Heather Arranie 
Acne is a condition that millions of people around the world suffer from. And while there are many different things that can trigger an acne breakout, one of the most common culprits is diet. While some foods have been shown to help clear up acne, others seem to make it worse. Soy is one food that has been the subject of much debate when it comes to acne.
Does soy cause acne
The jury is still out on this one. Some studies seem to suggest that soy can indeed cause breakouts, while other studies say it has no effect whatsoever. The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle. It’s possible that soy could trigger acne in some people, but not in others. If you think you might be sensitive to soy, it’s best to avoid it or limit your intake.
On the other hand, soy is a good source of protein and other nutrients, so it’s not something you necessarily want to cut out of your diet entirely. If you do decide to eat soy, opt for organic varieties whenever possible.
How to include soy in your diet without causing breakouts
If you want to include soy in your diet but are worried about triggering breakouts, there are a few things you can do.
- Choose organic soy products: Non-organic soy is often heavily processed and contains added hormones that could trigger breakouts.
- Limit your intake: Don’t go overboard with soy-based foods. A little bit here and there is fine, but eating soy every day is probably not a good idea.
- Be wary of processed soy products: Many soy-based foods, such as soy milk and tofu, are heavily processed. These foods are more likely to cause breakouts than whole soybeans or other unprocessed forms of the food.
How to tell if soy is causing your breakouts
If you’re not sure whether soy is triggering your breakouts, there are a few things you can do.
- Eliminate soy from your diet for a week or two and see if your skin clears up. If it does, that’s a good sign that soy was the culprit.
- Keep a food diary. Write down everything you eat and drink, as well as when you get breakouts. This can help you pinpoint which foods are causing problems.
- Talk to a dermatologist. If you’re still not sure whether soy is causing your breakouts, a dermatologist can help you figure it out.
Why is soy such a controversial food
Soy is a controversial food because it contains plant estrogens, also known as phytoestrogens. These compounds can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, and some people believe they could have negative health effects.
However, it’s important to remember that soy is a plant food, and as such, it’s not likely to have the same effects as synthetic estrogen. In fact, some studies suggest that soy might actually have protective effects against certain hormone-related cancers.
Conclusion
Soy is a controversial food when it comes to acne, but the evidence suggests that it’s not likely to cause breakouts in most people. However, if you’re worried about soy causing problems for your skin, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk, such as choosing organic varieties and limiting your intake.
