Being yeast intolerant can present some dietary restrictions that you need to follow in order to prevent the overgrowth of the Candida yeast fungi in the body. An abnormal increase in the growth of candida can cause symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, and irritable bowel syndrome. With a yeast free diet, your body can resume its balance and you will notice an improvement in your general health.
All foods that contain yeast such as baked products like cookies, cakes and breads should be avoided. Certain cheeses that have molds should be eliminated, and alcoholic and soda drinks should be avoided as well.
Vinegar has high yeast content, but it is often used in pickles, mayonnaise, steak sauce, and other salad dressings. It is best to avoid these foods, as well. A yeast free diet should not include mushroom and certain nuts such as peanuts and pistachios.
Living a yeast free life can help you retain a good balance of intestinal flora, which will result to a more efficient digestive process. You will be able to stay away from your usual cravings of sweets, like chocolates, maple syrup, as well as some fruits that have high sugar content such as grapes, prunes and dates.
It is recommended that you keep a yeast free diet for at least six weeks, which will make your body undergo a detoxing of yeast inside your system. You will most likely lose weight in the process, which is beneficial to your health, also. This kind of diet can also increase your energy levels, because the digestive tract functions better, and so, nutrients are better absorbed and distributed to your internal organs. Your immunity to certain diseases will also improve.
During the first few weeks of a yeast free diet, toxins are being flushed from your system and sometimes, some flu-like symptoms such as weakness and fatigue may occur. However, do not be alarmed as this is just a normal body reaction and you will soon regain normal functions after a few weeks.
After the initial six weeks, you can slowly reintroduce some of the foods that you had avoided. However, do this in small quantities and only one food at a time. This is a good way to tract how your body will react when certain foods are reintroduced, and will give you an idea which of these foods causes the unfavorable reactions in your body. You will then know better what foods to avoid in order to stay yeast free for the rest of your life.