You may think soy formula is a safe alternative to breast milk. But here are eight reasons to think again.
1. Caustic Chemicals: Soy protein isolate is the primary ingredient in soy formulas. And – unless it’s organic – it’s treated with hexane, a caustic chemical.
2. Exposure to Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs): Almost all soy is genetically modified. But even if you choose organic soy-based formulas (like Earth’s Best), reasons 3 through 8 below are still health concerns.
3. Proper Growth & Development: Because of soy’s high phytate content, the use of soy-based formulas has been known to cause a zinc deficiency in infants. In addition to zinc’s involvement in more than 100 enzymes in the body, it is essential for normal growth and development.
4. Thyroid Function: Soy contains goitrogens – chemicals that have been found to impair thyroid function. The thyroid, a part of the endocrine system, affects weight, metabolism, mood, and the functioning of other endocrine organs.
5. Exposure to Heavy Metals: The aluminum content of soy formula is 10 times greater than milk-based formula and 100 times greater than unprocessed milk. Aluminum’s potential toxic effects range from kidney failure in infants to Alzheimer’s in adults.
6. Brain Function: Soy formulas lack cholesterol – a key ingredient in producing myelin, the fatty sheath that surrounds nerve fibers. Myelin acts as insulation, making it possible for nerves to carry information from one part of the brain or body to another.
7. Lower IQ: Soy formulas lack lactose, which is broken down by the body into two simpler sugars – glucose and galactose. Galactose is a valuable nutrient for brain tissue development. Anthropologists have demonstrated that the more intelligent species of mammals have greater amounts of lactose in their milk, and human milk has one of the highest concentrations of lactose of any mammal milk. Soy-based formulas contain no lactose at all, only table sugar and corn syrup.
8. Estrogen Exposure: It is estimated that infants fed exclusively soy-based formula receive an estrogen dose equivalent to five birth control pills daily.
When it comes to giving your little one the highest quality nutrition, there’s no doubt that the breast is best. But if you’re unable to breastfeed, choose a high-quality organic milk-based formula (like Bright Beginnings) that contains DHA and ARA.
[Ed. Note: Soy may be touted as healthy. But, as Kelley points out, it may be doing your baby more harm than good. For more information about what's good for your family's health, sign up for ETR's natural health e-letter.
Looking for a healthy sweet treat? Put down your sugar-packed soy bar and reach, instead, for a piece of delicious chocolate cake. High in protein and fiber, plus an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, this soy-free cake mix delivers wholesome nutrition... in the form of a decadent dessert.]
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