Soy - Is it really a health food?

Touted as a health food for years - we have been misled by those who needed to create a market for soybean crops in the U.S. A wonderful book I recommend is called"Soy Deception", by well known thyroid expert Dr. David Brownstein. When I meet a vegetarian often I can spot those who consume a lot of soy, indicated by the puffiness of the face, particularly around the eyes, as Brownstein explains in his book/video series on thyroid dysfunction. This past summer I attended a vegan potluck with my daughter, and I explained why I avoid soy (spotting three likely soy consumers sitting across from me at the table). Lo and behold, after I explained what I had learned, I learn in return that each was on medication for thyroid issues. Obviously, I was not surprised.

Rather than ask all of you to read Brownstein's book, this link to an article by Dr. Joe Mercola, whom many of you are probably familiar, is a great summary of key points covered in the book. My self-appointed mentor, neurosurgeon Dr. Russell Blaylock, has written extensively on the ill effects of soy. Although many vegan enthusiasts still tout soy as a health food, even organic has its issues.

All soy, even organic, absorbs more glutamates from the ground than any other plant in the plant kingdom - per Blaylock. Glutamates are a form of neurotoxin - that word alone should make one nervous. Neurotoxins, as you may surmise, affect the brain - not only memory loss and function, but as well - behavioral disorders such as ADHD, ADD, bi-polar may experience a change in attitude or concentration after consuming soybean products.

In the June 2004 issue of the Blaylock newsletter, the good doctor reports on Alzheimer prevention, and cautions readers to avoid hydrolyzed soy protein isolates, soy extracts, and soybean oil, the latter of which is in the greatest percentage of processed foods. I truly believe Blaylock is a pioneer in the realm of cause and effect of brain dysfunction.

For vegans who are using protein shakes containing soy isolate, I encourage you to dig deeper, and consider a switch to an easy-to-digest yellow pea/ brown rice based protein powder. I personally use Arbonne Essentials, which not only tastes great, but has the additional benefit of cranberry protein - allowing for a 100% amino acid profile score. You are welcome to contact me for a complete ingredient list. By the way, this product contains NO artificial ingredients or trace heavy metals - as in "zero" ppm.

If you wish to consume soy - it is recommended to limit to 2-3 times weekly, and ONLY fermented soy products (no, this does not include milk). Organic is a critical choice, as explained in Mercola's article regarding U.S. grownGMO soy vs. organic (chart illustration as well). Below are the four soy foods fermented and considered a healthier choice.

• Natto
• Miso
• Tempeh
• Tamari (fermented soy sauce - be careful, you want fermented!)

On the subject of hormones, the estrogenic properties of soy may have a benefit for those suffering from hot flashes, but that is an entirely different subject of which I would be happy to discuss with you privately. A hormone supplement containing soy is much different than consuming main course dishes made with tofu.

In Mercola's article, he is not 100% accurate, from my understanding of estrogen receptors, in regard to soy contributing to cancer. Phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) are not the same as estradiol - the cancer-contributing hormone that our body produces. This is an entirely different subject for discussion.

For the purposes of a clean eating or elimination diets to promote healthy living - soy can be inflammatory, is often allergenic and prohibits nutrient uptake.

May you enjoy good health all the days of your life.

Rita Shimniok, Purely Living Wellness, LLC