Almond milk has become a popular alternative to dairy milk for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet. But for those with candida overgrowth, a common yeast infection, the question arises: does almond milk contain yeast?
In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some helpful information on the benefits and drawbacks of almond milk for those with candida.
So, grab a glass of your favorite non-dairy milk and let’s dive in!
Does Almond Milk Contain Yeast?
The short answer is no, almond milk does not contain yeast. Yeast is a type of fungus that can grow on many different types of foods, including bread, cheese, and beer. However, it is not typically found in almond milk.
Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and then straining the mixture to remove the solids. The resulting liquid is then often enriched with vitamins, minerals, or protein. While almonds themselves do contain some natural yeast, the process of making almond milk typically removes most of it.
It’s important to note that while almond milk may not contain yeast, it can still be problematic for those with candida overgrowth. Candida is a type of yeast that can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, and digestive issues.
While almonds themselves are generally considered safe for those with candida, many commercial almond milks contain added sugars or other ingredients that can feed the candida and exacerbate symptoms. For this reason, it’s important to choose almond milk that is free from added sugars and other additives.
What Is Candida Overgrowth?
Candida overgrowth is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance of good bacteria and yeast in the body. Candida Albicans is a type of yeast that normally resides in the intestinal and vaginal tracts, along with friendly or good bacteria. Yeast helps good bacteria grow, as long as the good bacteria is there in sufficient numbers and has the advantage in numbers. However, excessive growth of yeast (to at least 60 yeast and fungus type organisms) creates an imbalance in multiple systems in the body that is called candida overgrowth.
Candida overgrowth can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, digestive issues, allergies, depression, and even skin irritations such as athlete’s foot or ringworm. While men can certainly get candida as well, it is more common in women as they are often exposed to synthetic estrogens (contraceptive pill and HRT) which drive candida.
Treating candida overgrowth via diet is effective but requires willpower. It involves avoiding foods that can feed candida, such as sugar, yeast, blue cheeses, and fermented foods like alcohol and vinegar. Instead, one should focus on eating a balanced diet that includes herbal tea, water, decaffeinated coffee, almond milk (without added sugars), unsweetened breakfast cereal, porridge oats, oat bran, almonds, almond butter, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, Brazil nuts, rice cakes, canned and boiled beans, peas, millet, lentils, pasta, buckwheat, tofu and other soya products, brown rice, potatoes in moderation, chicken, fish, lean beef, lamb or veal, eggs in moderation, all vegetables (including leafy greens), plain low-fat yogurt (without added sugars), one glass of skimmed milk daily (if tolerated), extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil or almond oil for cooking or salad dressings. Spices herbs and sea salt can also be used for flavoring.
The Link Between Yeast And Candida Overgrowth
Candida overgrowth is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance of good bacteria and yeast in the body. One of the most common types of yeast associated with candida overgrowth is Candida Albicans, which naturally lives in our intestinal and vaginal tracts alongside friendly bacteria. However, when there is an excessive growth of yeast and fungus (at least 60 organisms), it can lead to an imbalance in multiple systems in the body, resulting in candida overgrowth.
While yeast overgrowth can manifest in various forms, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, oral thrush, and jock itch, it is more common in women due to exposure to synthetic estrogens from contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy.
Sugar is a simple carbohydrate that may be a food source for yeast infections. Therefore, avoiding sugary drinks like soda and high-sugar foods like candy, fruit juices, and high-sugar fruits can help prevent yeast infections. Moreover, avoiding processed sugar such as white or brown sugar derived from the cane sugar plant, simple sweeteners derived from maple syrup, honey, agave, or malt, and high fructose corn syrup is essential to prevent yeast overgrowth.
There may also be a link between gluten sensitivities and Candida Related Complex. Gluten sensitivities are extremely common among Candida sufferers. However, it is unclear whether there is a correlation or causation between the two conditions. Gluten is a difficult protein to digest, especially when many foods these days contain very high levels of gluten. Until a normal balance is restored to gut flora, gluten is highly likely to be a problem food.
The Benefits Of Almond Milk For Those With Candida
For those with candida overgrowth, almond milk can be a great alternative to dairy milk. Almonds are one of the few alkaline nuts, which means they can help balance the body’s pH level and reduce acidity. Candida thrives off acidic foods, so consuming alkaline foods like almonds can help fight candida overgrowth.
Additionally, almonds are a good source of protein and B vitamins, both of which are important for fighting candida effectively. The healthy fats in almonds can also aid digestion and provide energy, which can help combat fatigue and other symptoms of candida.
When choosing almond milk for those with candida overgrowth, it’s important to look for unsweetened varieties that do not contain added sugars or other additives that can feed candida. Making your own almond milk at home can also be a good option, as it allows you to control the ingredients and ensure that there are no added sugars or other problematic additives.
The Drawbacks Of Almond Milk For Those With Candida
For those with candida overgrowth, consuming almond milk can have some drawbacks. While almonds themselves are generally considered safe, many commercial almond milks contain added sugars or other ingredients that can feed the candida and exacerbate symptoms.
Additionally, the process of making almond milk involves soaking the almonds in water, which can create an environment for bacteria and mold to grow. This can be problematic for those with candida overgrowth, as they may be more susceptible to infections and other health issues.
Furthermore, almond milk is often enriched with vitamins, minerals, or protein. While these additives may be beneficial for some people, they can also be problematic for those with candida overgrowth. For example, some added vitamins and minerals may contain sugars or other ingredients that can feed the candida.
Other Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives For Those With Candida
If you have candida overgrowth and are looking for non-dairy milk alternatives, there are several options to consider. One of the most popular alternatives is coconut milk, which is made by blending canned, organic coconut milk with filtered water. Coconut milk is a great option because it is organic, has minimal recyclable packaging, and is nutritious. Plus, when you make your own coconut milk, there are no weird ingredients or thickeners.
Another option to consider is hemp milk, which is made from blending hemp seeds with water. Hemp milk is a good source of protein and healthy fats, and it also contains essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D. It’s important to note that some commercial brands of hemp milk may contain added sugars or other additives, so be sure to read the label carefully.
Oat milk is another popular non-dairy milk alternative that can be a good choice for those with candida overgrowth. Oat milk is made by blending oats with water and then straining the mixture to remove the solids. It has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet taste, making it a great option for use in coffee or smoothies. However, it’s important to choose an unsweetened variety to avoid feeding candida.
Finally, rice milk can also be a good option for those with candida overgrowth. Rice milk is made by blending rice with water and then straining the mixture to remove any solids. It has a mild taste and can be used in a variety of recipes. However, like other non-dairy milks, it’s important to choose an unsweetened variety to avoid feeding candida.
