Yeast allergy--also known as chronic candidiasis, candidiasis hypersensitivity, and "yeast syndrome"--is assigned as a diagnosis by numerous practitioners who claim that allergic responses include a litany of diverse symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, bloating, anxiety, joint pain, infertility, impotence, and just plain "feeling bad." However, a true allergy to yeast is extremely rare; symptoms will typically include difficulty breathing, wheezing and drops in blood pressure that can lead to death. Numerous experts and professional organizations weigh in to debunk the "yeast allergy" myth.
Overview of Food Allergies
According to the Food Allergy and Anaphlaxis Network, some 12 million Americans suffer from food allergies. Such allergies when an individual's immune system mistakes a food protein as a dangerous "intruder" and attacks it in much the same way as it would proteins from airborne allergens. Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (such as pecans and walnuts), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat account for 90 percent of food allergies. Food allergies can only be confirmed by clinical testing that indicates a positive response to specific foods. There is no cure for food allergies; strict avoidance of the food in question is the only key to preventing an allergic response.
Signs and Symptoms of Food Allergies
According to Dr. Phil Lieberman of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, simply feeling "bad" after consuming a certain food--including yeast--does not qualify as a true allergic reaction. Immediate allergic reaction to food substances include hives, flushing and itching; severe allergic reactions include shortness of breath and "wheezing;" and nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Sudden and dramatic decrease in blood pressure may lead to anaphylaxis, and sometimes death will occur. According to Lieberman, allergy to yeast is extremely rare.
So What Are Yeast Allergies?
Undocumented evidence indicates that one in three Americans suffer from yeast-related illness--sometimes known as chronic candiadiasis, candiadiasis hypersensitivity, yeast syndrome, or "yeast allergy." Unsubstantiated sources claim that individuals who are allergic to yeast--such as that found in bread, beer and wine--experience feelings of fatigue and feeling "slow." Yeast "allergies" purportedly account for symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, mood swings, depression. anxiety, weight gain, difficulty with concentration, sugar craving, menstrual problems, and muscle and joint pain.
Such allergies are allegedly confirmed if an individual feels "tired" or experiences any of the above symptoms after consuming bread products or alcohol.
Eliminating all foods containing yeast is recommended to determine if there is an improvement in the allergy sufferer's condition. Purportedly, if symptoms of tiredness return with reintroduction of yeast products, a yeast allergy is indicated. Such foods and beverages should then be eliminated from the diet.
Is Yeast Sensitivity Real?
Candida albicans is a fungus that is naturally present in the human body on the skin and in the mouth, intestines, and--in the case of women--the vagina. When yeast multiplies rapidly, it can lead to minor infections and sometimes even more serious infections in those with certain immune disorders, such as AIDS.
According to Dr. Steven Barrett, vice-president of the National Council Against Health Fraud, some physicians claim yeast sensitivity ("allergies") in the absence of clinical signs of yeast infection. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, a critic of "candiadiasis hypersensitivity syndrome," has stated that the concept of yeast "allergy" is "speculative and unproven." Additionally, AAAAI pointed out that the basic elements of yeast sensitivity could apply to "all sick patients" at some point in time because they are "essentially universal." The AAAAI cautions against use of certain oral anti-fungal treatment for yeast sensitivity that could lead to resistant germs and adverse side-effects.
Recommendations
The Mayo Clinic advises not to confuse food intolerance with food allergy. Food intolerance may be troublesome, but it does not compromise the immune system or pose serious health risk. To ascertain if a true food allergy exists, clinic professionals advise talking to a health care provider about symptoms and keeping a food diary to document diet. An elimination diet might be recommended; however, this is not foolproof, as an individual who presupposes a specific food allergy might experience psychosomatic "relief" when eliminating it from his diet. Skin prick tests and blood tests can often determine if a food allergy is present.
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