When I consider whether or not there is a place for a specific food in a paleolithic diet, I don’t think of whether or not cavemen ate that specific food. Instead, I think in terms of healthy food versus foods that cause gut irritation and inflammation (see my post Is It Paleo?). This question typically comes up when considering foods that don’t squarely fit into the meat, vegetable or fruit categories. So when considering a food such as yeast (naturally occurring, but not “domesticated” until something like 9,000 years ago), I find myself scouring the internet and medical journals for information to answer: what effect does this specific food have on our digestion, the integrity of our gut, hormone balance, and inflammation? I tackled the question of yeast for two reasons: some strains of yeast are very important for healing and restoring healthy microflora in our guts (and I’ve been very interested in gut health lately); and, I really really miss yeast-based bread.
There are many, many different kinds of yeast. And it terms of our health, they fall into three categories: beneficial, harmful, and neutral. Let’s talk about harmful yeast first, the kinds that grow in your small intestine during Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth and that cause yeast infections (vaginal yeast infections, jock itch, athlete’s foot, and thrush). These yeast are typically in the Candida genus (you may have heard of the candida diet, which typically avoids all fermented, sugary and starchy foods). These yeast cause inflammation and depending on where they are growing, can cause a lot of discomfort. And if you have an external yeast infection, chances are really good that they are overgrowing in your small intestine as well. If you are battling with candida, I recommend cutting out all sugary and starchy foods, and following the tips outlined in my post Repairing the Gut.
Now, let’s talk about beneficial yeast. Yes, some kinds of yeast are a normal and healthy part of your gut microflora. These yeast are typically from the Saccharomyces genus. These yeast have been shown to have potent anti-microbial effects in the gut (they can reduce the growth of bad bacteria like Clostridium difficile) and to help reduce inflammation in the body. In fact, Saccharomyces boulardii is even available in pill form as a probiotic supplement. These yeast are typically found in fermented foods, such as kefir, kombucha and lacto-fermented vegetables likes sauerkraut. Let’s also be clear: eating foods that contain Saccharomyces boulardii or other beneficial yeast do not increase your likelihood of getting a yeast infection (a common misnomer). In fact, eating beneficial yeast can help treat a yeast infection.
No, cavemen did not ferment foods either as a form of preservation or to increase their dietary intake of beneficial bacteria and yeast. The advent of fermentation came with agriculture. But, probiotic bacteria and yeast were still part of the ancestral diet. Before modern agriculture, pesticides, herbicides, clean water with which to wash our vegetables, before antibiotics for cattle and quality control for poultry feed, all food derived from plant and animal sources (um, is there any other kind of food?) contained naturally-occurring probiotics. In fact, a great way to get beneficial yeast and bacteria into your diet is to grow your own vegetables organically and eat them without washing them first. So, while our prehistoric ancestors did not consume concentrated sources of probiotic yeast, they had fewer challenges to their gut microflora (like antibiotics use, stress and high-sugar diets) and they did consume probiotics every time they consumed food. Yes, yeast is paleo.
So what about Active Dry Yeast
Amy says
I don’t think I could love you any more than right now. If I can use yeast to make a passable bread – it’s like the holy grail!
Jennie says
Yes. I’m glad yeasts are okay on Paleo proper.
Does that include AIP.
And, if it does, does AIP include Brewers/Nutritional Yeast?
And, if so (again), which type/brands?
I have “Lewis Labs Nutritional Brewers Yeast.” It says on the container that it’s “non-active, non-GMO, Gluten-free, Allergen-free, Pure, and Kosher with a great taste.” I have the easy-blend granulated kind, not the flakes.
I hear you can make “cheese” sauce out of it.
What do you think?
Is mine okay?
Or, is there another kind that you prefer? If, that is, you prefer any.
Thanks.
All Bright Blessings,
Jennie
Kiersten Peterson says
I don’t have a favorite brand as it is not something I use often personally, but nutritional yeast is AIP friendly.
Donna says
Just when I was thinking about selling my bread machine!
TobyJ'sMama says
I truly believe I was sent led here by an angel!
Cindi says
What about nutritional yeast, the dairy-substitute of raw foodies everywhere? It can be used to make cheese-like sauces. Is it safe for the gut/immune system, too? What exactly is “nutritional yeast”?
ThePaleoMom says
Nutritional yeast is Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is grown feeding on molasses and then killed with heat and dried. I think it falls under the harmless category for most people.
Lynn says
nutritional yeast I read is not good for a person with osteoporosis
ethan says
A lot of nutritional yeast is grown on corn. I just confirmed that Sari brand unfortified yeast uses corn as at least part of its growth medium (maybe with molasses). My partner has a corn allergy, because corn isn’t considered a “major allergen” yet she has to navigate an invisible minefield. Beware, do your research, everyone!
ethan says
Bragg’s Nutritional Yeast uses corn syrup as a growth medium as well, confirmed directly from them.
