Are you someone who loves to add soy sauce to your sushi or stir-fry? Do you often find yourself with an upset stomach after consuming it?
You’re not alone. Soy sauce, like any other food, can have both positive and negative effects on our bodies. In this article, we’ll explore the potential downsides of consuming soy sauce, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
From its high salt content to its histamine levels, we’ll take a closer look at how soy sauce can affect your digestive system and overall health.
So, if you’re curious about whether soy sauce is bad for an upset stomach, keep reading!
Is Soy Sauce Bad For Upset Stomach?
Soy sauce is a popular condiment that is used in many cuisines around the world. However, it can be bad for your upset stomach due to its high salt content and histamine levels.
Consuming too much salt can lead to dehydration, which can cause digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. Additionally, soy sauce contains significant amounts of histamine, which can trigger symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, itching, rashes, and digestive problems in those with histamine intolerance.
Furthermore, soy sauce contains a type of isoflavones called goitrogens that interfere with the synthesis of thyroid hormones. This can lead to hyperthyroidism and other thyroid-related issues.
Regular consumption of soy sauce is also known to adversely impact sperm count and affect the hormone related to sex known as estrogen, disturbing male reproductive health.
Moreover, soy sauce contains glutamic acid, a highly toxic ingredient that affects neurological health. MSG is also added to enhance the flavor of soy sauce. This can lead to digestive issues and pancreatic problems in your body.
Soy sauce consumption can also stop your body from absorbing minerals and obstruct protein digestion. It can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lead to a sudden spike in blood pressure.
Lastly, pregnant women need to refrain from consuming soy sauce as it can hamper their baby’s growth.
The Ingredients In Soy Sauce And Their Effects On Digestion
Soy sauce contains several ingredients that can affect digestion. One of the most prominent is histamine, which is released by the body to aid in digestion. However, too much histamine can trigger symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, itching, rashes, and digestive problems in those with histamine intolerance. Soy sauce also contains a type of isoflavones called goitrogens that interfere with the synthesis of thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism and other thyroid-related issues.
Regular consumption of soy sauce is known to adversely impact sperm count and affect the hormone related to sex known as estrogen, disturbing male reproductive health. Soy sauce also contains glutamic acid, a highly toxic ingredient that affects neurological health. MSG is often added to enhance the flavor of soy sauce, which can lead to digestive issues and pancreatic problems in your body.
Moreover, soy sauce contains phytates that can obstruct mineral absorption and trypsin inhibitors that can obstruct protein digestion. This can cause digestive issues and pancreatic problems in your body. High salt content in soy sauce can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases and lead to a sudden spike in blood pressure.
The High Salt Content Of Soy Sauce And Its Impact On The Stomach
One of the main reasons why soy sauce can be bad for an upset stomach is its high salt content. Soy sauce is a salty condiment that is often used in small quantities to add flavor to dishes. However, consuming too much soy sauce can lead to dehydration, which can cause digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
Soy sauce contains nearly 40% of the daily recommended 2,300 milligrams of sodium in just one tablespoon. High intakes of sodium are linked to increased blood pressure, especially in salt-sensitive people, and may contribute to the risk of heart disease and other diseases such as stomach cancer. Most dietary organizations recommend an intake of 1,500–2,300 mg of sodium per day, with the aim of reducing the risk of high blood pressure.
For those looking to reduce their sodium intake, salt-reduced varieties of soy sauce have been developed. These contain up to 50% less salt than the original products and can be a better option for those with an upset stomach.
Soy Sauce And Histamine Intolerance: What You Need To Know
Histamine intolerance is a condition that occurs when your body has difficulty breaking down histamine, leading to an accumulation of the chemical in your body. Soy sauce is one of the foods that is high in histamine, making it a concern for those with histamine intolerance.
Symptoms of histamine intolerance can include headaches, sweating, dizziness, itching, rashes, stomach problems, changes in blood pressure, and even asthma. In fact, some reports of soy sauce allergy may actually be due to a histamine reaction.
While most people do not experience problems with the other amines in soy sauce, some individuals can be sensitive to them. This is usually diagnosed through a supervised elimination diet. Symptoms of intolerance include nausea, headaches, and rashes.
If you are sensitive to amines and experience symptoms after eating soy sauce, it may be better to avoid it altogether. Additionally, people taking a class of medication known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) need to restrict their tyramine intake and should avoid soy sauce due to its tyramine content.
How Soy Sauce Can Trigger Acid Reflux And Heartburn
Soy sauce is an acidic food with a pH ranging from 4.5-5.5, which can cause heartburn and trigger acid reflux in some people. Acid reflux occurs when the natural acid in your stomach flows back up into the tube connecting your stomach and mouth, irritating your throat and esophagus, and causing heartburn.
For those with chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), regular consumption of soy sauce can aggravate their symptoms. Soy sauce is quite acidic, and consuming it may worsen discomfort if you are already experiencing symptoms of acid reflux.
It’s important to note that different people have different triggers for their acid reflux symptoms. Soy sauce is relatively acidic, so it may trigger heartburn in some individuals. If you love soy sauce but are sensitive to its acidity, try eating it with high-alkaline foods to reduce its acidity.
While soy sauce itself does not cause acid reflux, it can trigger and worsen acid reflux episodes and intensity in sensitive individuals. Experts generally advise that all sensitive individuals should reduce or eliminate fermented condiments, including soy sauce, from their diet to avoid aggravating their symptoms.
Alternatives To Soy Sauce For Sensitive Stomachs
If you have a sensitive stomach or suffer from allergies, there are many alternatives to soy sauce that you can try. One popular option is coconut aminos, which is made from the sap of coconut trees and is soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Coconut aminos contain 17 amino acids, which provide health benefits beyond those of soy sauce. It also has a lower sodium content than soy sauce, making it a great option for those watching their salt intake.
Another great alternative to soy sauce is liquid aminos or tamari, which closely replicate the taste of soy sauce. These substitutes work well in any recipe that calls for soy sauce, although they may produce a slightly different flavor in the finished dish.
Dark soy sauce and light soy sauce are also excellent substitutes for soy sauce. Teriyaki sauce, beef broth, balsamic vinegar, oyster sauce, chili sauce, and cider vinegar are other options that you can experiment with to find what works best for you.
If you’re looking for a simple stir-fry sauce recipe, try mixing coconut aminos with fresh-squeezed tangerine juice, grated ginger root, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper. Sauté with your favorite veggies and serve over a small scoop of brown or wild rice. Top with chopped nuts or pumpkin seeds for added flavor and texture.
