Yeast Overgrowth

[originally posted in April 2012]
In celebration of its partnership with Potandon Produce, the Autism Society will share an autism diet and nutrition fact each week throughout April. It is the hope of the Autism Society and Potandon that we can work together to empower you to make the best decisions as they relate to diet for yourself or a loved one with autism. Please note that these tips are meant to be informational. Before making any dietary changes, you should consult a physician. The Autism Society does not endorse any specific form of treatment (See the Options Policy).

Tips were republished from the Autism Advocate article, Autism Diets, and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD. Read the article here.

Yeast Overgrowth

Yeast is a harmful organism that can affect energy level, clarity of thought and intestinal health. Yeast overgrowth is often triggered by antibiotic use. Yeast overgrowth creates gut inflammation and decreases gut function. The following dietary practices help rid the body of yeast overgrowth:

• • Remove sugars. Sugars feed yeast, contributing to yeast overgrowth. Reduce the number of cookies, muffins and other sugar-rich treats. Even sugar in fruit, especially dried fruit and fruit juice, can be a problem for some.
  • Remove yeast-containing foods. Bread, grapes, plums, aged meats and cheeses, and vinegars can feed yeast and should be removed.
  • Reduce or remove starches. Like sugar, carbohydrates feed yeast. Reducing refined carbohydrates that convert to sugar rapidly and have little nutritional value decreases the foods yeast have to feed on. Some people choose diets such as the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.
  • (SCD) that eliminates starches that can feed yeast, such as potatoes, corn, and gluten-free grains.
  • Add probiotic-rich foods. Fermented foods contain live beneficial bacteria that crowd out yeast and support a healthy internal environment; thus, adding probiotic supplementation is recommended.

Matthews, Julie. “Autism Diets and Nutrition: Providing Health Benefits for Many Children with ASD.” Autism Advocate Second Edition 2010 (2010).

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