The short answer is yes, a vegan can live healthfully without eating soy.

Having enjoyed a vegan diet for several years about a year ago I experimented with eating soy as a protein source. My consumption of soy products included:

• soy milk
• vegan meat products
• tofu
• Soy-based protein bars

And equaled about 5 servings a day. After a couple of months with that level of soy intake, I noted that I began to not feel well. Specifically:

• my energy level dropped considerably, I was able to complete my daily workouts but dreaded the thought of it
• I had to take a nap each afternoon
• I experienced continuous body aches, especially in my joints
• I experienced periods of vertigo

Initially, I thought I had the flu or perhaps Lyme disease. I made a doctor’s appointment and subsequently had blood drawn. While waiting for my follow-up appointment it dawned on me that the onset of the symptoms correlated roughly with my decision to up my daily soy intake and as a new experiment I removed ALL soy from my diet. Between that day and the follow-up doctor’s appointment 4 days later all of the symptoms disappeared. In reviewing my blood tests, the Dr. could find no indication of an underlying disease or condition. I explained the effect of the dietary change and she said: “I believe that you have found the answer”. She also indicated that she thought that I could eat smaller amounts of soy, however, I have chosen to live soy free from that point forward.

Since that time I am as healthy and energetic as I have ever been in my 57 years.

Soy does offer substantial health benefits, a list of which can be found here:

Soy Foods Benefits of Soy | Cleveland Clinic

That means that if you are going to enjoy a soy-free vegan diet you may wish to find alternative sources for the specific nutrients that you will not be getting from soy. Of particular concern, is the omega-3 fats that soy provides. For some good alternative vegan sources, please see:

The 7 Best Plant Sources of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Also, the following books include tons of important nutritional information for vegans:

Becoming Vegan: The Complete Reference to Plant-Based Nutrition

How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease