About Yeast-Free Diets

If you need to begin a yeast-free diet, you must avoid any foods which are naturally-occurring sources of yeast, along with those which have yeast added. Most people have in their bodies small harmless amounts of yeast, called candida albicans, but some people have a difficult time with yeast infections or have been diagnosed with an overabundance of candida. Others try yeast-free diets as a weight-loss method, because too much yeast in the intestinal tract can make it difficult to lose weight.

Symptoms

The theory behind yeast-free diets is that if candida albicans becomes too prevalent in a person's system, it causes a condition known as candidiasis. Some holistic medical practitioners consider this condition to be a major contributor to several types of chronic illness. They believe a yeast-free diet can improve many symptoms and conditions including insomnia, migraine headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, recurring ear infections, asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue and attention deficit disorder.

Identification

Yeast-free diets initially eliminate not only yeast, but all forms of sugar as well as processed food. Sugar and certain processing ingredients can promote yeast growth. Depending on the severity of your problems, it may be possible to start re-introducing the restricted foods within four to six weeks. You can continue the yeast-free diet for a longer time if needed, or return to it if negative symptoms reappear.

Causes

A variety of consumed products can cause difficulties with excess yeast. These include antibiotics, steroids, hormones, birth control pills and sugar in all its forms, including fructose, glucose, dextrose and others. Monosodium glutamate and other items added to processed foods also can cause problems. In addition, mental or physical stress can trigger a reaction to yeast.

Features

Yeast-free diets are very strict and require a great deal of willpower. Fortunately, wheat-free alternatives are available, such as rice flour and pasta, and spelt products. The diets allow most meat and seafood, eggs and dairy products, oats, popcorn, vegetables, and nuts and seeds. Cornmeal and potato flour are allowed in small amounts, because although they do not contain yeast, they are starches, a form of sugar. Salad dressing and condiments must be avoided because they also have sugar. Alcohol not only has sugar, but is fermented, and fermented products must be excluded, including vinegar and soy sauce. Fungus-related foods are not allowed, such as mushrooms, or cheese with mold in it like blue cheese.

Types

A typical meal on a yeast-free diet might include meat, a vegetable, and a spelt or rice pasta. Stir-fry is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a yeast-free diet. It's a good idea to concentrate on the delicious food you can eat, rather than on the restrictions. Breakfast that allows steak and eggs, for instance, can seem like a luxury if you don't focus on the missing toast.

Considerations

Conventional medical community representatives such as the Mayo Clinic say none of these theories has been well-substantiated by scientific research. Nevertheless, numerous naturopathic practitioners advocate yeast-free diets for people with certain conditions. Many people feel the diet is worth a try to see if it relieves these symptoms.