Moral/Ethical Question regarding allergies

[chelleb1974]

Hi Everyone,

I have a moral/ethical question as it related to food allergies. I was diagnosed last year with ovarian cancer, and was told it was estrogen dependent and that I should avoid eating soy because it could likely encourage the cancer to come back. What are people's opinions on stating that I have a soy allergy to be sure I avoid it as much as I can?

Thank you,
Michelle

 

[SoShiny]

In my opinion, stating that you have a soy allergy is a quick way to let restaurants know that you cannot consume soy - without having to specifically describe your situation. There is no moral/ethical dilemma there. You not eating soy does not take anything away from anyone else. Even if it did, you have medical reasons that are just as valid as an allergy.

Best wishes for quickly defeating your cancer.

 

[Heather07438]

I don't see any moral or ethical component either. Do what is best for you. If avoiding soy is something you need to protect your health, by all means request it.

Allergy I think runs a spectrum. In my MIL's case, shellfish components have occasionally given her nosebleeds over the years. It may not be an allergy in the traditional way people think, but it falls under the category nonetheless. Her body and shellfish don't get along.

Stay strong

 

[dbark923]

If you have a legitimate medical reason to let them know about an allergy (which you absolutely do), then you should definitely tell them. You don't owe it to anyone to fully explain your situation just to make sure you're staying safe. It's nothing like the people who are doing fad diets and pretend to have allergies that don't exist. You have a real need.

 

[chelleb1974]

In my opinion, stating that you have a soy allergy is a quick way to let restaurants know that you cannot consume soy - without having to specifically describe your situation. There is no moral/ethical dilemma there. You not eating soy does not take anything away from anyone else. Even if it did, you have medical reasons that are just as valid as an allergy.

Best wishes for quickly defeating your cancer.

Thank you! I have my 3mth followup appts next week, so hopefully it is all staying away!

 

[chelleb1974]

If you have a legitimate medical reason to let them know about an allergy (which you absolutely do), then you should definitely tell them. You don't owe it to anyone to fully explain your situation just to make sure you're staying safe. It's nothing like the people who are doing fad diets and pretend to have allergies that don't exist. You have a real need.

Thank you! This is how I feel about it, but wasn't sure how other's felt. I don't even know why I care what other's think because I don't usually.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Or you could just state that your doctor has told you to avoid all soy products for medical reasons. I can't have caffeine, so I have to check if the sodas have caffeine or not before I purchase them.

 

[akaler2010]

I've had a lot of restaurants ask if it's an allergy or a preference, which I love that they do that. Then they know my onions are just a preference, but dairy is an allergy. If you would rather not risk any soy entering your body just say it's an allergy.

 

[ILoveMyDVC]

Hi Everyone,

I have a moral/ethical question as it related to food allergies. I was diagnosed last year with ovarian cancer, and was told it was estrogen dependent and that I should avoid eating soy because it could likely encourage the cancer to come back. What are people's opinions on stating that I have a soy allergy to be sure I avoid it as much as I can?

Thank you,
Michelle

I never thought about that. I have thyrooid cancer and soy is the Kryptonite to it. I just avoid it as in tofu - soy sauce is, of course, not the same thing. You've given me something to think about.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

I would say it's an allergy. You can't have soy due to a medical issue, so there's nothing questionable in making sure restaurants help you avoid it.

 

[Lilsia]

I never thought about that. I have thyrooid cancer and soy is the Kryptonite to it. I just avoid it as in tofu - soy sauce is, of course, not the same thing. You've given me something to think about.

Soy is really not good for a body, especially for females because of the high estrogen in it. I think all of the soy that is in products now has contributed to overall weight gain in people. My niece is autistic and when she was young, my sister changed her diet to a strict one, including no soy. The change in her was immediate and drastic.

 

[Monykalyn]

In my opinion, stating that you have a soy allergy is a quick way to let restaurants know that you cannot consume soy - without having to specifically describe your situation. There is no moral/ethical dilemma there. You not eating soy does not take anything away from anyone else. Even if it did, you have medical reasons that are just as valid as an allergy.

Best wishes for quickly defeating your cancer.

SoShiny said it best so I am going to x2 here!

Thank you! I have my 3mth followup appts next week, so hopefully it is all staying away!

Sending positive and healing thoughts your way!

 

[WDWCAfan20]

The only thing to remember is that thee is a chance that they may refuse to serve you certain foods or drinks if it says "may contain" or "made in facility" or if they are unsure of the status of possible cross contamination with soy or other products with soy. They take allergies VERY seriously. They follow same protocol with my severe allergies where made in facililty and cross contamination can be deadly as they do with my other allergies because of mast cell where I just cant consume the actual food. But as long as you are okay with that possibility (which im guessing you would be fine with those precautions)definitely no issue with stating it is an allergy. its not something you just dislike or don't want....its medical.

And honestly, just thte fact that you asked and was concerned is greatly appreciated and really shows you are NOT trying to take advantage of this particular accommodation.

 

[Pucks104]

DH has developed celiacs as he has gotten older and Disney was wonderful in accommodating his need for gluten-free food. I think you will find them to be very accommodating of dietary needs.

 

[ashlynnray11]

as a former CM that worked at a quick service restaurant, definitely say you have an allergy! it’s so quick and easy and chefs are more than willing to discuss options to keep you safe! if you’re anxious about the word allergy, you could say “medical need” for food without soy. but you don’t owe anyone an explanation and when you specify allergy, your food will be cooked in a separate kitchen. if you just say you don’t like soy or it’s a preference rather than allergy, your food could be cooked in the normal kitchen that could cross contaminate your food with soy. best wishes and enjoy your vacation! ❤

 

[kylenne]

Echoing PPs here—you have a legit medical need! I have a life threatening tree nut allergy that requires me to carry an epipen even, and I don’t think you’re out of line at all. Disney is really fantastic and accommodating of dietary needs, so it’s important to communicate that to them.

I hope your treatment goes well and you beat this thing.

 

[GoingSince1990]

The dictionary defines an “allergy” as “an abnormal reaction of the body to a previously encountered allergen”. An increased likelihood of cancer upon consuming soy is certainly “abnormal”, so by that dictionary definition you do indeed have an allergy to soy, and there is no moral dilemma at all in saying so.

 

[GigEm96]

I have celiac and am always asked if its an allergy or a preference. Rather than go into my medical history, I usually just say allergy (even though celiac is really an autoimmune disorder). That way they are put on notice to be extra careful. I've never had any problems at WDW. Their staff is very conscientious about it and well trained, at least at the table service restaurants.

 

[VandVsmama]

I agree. There's no ethical dilemma. You have a very real and legitimate medical reason to not consume soy. Best way to communicate that would be to state on your ADRs that you're allergic to soy. That'll get the message across quickly and succinctly and you don't have to give any sort of explanation as to where the 'no soy' thing originated from.

 

[GusGus77]

I understand why you are asking! We have something similar in wanting to be careful with wording and be respectful to those with food allergies. My son has a food-dye intolerance. He cannot have artificial coloring and it is horrid if he does. It is not an allergy and he will not have an anaphylactic reaction to it. We are careful to specify it is not an allergy EXCEPT when dining out. Then we say it is an allergy as that is the only way to ensure that those in food service take it seriously. It just isn’t a risk we are willing to take. So just tell them you have a soy allergy as that is the easiest way to avoid confusion.