading to learn more about soy allergies and how to test for soy allergy at home.
Learn what a soy allergy is
An allergic reaction to soy can occur when your immune system thinks that the proteins in soy are enemies. Your immune system then creates antibodies that bind with specific proteins in soy. These antibodies are known as immunoglobulin E or IgE.
When the soy proteins bind with the IgE, it triggers your immune system to fight back. [1] Because soy is a member of the legume family, you might also experience an allergic reaction to other legumes, including:
Your immune system produces histamine and releases other chemicals. This causes you to have an allergic reaction.
Because soy is a member of the legume family, you might also experience an allergic reaction to other legumes, including: [1]
- Peanuts
- Peas
- Lentils
- Beans
The most common allergy pairing with soy tends to be peanuts, as these two legumes share many similar proteins. So be sure to check what causes peanut allergy as well.
What can trigger a soy allergy?
If you’re allergic to soy, you’ll want to understand that soy is present in many products, even those you wouldn’t expect. Outside of soybeans, soy sauce, and tofu, you might find soy in: [1]
- Baby formula
- Oils
- Cereals
- Chips
- Bread
- Tortillas
- Many Asian cuisines
- Vegetable broth
- Canned meats and fish
- Sauces
- Dairy products
- Energy bars
If you’re allergic, you’ll need to carefully read the food labels to find the soy in some processed foods. Soy can even be used as an ingredient in some soaps and moisturizers.
Keep watch for signs and symptoms
If you are allergic to soy, you’ll notice certain allergic symptoms whenever you’re exposed to soy or products containing soy. Just like shellfish allergy symptoms, some common reactions or symptoms associated with soy intolerance or allergies include: [2]
- Hives, eczema, or rashes on your skin
- Atopic dermatitis
- Nausea, vomiting, bloating, gas, or stomach pain
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Dizziness and fainting
Although severe, life-threatening allergic reactions are rare in soy intolerance or allergies, they can occur. [2] Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention. Those suffering from a severe reaction like anaphylaxis may experience difficulty breathing, rapid or reduced heart rate, dizziness, vomiting, and other serious allergy symptoms.
Take an allergy test
If you experience a severe allergic reaction to soy, you should seek medical attention right away. However, mild or moderate allergic reactions might allow you to take charge of the initial screening on your own.
There are several ways to test for a soy allergy, including: [3]
- Blood test
- Elimination diet
- Skin prick test
- Consultation with an allergist
If you opt to begin with a blood test, you’ll be happy to know you can do so without leaving your home. Here is how to collect your sample:
- Purchase a suitable test – First, you’ll need to purchase an at-home food allergy test to use. Not all at-home tests are created equal. Make sure you check the reputation of the company where you purchase a test to ensure that you’re getting one that is high quality, backed by evidence, and physician-reviewed.
- Follow the sample-collection instructions – You’ll need to prick your finger with the provided materials and collect a small amount of blood. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully to ensure that your sample meets the requirements for testing.
- Send your sample to the secure lab as instructed – Once you’ve collected your sample, you’ll need to follow the test kit instructions and send the sample to a lab. Once the lab receives your sample, they’ll test it for reactivity to IgE antibodies.
- Receive your results and take the next steps – You’ll typically receive your test results within about two weeks. If you are allergic to soy, you’ll need to follow up with a healthcare professional to determine the next steps to managing your allergy safely.
Trust Everlywell with your at-home allergy testing needs
If you’re experiencing a reaction to soy, you’re not the only one. As one of the most common food allergies, soy is an ingredient many people need to avoid. Fortunately, however, this means you’re likely to find plenty of soy-free alternatives at your grocery store.
With any allergy, however, the first step is to become aware.
If you want to safely test for a soy allergy in the comfort of your own home, we can help. The Everlywell Food Allergy Test screens for some of the most common food allergies, including soy. It’s a simple finger prick test that measures your body’s reactivity to soy. If the test shows that you have a reaction to any of the foods screened for, we’ll put you in contact with a nurse to discuss your next steps.
Try our hassle-free option to test for a soy allergy today.
Related content
How to test for peanut allergy at home: a quick guide
How to test for food allergy: here's what you need to know
Shellfish allergy symptoms and signs
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