There is some conflict between some holistic practitioners and some medical doctors about whether yeast overgrowth is an illness. However, according to "The Yeast Connection," there have been documented examples of yeast-related ailments since the 1700s. Yeast overgrowth can cause you to feel "sick all over," making it hard to get a diagnosis and find relief for your symptoms. Talk to your doctor before starting a yeast-free diet.
What is Yeast Overgrowth?
"The Yeast Connection" describes yeast overgrowth is a systemic disease caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Your stomach houses friendly bacteria within its mucous membranes. Antibiotics, among many other causes, can kill the friendly bacteria, making your body a breeding ground for unhealthy toxins. Yeast overgrowth has been associated with many other ailments, including depression, headaches, food allergies, skin conditions and bothersome gastrointestinal symptoms. A doctor or holistic practitioner can diagnose yeast overgrowth through a detailed history, physical examination and blood tests.
Foods to Avoid
A yeast-free diet requires eliminating a multitude of foods, although you can slowly integrate some of them back into your diet after you get the Candida albicans under control. "The Yeast Connection Cookbook" recommends avoiding yeast-containing foods, sugar-containing foods, processed foods, fermented and aged products as well as most pastas, cereals and alcoholic beverages. Avoid fruit during the beginning stages of the yeast overgrowth diet, slowly introducing small amounts back in after three weeks to evaluate how much you are able to tolerate.
Foods to Eat
Foods you can eat on the yeast-free diet include lean proteins and meats, water, fresh vegetables and grain alternatives such as amaranth, buckwheat and quinoa. Once you get the yeast overgrowth under control, you probably will be able to reintroduce and tolerate fruits, nuts, dairy and other complex carbohydrates.
Rotated Diets
People who suffer from yeast overgrowth also might be susceptible to other food allergies or intolerances. A rotated diet can help you discover any sensitivities you have to certain foods and provide a healthy balance in your eating plan. Eat a suspected food only every four to seven days. You might find it easier to start with one food group and slowly rotate through different food groups, or add more as you go.
Medications and Supplements
Your doctor might suggest medications or supplements in addition to a yeast-free diet to aid in your body's elimination of yeast overgrowth. According to "The Yeast Connection," probiotics such as acidophilus might help your body promote the growth of natural intestinal flora. You might need to take Nystatin or other anti-fungal medications on a short-term basis. Your doctor probably will do regular blood work to ensure your liver is not adversely affected by these medications. Garlic is encouraged as a potent and natural anti-fungal agent.
References
- "The Yeast Connection"; William G. Crook, M.D.; 1986
- "The Yeast Connection Cookbook"; William G. Crook, M.D. and Marjorie Hurt Jones, R.N.; 2005
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