Food With Yeast In Them Do you love bread? Pasta? Sourdough starter? Wine? Beer? The good news is that you can eat them all without worrying about gluten. This post goes into the science of how yeast works, how to get started with making beer, wine or bread and some of my favorite recipes.
Food With Yeast In Them
Stomach cramps, nausea or diarrhea after eating certain foods could indicate a food intolerance. In the case of a yeast intolerance, the symptoms might be triggered by yeast-containing food such as bread, beer or vinegar. These symptoms can occur within a couple of hours of eating, or they might take as long as a couple of days to appear. While eliminating yeast-containing foods is an appropriate treatment plan for an intolerance, see your doctor first to rule out any other medical conditions.
Yeast Allergy Versus Intolerance
A yeast allergy is not the same as a yeast intolerance. Food allergies are a serious condition that occurs when the body wrongly identifies food as a foreign substance, which can cause symptoms that range from mild, including hives and itching, to severe, including anaphylactic shock.
A food intolerance, on the other hand, does not involve the immune system. Rather, it’s caused by the digestive system improperly breaking down a particular food or chemicals in the food. Yeast intolerance symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, cramps and nausea.
Read more: List of Yeast-Free Diet Foods
Yeast-Containing Foods
One of the most obvious food groups that contain yeast is baked goods, such as most types of bread. According to Harvard University’s Microbial Sciences Initiative, yeast breaks down sugars in other baked goods ingredients, converting it to energy. The yeast causes fermentation, releasing carbon dioxide and ethanol and causing bread products to rise.
Luckily, a yeast intolerance doesn’t mean you have to give up bread forever. The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture notes that baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that cause bread to rise without the need for yeast. As an added benefit, these substitutes work right away, while yeast takes time to make bread rise. These baked items, such as muffins, pancakes, waffles, cakes, brownies, breads, cookies and scones, are appropriately called “quick breads.”
There are many less-obvious foods that contain yeast, such as dried fruit, cereal, condiments, several types of berries, aged cheese, cured meats, mushrooms, buttermilk, yogurt, gravies and sauces. Seasoning mixes and stock or broth cubes can also contain yeast. Additionally, any food product that is stored too long after opening can contain yeast. Proper food preparation and storage can help prevent this from happening.
Alcohol and Yeast
If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, you might be disappointed to learn that without yeast, there would be no beer or wine. These beverages are produced when yeast converts sugar to alcohol during fermentation. However, the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that distilled spirits, such as whiskey, rum, brandy, vodka and other hard liquors, usually don’t cause symptoms of yeast intolerance, so you can try sipping on these beverages to see how they affect you.
Yeast in Supplements
Yeast can be found in certain dietary supplements. According to Current Topics in Nutraceutical Research, brewer’s yeast is a particularly popular supplement due to its high B vitamin content. Yeast also contains essential amino acids and can be found in some energy boosters and protein supplements. Read supplement labels carefully to identify these yeast products if you have an intolerance.
Benefits of nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast comes from a species of yeast known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. There is another form of this yeast species, which is called brewer’s yeast. Although people sometimes use the terms interchangeably, it is essential to note that nutritional yeast is not the same as brewer’s yeast.
Manufacturers can grow nutritional yeast on a variety of sources, including blackstrap molasses, whey, and sugar beets.
Nutritional yeast is similar to the yeast that people use in baking, but it undergoes a heating and drying process that renders it inactive.
Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and usually gluten-free. As a result, it can be a useful supplement for people with food allergies or sensitivities, as well as those on restricted diets. It is also low in fat and contains no sugar or soy.
Benefits
Nutritional yeast is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein. Typically, one-quarter of a cup of nutritional yeast containsTrusted Source:
- 60 calories
- 8 grams (g) of protein
- 3 g of fiber
- 11.85 milligrams (mg) of thiamine, or vitamin B-1
- 9.70 mg of riboflavin, or vitamin B-2
- 5.90 mg of vitamin B-6
- 17.60 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin B-12
It also contains vitamin B-3, potassium, calcium, and iron.
The benefits that nutritional yeast may offer people include:
1. Boosting energy
While some manufacturers fortify nutritional yeast with vitamin B-12, not all of them do, so it is best to check the label. Vitamin B-12 may help boost energy, as a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to weakness and fatigue.
Nutritional yeast can be particularly helpful for vegetarians and vegans if it has added vitamin B-12, as this vitamin mostly occurs in animal products.
Adults need about 2.4 mcg of vitamin B-12 per day. Just one-quarter of a cup of nutritional yeast provides more than seven times this amount.
2. Supporting the immune system
Research has shown that S. cerevisiae, the strain of yeast in nutritional yeast, can support the immune system and reduce inflammation resulting from bacterial infection. It may also be helpful in treating diarrhea.
3. Promoting skin, hair, and nail health
Some research suggests that nutritional yeast can combat brittle nails and hair loss. It may also help reduce acne and improve other common skin problems, particularly in adolescence.
