Yeast Detox Diet

One usually starts a yeast detox diet to rid the body of yeast and toxins in the large intestines. During this period, there are certain foods that should be eaten and some that need to be avoided. There are also foods that can be used to kill the systemic yeast. It can take weeks and even months to eliminate the yeast and toxins from the colon.

What Causes Yeast and Toxins

Systemic yeast is caused by an overgrowth of candida, a diploid fungus that lives naturally in the colon. Sometimes this yeast-like fungus over-proliferates in the large intestines and causes symptoms such as headaches, gastritis, yeast infections; and even autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia and chronic-fatigue syndrome. This condition is often spurred by the overuse of antibiotics and corticosteroids, and can also stem from a poor diet, food allergies, chlorinated water and airborne pollutants.

As one starts a diet to combat systemic yeast, the candida emits toxins as it dies off. These toxins must also be eliminated through the urinary and digestive tracts, along with the yeast.

Foods to Avoid

There are certain foods to avoid when on a yeast-detox diet. It is best to eliminate foods that contain glutens, yeast and sugar. This can be a problem for people because most breads, pastas, pastries, snack foods, milk and beer contain glutens or yeast. If you continue to eat these foods, you will feed the systemic yeast in your system. Consequently, your symptoms or condition can actually get worse. Fortunately, there are many foods that can be substituted or eaten in lieu of these items.

Foods to Eat

Candida sufferers need to eat gluten-free products until their condition improves. Gluten-free foods do not usually contain yeast or sugar. Brown rice is one such food. For those who like pasta, there are plenty of rice-pasta substitutes on the market. The difference in taste is negligible. There are also gluten-free breads made from rice and other grains. For those who like snacks, most health-food aisles at the grocery store have gluten-free cookies and crackers. Dairy substitutes include milk and ice-cream products made from brown rice.

One can continue to eat meat, fish, yams, potatoes, beans, vegetables, most nuts (except for peanuts and walnuts) and some fruit. The latter should be limited to one or two per day because of the sugar content. There are also plenty of grains that are gluten-free, including millet, amaranth, kamut, basmati rice, buckwheat, quinoa and many others. Oats and corn have low levels of glutens. They can usually be introduced back into the diet after two weeks.

Foods That Kill Yeast

There are a number of foods that help to kill yeast. Raw vegetables such as radishes and cucumbers contain enzymes that fight systemic yeast. Yogurt has cultures that can help replenish the flora in the gut and large intestines. A couple cloves of garlic a day can help kill yeast, and virgin coconut oil is another food that can help eliminate it. There are others, but these foods are some of the most effective ones.

Length of Treatment

There is no certain length of time required to kill systemic yeast. Every individual case is different. Minor cases may only require a couple of weeks. More chronically ill people may need to eat gluten-free foods for many months or years. Probiotics and colon cleanses can help expedite the process, but these can be expensive. It is best to continue on a yeast-detox diet until major symptoms subside.

References

• Theyeastdiet.com; 2009.

Resources

• Everydiet.org; 2009.