Yeast free diets are also known as the candida diet. Avoiding foods that contain yeast helps your body fight off common yeast infections because it deprives the candida albican bacteria living in your body from the yeast they need to multiply and survive. Candida yeast often contributes to many health problems such as fatigue, insomnia, joint pain, yeast infections, migraines and bloating. There are a number of recommended foods to eat while you are on a yeast free diet as well as a list of foods you should avoid.
Recommended Foods
Fruits are generally considered off-limits on a yeast free diet except for certain fruits that are low or moderate in sugar. These fruits include apples, apricots, gooseberries, nectarines, peaches, pears, pineapples, raspberries, loganberries and blackberries and may be eaten moderately. Vegetables can be eaten liberally on a yeast-free diet except for potatoes which should only be eaten three or four times a week. Dark green leafy vegetables, like broccoli and spinach, are especially good for a yeast-free diet but other vegetables such as asparagus, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, garlic, lettuce, rhubarb, summer squash and zucchini are also acceptable.
Meat and seafood contain little or no carbohydrates or sugar which makes them acceptable foods to eat on a yeast-free diet. Protein sources such as beef, uncured pork, poultry, ham, bacon, organ meat, tripe, fish and shellfish are all acceptable. Certain dairy products that are low in carbohydrates and yeast are acceptable as well. These dairy products include eggs and certain cheeses like homemade ricotta or cottage cheese made with lemon juice. Whole or skim milk have moderate levels of carbohydrates but no yeast and can be consumed moderately.
Some breads, grains and cereals contain moderate levels of carbohydrates but no yeast so they can be eaten moderately. These types of breads include oatmeal, wheat germ, wheat, rice, corn, barley, couscous, buckwheat and whole grain pasta. Legumes of any variety and unprocessed seeds and nuts are also acceptable. Cooking additives can be eaten moderately such as butter, margarine, fresh cream and oils.
Foods to Avoid
Yeast-free diets include a long list of foods that should be avoided. These foods mostly include foods that are high in sugar, carbohydrates and contain yeast. These foods include most breads, cookies, cakes, rolls, pastries and pretzels unless they are specifically made with whole grains and no yeast. Condiments that should be avoided include vinegar, mayonnaise, most salad dressings, barbeque sauce, mustard, pickles and pickled foods. Foods that contain or are made with mold should also be avoided. This includes most cheeses, dried or smoked meats, cure bacon, mushrooms, peanuts, pistachios, soy sauce, miso, tamari and tempeh. Sugary foods like grapes, raisins, dates, prunes, figs, citrus fruits, honey, molasses, maple sugar, chocolate and high fructose corn syrup are also off-limits.