4. Improving glucose sensitivity
While some people believe that nutritional yeast improves glucose sensitivity in people with type 2 diabetes, studies have yet to prove this.
However, some research on chromium-enriched yeast, which is usually brewer’s yeast, found that this type of yeast could lower fasting blood glucose levels and cholesterol in an animal model.
5. Supporting a healthy pregnancy
Nutritional yeast can also support a healthy pregnancy. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommend that all women who are planning a pregnancy take 400–800 mcg of folic acid a day to prevent congenital abnormalities and support the growth of the fetus.
Manufacturers frequently fortify nutritional yeast with folic acid, which can make it a useful supplement for pregnant women.
Some brands of nutritional yeast may contain more than a standard serving of folic acid though, so individuals should consult a doctor before using it as a supplement.
The Candida Diet: Top Five Foods to Eat and to Avoid
So far in this series we have looked at the causes and symptoms of Candida overgrowth (or yeast infection). If you missed any of the previous articles, or want to remind yourself, you can read the following to catch up:
In this sixth and final article, we will look at what you can and can’t eat when you are tackling Candida overgrowth. I will tell you the most common foods that feed and contribute to the symptoms of Candida and the best foods you can eat to help suppress and control it.
As we have seen throughout this series, Candida is a simple organism that doesn’t need much to thrive. The damp, warm environment of our digestive system, a reduction in healthy bacteria (usually caused by taking antibiotics) and lots of sugar is all Candida needs to flourish, grow and take hold in your gut, causing any number of unpleasant symptoms such as digestive symptoms, emotional problems, skin, weight issues, muscle and joint pain, food allergies, itching and frequent infections to name just a few. These symptoms, alone and in combination all contribute to making you feel seriously under par. However, a few simple changes to your diet can help alleviate all of them. Isn’t that great news?
If you have, or suspect you may have, Candida there are steps you can take to help minimize its growth Candida- starting with your diet. Here is a list of foods that I have found in my Naturopathic practice to be most aggravating to people with Candida overgrowth.
Top Five Foods to Avoid
1. Sugar
Any form of processed sugar including white or brown sugar derived from the cane sugar plant and any simple sweetener derived from maple syrup, honey, agave, brown rice syrup or malt. You also need to take great care to avoid high fructose corn syrup – this processed form of sugar, derived from the corn plant, is especially problematic for yeast overgrowth and should be eliminated. Read labels, you may be surprised to find all the hidden sources of sugar that you may be consuming. Packaged soups, coffee creamers, packaged seasonings are all potential sources.
2. Simple Carbohydrates
Processed carbohydrates such as white flours, white rice contain no fiber and turn into simple sugars in the digestive system. Foods in this category include crackers, chips, pasta and noodles.
3. Yeast
Candida is a yeast and, when you consume foods that contain yeast, you are adding more yeast to an already yeast-heavy environment. High yeast foods include:
*Alcohol which is fermented using yeast. Wine and Beer contain the most yeast and people who are yeast sensitive tend to react more to them than they do to distilled spirits like vodka, gin & tequila which contain less.
*Fermented products, including all types of vinegar, soy sauce, tamari, salad dressing, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard and most other condiments that include vinegars.
*Many breads contain yeast – it is what makes the bread rise so that it is fluffy and light. Sourdough bread gets mixed reviews on being allowed on a Candida diet. Sourdough is made with a starter so there is no active yeast added to the mix. However, the starter comes from naturally occurring yeast spores that float around in the environment. For this reason, I recommend avoiding sourdough when doing a Candida cleanse. Tortillas do not contain yeast and can be used to replace bread.
4. Mold
Foods that are high in mold can add to the fungal spores in the intestinal tract that contribute to the growth of Candida. Foods that may have mold on them include:
*Meats that are pickled, smoked or dried such as hotdogs, smoked salmon and cured pork bacon.
*Cheese, especially ‘moldy cheese’ such as brie and camembert. I recommend avoiding all cheeses during the Candida cleanse.
*Peanuts & Pistachios
*Dried fruits and fruit that has been bottled, canned or jarred. These belong in the sugar category as well as the mold category as they contain both concentrated sugar and often mold spores on the skin as well.
5. Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a fungus and, as such, can also contribute to yeast overgrowth. Mushrooms have a role to play in medicine and some species can boost the immune system. However, for the purpose of treating Candida, any foods that have a fungal component to them are best avoided to minimize yeast growth in the intestines.
The Five Best Foods to Eat to Eliminate Candida
The best diet to keep Candida overgrowth to a minimum is one that is high in healthy protein, fats and complex carbohydrates. Here are my top five food groups for beating Candida:
1. Protein
Protien from animal sources such as chicken, fish, shellfish, eggs
Protient from non-animal sources such as beans, legumes (such as red or brown lentils), nuts and seeds (except peanuts and pistachios)
2. Fresh Vegetables
Especially dark leafy greens such as spinach, cabbage, kale and collards. Root vegetables such as carrots and potatoes can be eaten in moderation but beware as they contain carbohydrates that will turn to sugar once eaten. Frozen, canned or jarred vegetables can be eaten but should be consumed in moderation – in general fresh is always best.
