Side Effects of Soy Milk Intake

Soy milk is a product in which regular milk casein is replaced by soy protein derived from soy. It has been observed that soy milk has beneficial effects on many aspects of human health. For example, it has been traditionally used to reduce blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes mellifluous, lung and prostate cancer, and other diseases.

There are also side effects, however, especially if consumed in large quantities. Here we discuss some of the side effects reported by people using soy milk.

Short-term side effects

Most of the side effects associated with the use of soy milk are short term and are not clinically significant. These include bloating, nausea and constipation. If you notice a rash, itching or hot flashes after drinking soy milk, you are likely to be allergic to some of the ingredients in that product. In this case, you should stop using it and consult your doctor. No treatment is needed for these short-term side effects, except in severe cases, when symptomatic therapy can be given.

Long-term side effects

Imbalance of sex hormones. Soy milk and other soy-containing products can cause a hormonal imbalance that affects sex hormones. This is due to the fact that soy contains substances called is flavones. These phyto chemicals are analogs of estrogen and therefore are used in postmenopausal women to regulate their symptoms, such as hot flashes. The unwanted effect of is flavones is a decrease in the activity of natural estrogen in the human body, so women may experience symptoms of decreased estrogen concentration. Estrogen has many protective effects on the human body, and is responsible for women having a lower risk of cardiovascular disease before menopause.

On the other hand, it has been shown that women who consume soy products have a lower risk of breast cancer. This is because estrogen stimulates cell division and tumor growth, while is flavones are weak estrogen analogues that prevent the natural estrogen from fully expressing its activity.

Gastrointestinal symptoms. The ingredients of soy milk block the activity of the digestive enzymes necessary for the digestion of proteins. That's why soy milk can cause swelling and indigestion, but after prolonged use, a thin layer of mucus is created on the inner surface of the intestines, and can affect food digestion and long-term absorption. This layer is also formatted in the respiratory tract, so it can worsen asthma and cause problems in the breasts.
Absorption of minerals disturbed. Absorption of minerals is also reduced due to the reasons mentioned above, so it can cause iron deficiency, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Iodine deficiency can also occur in people who drink large amounts of soy milk for a longer period of time. Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, and the result of iodine deficiency is hypothyroidism.