What is a yeast allergy?
A person has a yeast allergy if his body shows allergic symptoms on consuming yeast. These symptoms can be mild to severe. Specific contents present in yeast trigger the immune system. Once the immune system is triggered, it starts to show an autoimmune response and can occur as an allergy.
Yeast is the most common type of fungi. It is used mostly for baking purposes. Scientifically, yeast is a unicellular organism. Its botanical name is Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. This type of fungi needs food, moisture, and warmth to thrive. The function or purpose of using yeast is fermentation. Fermentation is the process in which we can generate carbon dioxide within the product. Moreover, this is the reason why yeast is used in baked goods so that they may get a good rise.
Symptoms of Yeast Allergy:
In case of a yeast allergy, the symptoms most likely to occur are:
- Anxiety and depression
- Hives and psoriasis
- Abdominal bloating
- Constipation
- Unexpected weight gain
- Joint pain
- Respiratory problems
- Itchy skin and redness
- Headaches
- Tiredness and fatigue
These symptoms may occur from mild to severe and, if not treated, can also be fatal. Allergies occurring at a constant rate tend to have drastic effects on a person’s health.
In case if symptoms occur after consuming yeast, the person must go for medical assistance.
Foods containing yeast:
Yeast can be added or is naturally present in various foods. However, it is crucial to identify these foods as they may be the cause of an allergic reaction if ingested unintentionally. The foods containing yeast are:
- Baked goods such as bread
- Pizza and bread-based fast foods
- Dried fruits
- Aged cheese
- Various gravy and stock juices
- Alcohol (Brewer’s Yeast)
- Condiments
- Processed and cured meats
- Processed fruit juices
- Cereal products
- Mushrooms
- Tofu
- Blackberries, grapes and other types of berries
- Soy sauce, miso, tamarind
Causes of Yeast allergy:
The reason for yeast allergy is due to the sulfur dioxide present in it. The sulfur dioxide may activate allergic reactions. Histamines and tannins are also released and tend to cause a rash.
The common risk factor for developing a yeast allergy is a weakened immune system. However, if the immune system is not strong enough, it could not be able to cope up with the natural anti-allergic mechanisms. People with a weak immune system are more prone to allergies, such as people with diabetes mellitus.
A family history of an allergy can also be a contributing factor to developing any kind of allergy in the future. In this case, the person must be tested beforehand for any allergies to avoid severe symptoms.
Yeast Allergy Treatment:
Antihistamines can only treat yeast allergy caused by the reaction of histamines. Various antihistamines manage the symptoms of a yeast allergy. As yeast is a fungus, hence anti-fungal medications can also be prescribed to the patient. The most common anti-fungal medication is Nystatin. Moreover, these can also help to treat yeast intolerance and yeast hypersensitivity.
A person can also test for allergy. The process includes various tests. Such as:
- Elimination test: in which a person stops eating an allergen for some time and then gradually takes it back to record any symptoms.
- Blood test: This blood test measures the amount of immunoglobin (IgE) antibody in the blood.
- Food challenge test: in which a person takes increased amounts of suspected allergen, and we can record the symptoms.
- Intradermal skin test: in which we inject an alleged allergen in the tissue below the skin and record the symptoms.
- Skin prick test: in which the allergen in pushed into the skin, the check for allergies.
Brewer’s yeast and Nutritional yeast:
Brewer’s yeast is the product used in the baking of bread and the production of beer (alcohol). It is a rich source of chromium. It is considered a probiotic and aids in digestion. The food sources of Brewer’s yeast are beer, cider, dried fruits, marmite, miso, vegemite, yeast extract, and wine.
Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast, which means the cells of yeast are killed or are in a weak state. This type of yeast is not stable. Nutritional yeast has a cheesy and savory taste. Moreover, it is a source of many vitamins and minerals. This yeast is deactivated.
Brewer’s yeast allergy and Nutritional yeast allergy:
People suffering from a general yeast allergy may also show allergic symptoms on both of these kinds of yeast, but the intensity may vary. In the case of nutritional yeast, as it is already in the deactivated form, it may not show severe symptoms. However, it may cause an adverse reaction in individuals who are sensitive to it the main symptoms for nutritional yeast allergy are:
- Digestive discomfort
- Facial flushing
- Skin irritation
- Bloating
On the other hand, Brewer’s yeast allergy is more common. As this is not deactivated and can prove to be quite drastic. The symptoms of Brewer’s yeast allergy are:
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty in breathing
- Stomach discomfort
- Skin irritation
- Anaphylaxis
Yeast buildup and yeast intolerance:
The condition in which a person develops yeast abundance in the body and lead to fungal infection is called yeast buildup. It can prove quite harmful as it may lead to allergy in the future. Anti-fungal medications treat fungal infections.
Yeast intolerance is less severe than yeast allergy. It mainly causes gastrointestinal discomfort in the form of bloating or diarrhea.
Natural remedies of yeast allergy:
The following natural resources can temporarily treat yeast infections:
- Boric acid
- Garlic
- Tea tree oil
- Douching with vinegar
- Yogurt and probiotics
These remedies are not 100 percent effective but can offer relief, especially on topical surfaces.
Foods to avoid during a Yeast Allergy:
Avoid the foods containing yeast at all costs. avoid consuming the following foods:
- Baked goods such as bread
- Pizza and bread-based fast foods
- Dried fruits
- Aged cheese
- Various gravy and stock juices
- Alcohol (Brewer’s Yeast)
- Condiments
- Processed and cured meats
- Processed fruit juices
- Cereal products
- Mushrooms
- Tofu
- Blackberries, grapes and other types of berries
- Soy sauce, miso, tamarind
In case of accidental ingestion of any of these foods, the person must immediately consult a doctor and take medical assistance.
Yeast is a substance which is not quite common in our daily life use. Although yeast allergy is quite common, yet we can avoid it by avoiding foods containing yeast and anti-fungal medications. In the case of the prevalence of allergy, immediate medical assistance must be taken into account to avoid drastic and fatal outcomes.
Yeast Frequently Asked Questions:
What causes a yeast allergy?
Ans: The cause of yeast allergy is due to the sulfur dioxide present in it. The sulfur dioxide may activate allergic reactions. Histamines and tannins are also released and tend to cause a rash.
Can you be allergic to yeast?
Ans: Yes, you can be allergic to yeast. The people with a weak immune system are most likely to get an allergy. If the immune system is not strong enough, it could not be able to cope up with the natural anti-allergic mechanisms. People with a weak immune system are more prone to allergies, such as people with diabetes mellitus.
A family history of an allergy can also be a contributing factor to developing any kind of allergy in the future. In this case, the person must be tested beforehand for any allergies to avoid severe symptoms.
What are the symptoms of yeast intolerance?
Ans: Yeast intolerance is less severe than yeast allergy. It mainly causes gastrointestinal discomfort in the form of bloating or diarrhea. The symptoms are:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Mild skin irritation
Can you be allergic to nutritional yeast?
Ans: In the case of nutritional yeast, as it is already in the deactivated form, it may not show severe symptoms. It may cause an adverse reaction in individuals who are sensitive to it the main symptoms for nutritional yeast allergy are:
- Digestive discomfort
- Facial flushing
- Skin irritation
- Bloating