A yeast free diet is designed to stop the overgrowth of the Candida yeast (a type of fungus) in the body by cutting out the kinds of foods that yeasts feed on. Many diets also recommend natural antifungal agents and probiotics in combination with the dietary restrictions.
An overgrowth of Candida can result in wide ranging symptoms. In mild cases of the yeast infection,the disease is restricted to the area of the body that is affected. For example for yeast infections of the vagina (also known as vaginal thrush),the symptoms can include soreness and itching of the vaginal area. This is sometimes associated with pain while urinating and a yeasty-discharge. Oral thrush sufferers on the other hand,complain of bad breath and a white coating along the tongue and inside of the mouth.
Candida can also affect the gastrointestinal tract. And in severe cases the disease can become systemic introducing toxins into the bloodstream,weakening the immune system and resulting in a range of health problems. It is thought that the yeast takes on the form of a fungus with roots spreading to penetrate the intestinal wall breaking down the barrier between the digestive system and the bloodstream. Symptoms such as fatigue,memory loss,digestive problems, joint pain,‘brain fog’and depression have been associated with the condition. Some health professions even link Candidiasis of the gut to diseases such as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,Leaky Gut Syndrome,ADD and Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
It is not always possible to pinpoint the exact cause of a Candida outbreak. But they are commonly associated with the excessive or prolonged use of antibiotics (which destroy the natural balance of bacteria in the body responsible for keeping Candida in check),steroid use (which elevate sugar levels in the blood),unhealthy diets high in sugar (the Candida yeast feeds on sugar) and hormonal changes that can result from pregnancy,menopause or the birth control pill.
A yeast free diet gets at the root cause of a Candida outbreak. Topical treatments,such as the application of an external antifungal cream,may solve discrete symptoms on parts of the body,but they often do not solve the problem completely. Recurring infections and chronic conditions are very common.
A basic yeast free diet requires sufferers to cut down on the following foods:
- Breads containing yeast
- Alcohol (this converts into sugar in the body)
- All sugars (including all fruits,fruit juices,refined sugars and sweeteners)
- Any fermented products such as beer,soy sauce,pickles
- Starchy processed foods (these break down into sugar during digestion)
- Wheat flour (corn flour and rice flour are good substitutes)
- Mushrooms and truffles
- Chocolate
The following foods are allowed as part of a yeast free diet
- All vegetables
- Beef,chicken,fish and seafood
- Garlic (has known antifungal properties)
- Rice pasta
- Live natural yogurt (which along with probiotic supplements may help in restoring the natural balance of bacteria in the body)
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Antifungal supplements such as oregano oil and tea tree oil
It is advisable to avoid antibiotics if possible during treatment and drink plenty of water. Some health professionals advise taking a dietary fiber supplement to assist in building up a healthy absorptive capacity within the intestine.
The sugar cravings often associated with a chronic yeast infection tend to disappear as the yeast infection withdraws from the body. This is because the yeast is no longer feeding on sugars in the blood. Once the symptoms of yeast infection disappear it is possible to start re-introducing sugars slowly back into the diet. But don’t over do this. The aim is to have a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle going forward,free of yeast infection.
Awesome,i haven’t seen this before,thanks a lot
Hi,I’ve found your stuff pretty helpful but you can improve it by answering my question –)) I know men don’t get yeast infections very often but when they do how is it treated in men? Women get a certain cream but what do men do? Do men use the same thing?