Yeast Elimination Diets

Yeast, also known as Candida, co-exists with us, living on our body---on our skin and in dark, moist areas---along with other friendly bacteria. When the yeast gets out of balance, we suffer from candidiasis. Some doctors claim Candida also invades our intestinal tract, causing intestinal discomfort and fatigue. Other doctors say there are no studies at this time to substantiate that claim. There is agreement, however, that diet makes a difference when it comes to Candida outbreaks.

Restricting Sugar

Yeast is a fungus that feeds on sugar. Eliminating sugar from the diet requires vigilance and discipline. Processed and refined white sugar--as well as products made with white sugar--are the most obvious. When you do need something sweet, Disabled World says, "stick to the healthier forms of sugar like brown rice syrup, barley malt, fruit juice, and agave." These forms of sugar are complex carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates turn into sugar in the digestive process. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and are therefore preferred. Simple carbohydrates convert to sugar faster than the body can use them.

Not all complex carbohydrates, however, are without natural sugars. Eliminating sugar from your diet includes eliminating fruits high in sugar such as pineapple, bananas and dried fruit. Keep sweeteners to a minimum.

Increasing Acidophilus

Supplementing your diet with acidophilus, one of the friendly bacteria, can prevent candida outbreaks, restoring a healthy balance between the yeast and the friendly bacteria. Eating yogurt regularly, or taking a probiotic that contains acidophilus, can colonize friendly bacteria in the digestive tract. Research shows that ingesting acidophilus has been shown to prevent and stop Candida outbreaks in the vagina.

Warning

The University of Texas Health Science Center reports, "Drs. Ostrosky and Lorenz urge caution when relying on Internet information about yeast, especially those sites or companies offering yeast-cleansing treatments (Reference 3)." Use caution when making changes to your diet and seek professional consultation for negative symptoms that persist.