1. Control Yeast Infection
When you follow a yeast-free diet, you are attempting to control the amount of yeast in the body. You are prone to developing yeast infections in different areas of the body when you eat products with yeast. Yeast infections can occur on the surface of the vagina and mouth, but can also take place inside the body. When yeast overgrows in the digestive tract, the person may experience a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, gas and diarrhea. People with frequent yeast infections have found a yeast free diet beneficial.
2. Stay Free of Problems
It's typically easy to figure out the foods to avoid on a yeast-free diet. You'll eliminate all bread products containing yeast, such as rolls, cookies, cakes, pastries and pretzels. Any food that uses yeast to rise will have to be avoided. Vinegar is another source of yeast. Foods that contain vinegar, such as salad dressing, mustard, barbeque sauce and pickles, are avoided on a yeast free diet. A yeast-free diet extends to other processed foods as well. Steer clear of cheeses, bacon, soft drinks, beer, sugary snacks and syrups.
3. Follow a Low Carb Diet
When you follow a yeast-free diet, you'll eat a lot of vegetables. Your diet should consist of green leafy vegetables, like lettuce, cabbage and broccoli. You'll follow a high protein diet as well by eating beef, chicken, fish and beans. The diet also focuses on eating whole grain products, like whole grain cereals, pasta and oatmeal. Additional food options include eggs, seeds, nuts and non-citrus fruits. It's a very similar menu to a low carb diet.
4. Stabilize Yeast Levels
Most yeast-free diet experts recommend following the diet for at least 2 weeks. During this time, your body's natural yeast levels should equalize. Yeast-free eating is considered a detox diet and will typically only be followed for a month or less. However, to keep yeast under control, you should still limit the number of yeast products you consume. When you start adding yeast back into your diet, try to incorporate one food item at a time.
5. Any Scientific Basis?
Yeast infections are not only attributed to diet. Additional causes of yeast infections include antibiotic use, steroid usage, stress and bacterial exposure. Although diet can factor into the number of yeast infections you have, it's not the only reason. Physicians recommend a well-balanced diet, but have not suggested anything as extreme as the restrictive yeast-free diet.