3. Fresh Fruits
1-2 servings of fresh fruit per day will provide good fiber, vitamins and minerals. However, if you notice symptoms of gas, bloating and brain fog after eating fruit you may be sensitive to it and should eliminate it from your diet as well.
4. Complex Carbohydrates
Some people can handle having whole grains in their diet. If you find you get gas, bloating, stomach pain, blood sugar crashes or weight concerns after eating whole grains then you will need to avoid them. Otherwise, you may be able to consume grains such as:
*Oats
*Barley
*Kamut
*Brown or wild rice
*Millet
*Teff
*Buckwheat
*Quinoa
5. High Quality Oils (Good Fats)
All our cells have an outer layer of fat that makes up the cell membrane. When we eat high-quality oils this membrane are healthier and work optimally. When our cell membranes are working properly then we are healthier and have more energy. Unrefined and cold-pressed oils are the best when available. Good fats include (but are not limited to):
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil (avoid olives themselves as they are pickled in a brine so fall under the fermented foods category and should be avoided)
- Avocados & avocado oil
- Sunflower oil
- Safflower oil
- Fish Oil
- Flax seed oil
- Chia Seed
In addition to eating the right foods it is important to stay well hydrated. Drinking 1-2 liters of water a day will contribute to a healthy digestive system and help minimize yeast overgrowth.
Closing Thoughts
Candida overgrowth can be the hidden culprit in many chronic health concerns. It can build up over a long period of time and symptoms may not be obvious at first. It has been my experience that most people, at some point in their life, do well to do a Candida cleanse and eliminate sugar- and yeast-promoting foods from their diet for a certain period of time. Cleaning up ones diet, adding high quality probiotics and reducing sugar will always help to put people on the path to good health.
If you suspect you might have Candida overgrowth and would like to find out more about my specially designed Yeast and Candida Detox Program, please make an appointment today. This is a three-tiered supported treatment that:
- Eliminates the foods that cause the yeast to grow
- Kills off the yeast
- Repopulates the intestines with healthy bacteria
I love to read your comments; if you have any thoughts or experiences you would like to share about your battle with Candida, or if you have any questions, please use the comments box below.
This concludes the series on Candida overgrowth and its role in your health. Look for my new, upcoming series of articles focusing on deadly food allergies. To be sure you don’t miss it you can subscribe to this blog using the subscription box on this page and have it sent directly to your inbox.
From beer to bread, how to tackle a yeast intolerance.
A living fungus, yeast is a natural, active ingredient used in both baking and brewing. Feeding on sugar, yeast converts it into carbon dioxide and alcohol, helping bread to rise and beer to brew. But those bubbling, fermenting reactions can have other, more unwanted results when it comes to our health due to yeast intolerance.
Commonly found in a wide variety of food and drinks, yeast can be difficult to avoid. But, for those who suffer with symptoms such as bloating, weight gain, fatigue, skin problems and even migraine as a result of eating yeast, it’s important to be aware of the common places you might find it.
Be aware of beer
Beer, which is made using the brewer’s variety, is one of the more obvious sources to avoid if you find that yeast causes you problems. It’s also worth noting that this also includes wine. If you can’t resist a tipple, you may want to switch to spirits, which aren’t made using the same fermentation process.
Baking a change
Another common place to find the fungus is in baked goods. Made using the baker’s variety, breads, pastries and pizza bases all contain yeast, which helps the dough to rise. If you’re a loaf lover you might want to consider trying soda bread or unleavened varieties like tortilla wraps or flatbreads.
Feeling fruity
Did you know that yeast is also found naturally on the skin of fruits such as grapes, dates and figs? Even if yeast isn’t found on the fruit, those containing a high level of sugar, such as bananas, pears and pineapple, can actually help feed the yeast present in the body, producing unwanted side effects and worsening symptoms.
Spread the word
Love it or hate it, common toast topper Marmite is a key cupboard staple to steer clear of if you’re avoiding yeast. It’s also important to be aware of the other ingredients lurking in your pantry that may contain your trigger food. Stock cubes, gravy granules and condiments like mayonnaise and mustard should all be avoided if you’re trying to remove yeast from your diet.
In a pickle
If you’re a fermented foods fan, you may have to put the pickles back on the shelf for now. Favourites such as gherkins, onions, and beetroots, which are pickled in vinegar, should all be avoided if yeast gives you problems.
Is yeast really making you feel unwell?
As with all trigger foods, it’s important never to simply assume that a particular ingredient is causing you to feel unwell. If you have ruled out another underlying condition, you may want to take the next step with a Smartblood Food Intolerance test.
Fast and accurate, our home to laboratory test provides you with all the knowledge you need to understand your diet and it’s impact on your health and wellbeing. Supported by a consultation with a registered Nutritional Therapist, you will be given all the information you need to help you remove and replace your trigger foods.