Soy is a GMO and Not an Alternative to Cow’s Milk
Ok, I’m just going to come out and say it – I’m not a fan of soy products. I’ve actually spoken about this before when I listed foods that are often mistaken as being healthy. But it’s worth saying again and also emphasizing that soy is especially dangerous in children.
But Leann, I love edamame and my kids drink soy milk instead of cow’s milk.
See, the thing is that the FDA has pushed – along with the soybean industry – the health claims about soy. What many people don’t realize, is that soy is 93% genetically modified. And I have already spoken about the many ways GMOs can affect your health (and how you can avoid them).
GMO foods are created by taking a specific gene from one species and putting it into the DNA of another with the hope that it will produce a desired trait. In the case of soy, genetic engineers created something called ‘BT Toxin’ to make it easier for farmers to control pests in the crops, They took a gene from a bacteria that grows naturally and engineered it into the soy crops so the plants would fight off the insects themselves. The BT Toxin essentially makes the insects stomach explode!
GMO’s were thought to be safe for humans, but guess what…we have since discovered that GMO’s cause gut inflammation and poke holes in our gut lining. Why is that important? Because your immune system is 70% in your gut. Gut inflammation is linked to 95% of diseases (see the image below from Dr. Axe).
But Leann, what if I buy Non-GMO soy products?
This is where it gets iffy. Soy is a phytoestrogen (if that word sounds familiar, it’s because I just spoke about it in relation to estrogen and menopause). Phytoestrogens are plant-based foods that mimic estrogen in the body. This is why I don’t suggest giving soy milk to children; phytoestrogens will pump unnecessary hormones into those little bodies. It’s one of those better safe than sorry parenting moments – you’re better off sticking with coconut or cashew milk.
We have to remember that your child’s diet affects their behavior. Want more information? Check out my webinar, The Food Connection to Your Child’s Behavior. Learn how the foods your children eat – especially GMOs – can be linked to allergies, asthma, ADHD, and autism.
And if you want more information about GMOs and the fight to have them regulated and labeled? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a great place to start. They are currently petitioning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to require GMO labeling.
Have you already eliminated soy from your, or your children’s, diet? I’d love to hear from you!