Yeast is a microorganism that occurs naturally in the body --- a form called candida --- and in certain foods. According to Jane Remmington, author of "The Yeast-Free Kitchen," yeast-free diets aim to prevent or reduce candida overgrowth, which can lead to infections in the mouth, throat or vagina. In addition to avoiding foods that contain yeast, yeast-free diets limit foods believed to trigger candida production, such as sugar, milk and fermented foods. Since there is a lack of evidence for the effectiveness of yeast-free diets, seek your doctor's guidance for best results.
Yeast-Containing Foods
Yeast is commonly used as a rising agent in breads. Thus, yeast-free diets restrict breads and bread-type products. Most sandwich bread, french bread, hamburger and hotdog buns, dinner rolls, pastries, pizza crust, bagels, pita bread and English muffins contain yeast. Numerous commercially-prepared snack foods, such as pretzels, crackers, cookies, cakes, muffins and pastries also contain yeast. A variety of condiments, including mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, salad dressing and mustard, also contain yeast and should be avoided, according to Remington. Sauces and marinades made with vinegar also contain yeast. To determine whether store-bought foods contain yeast, check ingredients lists on food packaging.
Sugar-Containing Foods and Sweeteners
Though sugar does not contain yeast, proponents of yeast-free diets believe that consuming added sugars, such as cane sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, honey and maple syrup trigger candida overgrowth. Common sugar-containing foods include candy, pastries, sweetened cereals, pancake syrup, ice cream, cookies, cakes, pies, brownies and beverages, such as soft drinks, sweetened coffee drinks and fruit punch. Remington also recommends avoiding sugar substitutes, such as aspartame and sucralose, which are present in diet soft drinks and a variety of sugar-free and calorie-reduced diet foods.
Dairy Products, Fermented Foods and Fruit
Yeast-free diets also limit moldy foods, such as aged cheeses, fermented milk, buttermilk, sour kraut, fermented miso and kimchi. Fermented beverages to avoid include beer, wine and fermented cider. Non-fermented dairy products, such as milk, cottage cheese and creamy sauces, may also be restricted from your yeast-free diet. Yogurt may or may not be permitted since probiotics --- healthy bacteria contained in yogurt --- may reduce candida overgrowth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Many yeast-free diets also recommend avoiding fruit. If you do consume fruit, the diets recommend washing items well before consuming them to prevent consumption of bacteria and/or purchasing organic, fresh, seasonal fruit only. Common yeast-promoting fruits, according to Remington, include dried fruit, plums, raisins, dates and citrus fruits.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Candidiasis Facts and Treatment
- "The Yeast-Free Kitchen: Recipes to Help You Achieve Victory Over the Yeast-Beast, Candida Albicans"; Jane Remmington; 2004
