Too Much Soy?

Try something else, soy is used for women in perimenopause and menopause for hot flashes. He does not need soy because it has an effect like estrogen. I bet he will feel better when you try something else. Take care he will be okay but he is a boy so testosterone is his normal hormone. sorry about the spelling.

I would not give my children soy products due to the hormone like qualities in it. It is used to treat hot flashes in women!!

I am not sure it is responsible for your sons emotional breakdown, but just to be safe try finding an alternative to soy. I have also read that young children (especially male) should not consume soy on a regular basis.

We eat a lot of soy (vegetarian son) but from what I've heard (a) the jury is still out on the estrogen-mimicry issue and (b) tofu or edamame are supposed to be fine in either case.

On the other hand, he might have a soy allergy (it's pretty common - a friend of mine's son was just discovered to have it) or some other trigger might be causing problems. Why not switch to rice milk for a couple of weeks and see if you notice a difference?

My 2nd son reacts to blue dye, I swear - I can't prove it, but I do try to avoid it. So while you're experimenting with the rice milk, try a couple of weeks with whole foods, no food dyes, etc. and see if you notice any difference.

Also, did you have him evaluated for sensory issues? My son's behavior used to be wild whenever he was in a loud or echoey room at that age. It was a total mystery to us and took us forever to make the connection that it was the physical environment that sometimes made him behave so badly.

I have raised 7 children.........4 boys adn 3 girls. For the boys, the fourth and sixth years were the 2 worst parenting years for me. I am now watching my 3 1/2 year old grandson give my daughter fits (just like yours). By the time these little boys are 4 years old (plus a few months), this stage will be past and you will have a year of near peace. The 6th year is a "potty-mouth" time. But the time sequence is the same......just keep a lot of Johnson & Johnson baby bath/shampoo on hand to put a drop in their mouth every so often and they'll get the idea that you are displeased!

My son is also on soy for 5yrs, If he sees a fresh carton in the fridge, he is not happy until it is all consumed. And its expensive, I have been reducing him to 2 glasses a day, and sometimes even water it down some, the Vanallia is a little strong. There is nothing wrong with giving your child nice cold fresh water, and dilute juices at least in half. Yes you are right, there are studies regarding Estogen effects, however I think that is aimed at people that live and breath it and go over board. There are hormomes even in Chicken and beef. Just cut back and chart any changes. I personally feel that children in the US are put on way too much milk and dairy, we have the fattest kids in the world. Water is wonderful for the body!

You can also try Almond Milk and Goat's milk.
Your can purchase both from Trader Joe's.

I agree with Sheila. Perhaps something is just bothering him at school. At this age he may not be able to put that into words to you. Instead, it could be showing up as an "angry" outburst. That is his way of communicating that something is wrong and he doesn't know how to deal with it. You don't mention that you are having any problems with outbursts at home, so that would make me believe that it is something at school. If it was the soy, there probably would be outbursts at home also.

I cannot speak to soy and outburts, but as someone currently fighting breast cancer, I can confirm that soy does mimic estrogen in the body. There are lots of other options out there so that you can cut down on soy products. But soy is in almost everything, so you really have read labels like crazy if you are trying to avoid it altogether. Good Luck

It's possible that he may have a sensitivity to soy. Try giving him rice or almond milk for a 10-day period and then re-introduce soy milk to see if you notice a difference in his behavior.

I would also suggest going to the school a couple of times to do an observation to see if there is anything going on in that environment that maybe be triggering his meltdown -- things like how your son and his peers are interacting, are there any strong scents or loud noises that maybe be causing a sensory issue for him, is he getting enough positive behavioral reinforcement from his teachers there, etc. Sometimes a classroom observation can tell you a whole lot that the teachers are not even aware of.

Wishing you and your son the best of luck.

Is it possible he is just angry about something? I notice lately that the world is too quick to decide that there is something amiss when someone might be actually good old fashioned tired, angry or sad. Might miss mama, might have had a toy taken, maybe tired. Maybe hurting.Maybe on the edge of a cold. You said it is every few weeks. I have emotional outbursts every few weeks and I think they are very real. (Not in public of course, I am older and therefore can make that choice to go home and punch pillows). Maybe someone is picking on him. Maybe he doesn't like the teacher(s) at preschool. Maybe he is short tempered and will make a great football player or soccar player or wrestler one day. Here is my thought and take it or leave it. Do not worry. In a perfect world we would have no emotions. The teachers in the preschool might not want to do what is required to settle him down and nowadays none of us are allowed to give someone that much needed hug.It is inappropriate or something. So what other choice does a little one have than to emotionally shut down. Or have a quotes outburst. As far as soy giving off an estrogen like hormone I do not know. But if you are worried give him more vitamins and curb the soy. And the required daily amounts of hugs. It will get better.

My daughter had cyclical behavior that really became apparent around 4 yrs old as well. Have you looked at www.feingold.org? It has really helped us.

Another thing to consider is if he may be reacting with an autoimmune response to other children getting sick. Children with autoimmune brain reactions will not get a typical sore throat, etc but show it in behaviors. I would get a 72 hour strep test and check the symptoms of PANDAS on www.webpediatrics.com

As far as food-related (beyond checking the Feingold program) look into food dyes- is the behavior corresponding to birthday treats? Most people are quick to blame sugar, but it could be a food dye issue. Food dyes make my daughter very hyper and aggressive, within minutes! Or could he be getting hidden dairy in treats at school?

Soy can be bad and I would limit it if possible. There is an Earth Balance that is also Soy-free and there are alternative milks, like rice, hemp, and nut (some of which you can make yourself.)

Let me know if you want to chat further. My daughter is diagnosed with PANDAS and I am happy to give you more info.

I can not say what his outbursts are from, but it does sound like too much soy anyway. Try rice milk( Rice Dream is the best, get the enriched)- if he doesnt like it at first use the vanilla. I have 5 children and I have used it with the last three- they are healthy and thriving! My kids are 15, 13, 10, 9 and one year. They all went through the terrible three's(not two's)- it might be just that with the outbursts. Good luck, E.

i'd cut the soy. even if its not related it supposed to stop his 'manhood' from growing as it could cuz of the girl hormone. that's what i was told anyway