How Does Brewers Yeast Benefit Crohn's Disease?
-
Brewer's Yeast
-
Brewer's yeast is a live microbial supplement that supports the delicate balance of good microbes in the digestive tract. You might find it identified as a nutraceutical, meaning it is a nutrient used to treat an illness, or to support health. Brewer's yeast is available in the baking aisle, though it is more convenient to obtain in a capsule. Some companies also manufacture products containing brewer's yeast, such as fermented milk, yogurt and other dairy products.
Diarrhea
-
In general, brewer's yeast can be useful to control diarrhea. It is most often used to prevent diarrhea and the overgrowth of bad intestinal microbes while using an antibiotic, because it rebalances the healthy microflora of the gut. Taking 1000mgs daily will usually control diarrhea within three days.
-
Crohn's and Brewer's Yeast
-
The inflammation and swelling associated with Crohn's often cause diarrhea. Because brewer's yeast is useful for controlling diarrhea, some people have tried using brewer's yeast in an attempt to manage the diarrhea associated with Crohn's, an inflammatory bowel disease. Two different studies conducted by the Department of Immunology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, UK and the Department of Medical Microbiology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, researched the response to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast) by patients with Crohn's. The Liverpool study also included patients with ulcerative colitis, chronic liver disease and unspecified gastrointestinal disorders. Brewer's yeast appeared beneficial to all patients, except those with Crohn's and chronic liver disease. Blood tests revealed patients with both disorders have antibodies to brewer's yeast. The immune system of patients with Crohn's disease sees brewer's yeast as an invader and attacks. This can cause more inflammation in the G.I. tract, leading to a worsening of symptoms. As of July 2009, further research is required, but based on the results of these studies, it might be advisable for Crohn's sufferers to avoid brewer's yeast.
-
