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Yeast Diets

Proponents of yeast-free diets say excessive yeast growth in the body negatively affects health, causing headaches and chronic fatigue. A yeast-free diet may also be prescribed to treat specific medical conditions such as autism, repeated yeast infection or to help with weight-loss efforts.

  1. Yeast-Free Diet Theory

    • The main idea behind a yeast-free diet is to eliminate foods that will result in the development and retention of natural yeasts. Yeasts are microorganisms that can develop and thrive within the body given the right conditions. While some yeast growth is normal, the presence of yeast in excess quantities can cause intestinal infections, among other disorders.

    Yeast Diet Rules

    • A yeast diet works by removing the main food sources of these creatures, resulting in their death by starvation. While on a yeast diet, your food intake should consist of the following natural food types: leafy green veggies, fruits, lean meat, seafood, nuts, seeds and healthy oils. Sticking to a mostly natural diet is the most effective way to rid your body of yeast.

    Foods to Avoid

    • Yeast feeds off of flours and whole grains, so you should attempt to limit consumption of breads, cereals, pastas, and related items while on a yeast-free diet. Additionally, sugar can cause yeast to reproduce, so you will want to strictly eliminate consumption of sugary foods. Other foods that can allow yeast to thrive include mushrooms, cheeses (and most dairy) and any food that contains vinegar.

    Benefits

    • Aside from helping to cure specific disorders such as yeast infection and intestinal infection, some people have used a yeast-free diet to curb the symptoms of autism. According to the research of William Shaw, Ph.D., autism is linked to yeast consumption. He concludes that a yeast-free diet can help to curb the symptoms of autistic children. Other purported benefits of following a yeast-free diet include improved digestion (as the yeast in your digestive tract will be removed), along with mild weight loss.

    Considerations

    • Strictly following a yeast-free diet is most difficult when eating out. Before ordering anything in a restaurant, be sure to consult both the restaurant's nutritional guide and speak with an employee to ensure that it does not contain any items that could inadvertently compromise your yeast-free diet. Although following a yeast-free diet is difficult, if you have been suffering from unexplained digestive maladies, a yeast-free diet might be the answer.

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