The Ultimate Guide to Yeast Free Diets

There are various reasons why people turn to a diet that is free from yeast. Maybe you have been on multiple courses of antibiotics due to surgery or are suffering from thrush, anxiety, hot flashes, constant diarrhea and while for others, they may want to loose weight due to excessive consumptions of starch and sugar based products. All these are causes of yeast overgrowth which results in a yeast infection known as candidiasis.

Following yeast free diets means eliminating certain foods that promote yeast growth for a minimum of three to six weeks. This helps alleviate the symptoms associated with candidiasis such as: migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, attention deficit disorder and asthma. Reducing the levels of candida or yeast in the body has been reported by some followers of yeast free diets, to make them feel more energetic and has even been associated with weight loss because those who adhere to this diet also get on an exercise program as well.

Foods to avoid include:

• Foods that are high in yeast like bread, cookies, pastries, pretzels and rolls.


• Foods that contain vinegar such as mayonnaise, salad dressing, barbecue sauce, mustard and pickled foods.


• Fermented foods: cider, wine, beer, spirits, mushrooms, miso and tofu.


• Moldy foods like soy sauce, malt, pre-packed herbs or tea and canned tomatoes.


• Foods that contain sugar. - honey, chocolate, soft drinks, drink mixes, high fructose corn syrup,and maple syrup.


• Fruits that are high in sugar like raisins, grapes, dates, prunes, figs, citrus fruits, fruit juices and dried fruits.


• Dairy products including yogurt, milk and cheese. Eggs are okay.

After reading the list above, it may seem very restrictive and you may be wondering exactly what you are allowed to eat now? Have no fear, there is a whole range of permitted wholesome foods that are not only unprocessed but keep you healthy and feeling like a million bucks!

Permitted yeast free diet foods are:

• Grilled, baked, or steamed meats like chicken, beef or salmon.


• Eggs and egg based meals like quiche.


• Whole grain oatmeal, pasta, and corn.


• Homemade soups like lentil soup.


• Lots of water to assist the body detoxify.


• Unprocessed nuts and seeds.


• Vegetables preferably, the dark green leafy ones.


• Unrefined vegetable oil like olive oil or hemp seed oil.


• A variety of beans and legumes.


• Rice products including rice cakes, brown rice and rice crackers


• Unsweetened cranberry juices.


• Porridge from millet or sorghum flour.


• Tropical fruits - papaya and mango only in very small quantities

After the three to six weeks duration, you can gradually integrate one food item at a time, from the foods to avoid list. Vigilantly monitor your body's reaction to them and discontinue if you start noticing the symptoms of yeast infection re-occurring. The symptoms to watch out for are bloating or gas, diarrhea, indigestion, fatigue especially after eating and depression.

The benefits of yeast free diets are varied and are not limited to only weight loss but some parents of kids with autism, have been known to curb the symptoms of autism by having their kids on yeast free diets. It is to be noted however, that initially, when starting the yeast free diet, some people may not feel well but once some of the natural yeast dies off from your system, your energy levels will improve dramatically.

To succeed on yeast free diets entails focusing on what you can eat and not feel deprived of what you cannot eat. There are lots of delicious mouth watering recipe books available online and in book stores that will guide you on how to prepare sumptuous meals that you and your family will enjoy!