Following a yeast-free diet may help rid your body of yeast overgrowth, which can cause a systemic yeast infection. If your digestive tract becomes overrun with yeast, you may experience digestive upset, including gas, diarrhea and bloating, according to Dr. Marcelle Pick on the Women to Women health website. Talk to your doctor about eliminating yeast-containing foods from your diet to see whether going yeast-free can help you feel better.
Breakfast
Avoid most baked goods to start your daily yeast-free diet off on the right foot. Instead of baked goods that contain yeast, such as breads and biscuits, choose baked goods made without yeast such as muffins and bagels. Eggs are also a safe yeast-free breakfast, as are warm cereals including oatmeal and hot brown rice cereal.
Give up your morning cup of coffee or black tea to go totally yeast-free. Instead, opt for green tea. Don't add sweeteners to your breakfast, even artificial sweeteners, maple syrup or honey.
Lunch
You'll need to avoid dairy items while you're following a yeast-free diet, so any lunch foods made with cheese are off limits. Instead, stick to fresh salads, vegetable soups and plates of steamed veggies. Be sure that your salad or vegetable plate is dressed with just olive oil and lemon or lime juice with a pinch of herbs and salt. Stay away from vinegar, which is fermented and contains yeast, and any dressings made with dairy or sweeteners.
Snacks
Choosing yeast-free snacks can be difficult when packaged snack foods are so quick and convenient. But processed foods often contain hidden yeasts and sugars. When you need an afternoon snack, pick up fresh veggies to dip in hummus or another variety of bean dip. Most seeds and nuts are OK -- just avoid peanuts and pistachios. Rice cakes and crackers made from rice are acceptable yeast-free snacks as well. Avoid fresh or dried fruits, which are full of sugar.
Dinner
Pair fresh or steamed vegetables with a healthy, lean protein for a great yeast-free dinner. Bake or broil a piece of fish or lean poultry. You can season your meat with any seasonings except black pepper. If you're a vegetarian, beans make a good protein option for a yeast-free meal. Pair your protein and vegetables with a whole-grain side dish such as brown rice or couscous. Avoid all alcoholic beverages and sodas. Instead drink still or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or lime juice with your meals.
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