A candida free or yeast free diet is one that emphasizes reducing or completely eliminating foods that will cause growth of natural yeasts in our body. There are several reasons why people may turn to a yeast free diet. They may have a difficult time with yeast infections (like thrush and vaginal yeast infections) — particularly after using antibiotics — and may benefit from a brief period on a diet that eliminates yeasts and foods that will likely make yeasts thrive, like those with high amounts of starches and sugar. Others look to yeast free diets as a means of affecting weight loss, since excessive yeast in the intestinal tract may make weight loss more challenging, particularly for women. Yet others may use yeast free and casein free diets as a way to combat symptoms of autism.

For weight loss, yeast infections, or intestinal disturbance due to high presence of yeast, a yeast free diet is usually undertaken for about six weeks only. Some extend the time further, and some diet companies base their diets on being yeast free. Common exclusions from these diets include all breads and things made with wheat flour, most alcohols, starchy foods like potatoes, fungi like mushrooms, cheeses, anything with vinegar in it, and most forms of sugar or foods that contain sugars.

While avoiding these foods, people on a yeast free diet eat things like oatmeal, brown rice, dark green vegetables, meat, fresh fruit, oils and most nuts and/or seeds. Other things that are encouraged are probiotic foods like yogurt, provided it is not sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Some people may not feel well the first few days they start this diet, though most are not hungry and can eat unlimited portions of the above listed foods. Once some of the natural yeast in the body dies off, people may note improved energy and a reduction of symptoms like intestinal upset or diarrhea.

Some parents of kids with autism have turned to yeast free diets as a means of reducing autism symptoms and restoring greater functionality to kids with this condition. Though there isn’t clinical proof that a yeast free diet is beneficial, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence that suggests it might be. At minimum, kids with autism might benefit from taking probiotic supplements, which are easily found in health food and natural foods stores. Some parents report significant improvement of their children on these diets.

If you are encountering difficulty with yeast infections, stubborn weight you can’t just lose or are seeking treatment for an autistic child, you may want to talk with your physician about the benefits of a yeast free diet. Since the diet still provides plenty of protein and fiber, it’s not likely to harm you, but medical guidelines can prove helpful. There are tons of recipes for people following these diets, which can also help you make more creative use of foods allowed.