Who should avoid soy consumption?
María Real summarizes for us who are the people who should avoid consuming this legume.
-People with hypothyroidism taking Euthyrox (levothyroxine sodium). People with hypothyroidism who take euthyrox / levothyroxine sodium should avoid consuming products made from soybeans, as soybeans could affect the bioavailability of the drug (that is, its absorption and assimilation). In addition, it could also hinder the conversion of T4 to T3, which is the active form of thyroid hormone and the one that gives us, so to speak, the feeling of “energy”.
-Women with breast cancer Taking Tamoxifen or Letrozole: Almost 70% of breast cancers are of the so-called “estrogen receptor positive” type. This is due to the fact that estrogens stimulate mitosis in breast cells and, the more estrogens, the more likely that a mutated cancer cell will proliferate and lead to cancer. The treatment of choice for these types of cancer is tamoxifen. So if a woman with tamoxifen treatment consumes soy, this can affect the ability of hormonal therapy and that is why there are official bodies and oncologists that recommend avoiding soy intake while taking tamoxifen or letrozole.
“There are current studies that show that what I have explained is not the case, that is, there would be no contraindication. We already know that science is sometimes confusing. So out of caution, my position with these patients is to avoid the consumption of soybeans, since they can obtain proteins from other sources ”, he clarifies, and adds that on the other hand, women who have suffered from breast cancer and take tamoxifen or letrozole could consume tamari , soy sauce and soy lecithin without a problem, because these foods do not contain isoflavones.
-Men with low sperm quality. “So far, studies have been done in animals and sometimes the results in animals cannot be extrapolated in people, but if you are a man and have low sperm quality and consume a lot of soy and derivatives, consider reducing the amount of soy you consume as there could be a link. You can get protein from other plant sources (legumes, nuts, seeds) and from animal sources “, he details.
In conclusion, “if you are healthy, soy is a beneficial food for you and contains many proteins, vitamins and minerals. But if you have these health problems: Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, post-breast cancer hormonal therapy or low sperm count, it is better that you avoid it, since it is not essential and you can get protein from another food source”.
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