In recent years, there’s been a lot of talk about gut health. But one of the things that’s less discussed is what exactly causes a disruption to gut health to begin with. The culprit is typically candida overgrowth, a yeast-based condition that’s only made worse by foods containing yeast. In an effort to keep candida under control, more and more people are adopting a yeast-free diet. That means shopping for yeast-free products, including pantry staples, condiments, and supplements. If you’re hoping to bring your body into balance or dealing with a yeast intolerance, here’s what you should know about shopping yeast-free.

What Is Yeast?

Yeast is a living fungus (a single-cell organism) found in many foods, including baked goods and alcohol. There are two types of yeast: baker’s yeast, used for leavening baked goods, and brewer’s yeast, which is used in beer making. Yeast feeds on sugar and starch and converts it into carbon dioxide through fermentation. It thrives best in warm, moist environments.

Benefits of Avoiding Yeast

One of the greatest benefits of avoiding yeast in foods is to help manage candida overgrowth. Candida is a species of yeast that’s naturally present in the body. However, if the immune system is compromised, candida can grow out of control and cause infections in the gut, urinary tract, mouth, and beyond. Steering clear of foods that contain yeast can help regulate the production of candida and keep your body in balance.

Tips for Shopping Yeast-Free

If you’re trying to limit or exclude yeast from your diet, try these go-to tips:

• Avoid processed foods in favor of whole, real foods, including meats, fruits, vegetables, and eggs.
• Check ingredient labels carefully, on supplements and condiments as well as food products.
• Opt for fiber-rich foods like cabbage, broccoli, and kale, which won’t feed candida growth. Garlic and onion, which have antifungal properties, are also good to work into your diet.

Top Yeast-Free Brands

Stock your pantry with these yeast-free essentials.

Quantum

This company promotes a holistic approach to boosting immunity, offering nature-based remedies made from healing herbs and chemical-free antimicrobial ingredients.

Super Lysine Plus

Give your immunity a super boost with this powerful combo of lysine, vitamin C, echinacea, goldenseal, licorice, propolis, and odorless garlic, all of which work together to naturally enhance immune function and speed recovery.

Rainbow Light

Rainbow Light is a research-backed supplement brand that supports everything from men and women’s health to prenatal health, digestive health, and children’s health. Since 1981, the trusted vitamin brand has crafted food-based supplements formulated for maximum health benefits and vitality.

Rainbow Light Nutri Stars Chewable Multivitamin

Worried about yeast overgrowth? This fruit-blast chewable multi is gentle on the stomach and free of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and additives.

SmartyPants

This beloved supplement brand delivers non-GMO, eco-friendly ingredients in irresistible gummy form. Plus, every batch of vitamins is tested by a third-party lab and boosted with nutrients like omegas, fiber, and vitamins D3 and B12.

SmartyPants Adult Complete + Fiber

Each gummy offers a daily dose of vitamins D, E, and B12, plus added fiber to help support digestive health.

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