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Yeast Free Diet Menu

People suffering from Candida or fungal infection are prescribed the yeast free diet for a quick recovery. Here are the basic guidelines about the foods to eat and foods to avoid in this diet plan.
Madhura Pandit
Yeast infection, also known as Candida infection or fungal infection, is caused due to overgrowth of the fungus known as Candida albicans in the body. This fungus is already present in the body and is harmless as long as its growth is under check.
However, sometimes, due to some reasons, this fungus overgrows, resulting in a fungal infection, also known as Candidiasis or yeast infection. Over intake of antibiotics, sugar, birth control pills, chemotherapy, use of steroids, etc., leads to fungus overgrowth.
Antifungal medications, that can be bought over-the-counter or with a prescription, help in the treatment of fungal infection. Along with the medications, one also needs to follow a diet in order to get rid of the symptoms and prevent the condition from recurring again.

Yeast Free Diet Plan

In this diet plan, one should avoid consuming foods with yeast (baked foods), sugar, starch, vinegar, and avoid alcohol, etc.

Foods Safe to Consume

  • Vegetables
  • Beans
  • Soy milk
  • Meat
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Shellfish
  • Eggs
  • Whole grains
  • Oatmeal, rice, millet, barley
  • Popcorn, puffed wheat, puffed rice
  • Fresh seeds and nuts
  • Unrefined oils
Many fruits like apple, apricots, cherry, coconut, grapefruit, guava, pear, pineapple, raspberry, squash, strawberry, etc., are allowed in this diet.
However, one should note that they contain high amounts of natural sugar (fructose) which may be harmful to people suffering from yeast infections. Therefore, it is advisable to consume only fresh fruits and those too, in limited quantity. The doctor may also recommend probiotics, as they contain essential and beneficial bacteria.

Foods to Avoid

  • Sugar, chocolate, honey
  • Soft drinks, fruits juices
  • All baked products
  • All fermented foods
  • Potatoes, corn, mushrooms
  • Cheese
  • All dairy products
  • Smoked and cured meats
  • Dried fruits
  • Vinegar, mayonnaise, pickles
  • All salad dressings and sauces
  • Alcohol
Yeast feeds on all forms of sugar like refined sugar, natural sugar, fructose, lactose, processed sugars, etc., and hence, sugar in any form should be completely avoided in this diet plan. All baked foods, fermented foods, alcohol, vinegar, etc., contain added or naturally containing yeast which can aggravate the symptoms of Candidiasis or yeast infection.
Therefore, it is advisable to stay away from these foodstuffs to recover from this condition and also prevent its occurrence in the future. On the other hand, along with medical treatment, following a diet is also believed to benefit those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive problems.
It is essential to plan in advance for buying grocery as you need to check the labels whether a certain product contains added sugar or starch or not. Planning this diet for kids can be troublesome, as it is difficult to make children stay away from sugars. In that case, parents can plan desserts made from fresh fruits, yogurt and fresh cream, etc.
Lastly, one should remember that following a yeast free diet can help in getting rid of the condition quickly and hence, one should adhere to this diet for the prescribed time. This diet should be followed only after doctor's consultation and recommendation. Take care!
Disclaimer: This is meant only for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for doctor's consultation.