Yeast-Free Diet - DR

For some people, yeast products can result in health complications or discomfort. For this reason, they go on yeast-free diets.

Who Needs a Yeast-Free Diet?
Yeast-free diets are used to treat a variety of conditions, most commonly one called candida. Candida is a form of yeast located naturally in the body and works to destroy harmful bacteria. However, in some people, it does not function normally. Instead, it produces root-like structures in the body that grow and penetrate the walls of the intestines. This leaves tiny holes that toxins and undigested food seep into, which can result in yeast infections and other serious problems.

In some cases, it is believed that the symptoms of autism can also be treated with a yeast-free diet. Autism is related to the use of antibiotics, as they help the yeast Candida grow in the intestinal tract. Elevated levels of Candida produces toxic chemicals damage a child's developing brain, which is believed to be one of the causes of autism. Many parents and doctors who have put autistic children on yeast-free diets have seen a marked improvement in their children and patients.

What Does A Yeast-Free Diet Include?
A yeast-free diet cuts out all yeast products. Those on yeast-free diets avoid sugars, most grains, and all fruits, including fruit juices, honey, maple syrup, as well as starchy vegetables such as potatoes, corn, yams, and parsnips are excluded on a yeast-free diet. In addition, foods with high contents of yeast or mold, including alcoholic beverages, cheeses, dried fruits, melons, and peanuts, are also avoided on a yeast-free diet. Some people are stricter with the diet than others, depending on the severity of their symptoms.

Those on yeast-free diets can eat all vegetables (except the ones listed above), proteins like legumes, fish, poultry, and meat, and whole grains. A small amount of fruit like apples, blueberries, cherries, other berries, and pears are also allowed each day, depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Review
We've reviewed this diet based on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest) based on the following criteria:

Health - 4. Yeast-free diets are literally a life-saver for some. For those on severely restricted yeast-free diets, calcium supplements may be required.

Cost - 2. Yeast-free diets are fairly inexpensive, as most of the items are those you would purchase during a normal grocery shopping trip.

Ease of Implementation - 2. Because so many foods contain yeast, it can be difficult to implement at first until you learn which foods must be avoided. Yeast-free diets also require dieters to study and read all nutritional information.

Ease of Adherence - 3. People who are used to eating whatever they want may have a difficult time adhering to the yeast-free diet, as it is fairly limiting.

Speed - 4. Most people who go on a yeast-free diet experience a relief of their symptoms within a couple of weeks.

Long-term potential - 4. Yeast-free diets are healthy for the long-term. Many people on yeast-free diets find it easier to stick with the diet because of the health benefits it provides to them.

Busy lifestyle rating - 2. This can be a fairly time-consuming diet to implement, especially at first, since most "convenience" foods contain yeast products and cannot be eaten.

Family Friendly - 4. There is nothing harmful about a yeast-free diet, and there is no reason anyone in a family should be excluded from it. Children who don't require a yeast-free diet, however, should be drinking milk for calcium.