Annie Hastert says
Thanks so much for that explanation of yeast and Paleo, it was simple yet thorough, Rock On PaleoMom!! 🙂
Denise says
And where does Kombucha stand in this department?
ThePaleoMom says
Kombucha contains very beneficial strains of yeast and should be considered a probiotic food.
craig says
What about using yeast and raw honey to brew up a honey mead? Still paleo?
(Ps my wife loves you)
ThePaleoMom says
As long as you don’t have a food sensitivity to yeast, I think that’s awesome!
rachelhsignsJason says
I made a gluten free beer a couple years ago with honey for about 1/3 of the fermentables and it is quite good after two years. It needed a lot of aging because of the honey. I’m trying to devise a paleo beer with honey, sweet potato, and another starch, any thoughts?
ethan says
You don’t need to add yeast to raw honey. It will start fermenting with dilution and aeration. You can add some fruit if you want. Fruit flies and sugar ants also contain fermentative organisms in their guts and so can be used to kickstart a wild fermentation if you let some of them “die happy” 🙂
fedandfit says
Awesome article. Thank you, Paleo Mom! Answered my questions as I pursue a new recipe idea.
Robert McCarson says
Wonder what Dr. Cordain would say to this.
Kathleen says
This may be a silly question, but I’m allergic to baker’s and brewer’s yeast…does that mean that I should steer clear of kefir, kombucha and other fermented products, or are those products made by the other fermentation process?
ThePaleoMom says
Not all cultures will contain brewer’s yeast, but there’s not good way to measure batch to batch, so yes, it would be best to avoid them.
Kathleen says
Ok thanks. So does that mean that yogurt should be avoided as well or is that lactic acid fermentation?
crystal says
thanks so much for this post! I am a paleo mom with 3 little gafers and we’re all paleo – husband, too! i was wondering about yeast – but not having the time right now to really do research about it found this very helpful! especially with planning our christmas deliciousness!!
also, i find myself coming back to your blog over and over for fantastic recipes that actually work and taste ah-freakin-mazing!! so, cheers to you! and thank you again for sharing!
Mandana says
What about beer, then?
ThePaleoMom says
The yeast in beer doesn’t bother me, but the gluten in beer does.
Sam E says
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU such a wealth of information
Veerle Deschuytter says
Dear Sarah
I read some of your posts which are very interesting 🙂 I am diagnosed with celiac disease 3years ago and still not better (mainly tired and duodenitis). That’s why I’m following the autoimmune diet for 3weeks now (I used to be vegetarian for 20years, and diary free for 3years).
Since I started the diet I definitely have more stomach cramps and gas (I suspect SIBO and candidiasis) and since two days I also leave out sweet potatoes, plantains,. I eat quit a lot of coconut flakes and also this gives me gas I think :-((( I try to limit my fruit intake to maximum 2pieces/day (which is hard for me since I love fruit).
6months ago I did also a blood test and tested IgG positive for yeast (and other food).
I was wondering if i should avoid drinking ACV (good for candida) or not? Also I love Kombucha but it makes me so gassy :-(( I already take oregano oil and olive leaf extract for the candida overgrowth.
Thanks a lot!!
Christina Feindel says
You should avoid any foods that give you discomfort or that you have tested positive for a sensitivity/allergy to, so that includes vinegar, kombucha, and other fermented foods. If you have been diagnosed with SIBO, you will need to work with a qualified medical practitioner to treat it. Sarah also recommends a low-FODMAP diet in addition to the AIP: https://www.thepaleomom.com/2013/02/teaser-excerpt-from-the-paleo-approach-probiotic-supplements.html – Christina, Sarah’s assistant
Veerle Deschuytter says
Thanks :-))!! I will avoid all fermented foods in the future…and all disallowed starchy veggies (as I found on your blog somewhere 🙂
AIP and no fermented foods (yeast) and no starchy veggies and no coconut and low-FODMAP seem right now too much for me :-(( Before I started the AIP I never had problems with flatulence and tolerated all fruits and veggies well. I did have returning duodenitis (which is gone now), tiredness (which bothers me still and the most) and chronic sinusitis and a swollen lymph node right now 🙁
I’m from Belgium and if I google ‘sibo’ I don’t find a medical practioner who is qualified to test this:-((
Christina Feindel says
Many of the physicians on primaldocs.com and paleophysiciansnetwork.com work from a distance. You may also be able to order testing online (but will need to see a doctor for treatment if the test is positive). Most doctors should be able to perform the testing. It’s either a breath test or a stool test for parasites, bacteria, and yeast. The hard part is convincing them to do it. Sarah recommends low-FODMAP over no-starch for SIBO. You might also consider digestive enzymes to help you digest plants to see if that helps. – Christina, Sarah’s assistant
Veerle Deschuytter says
Thx you so much! I stopped eating plantains, sweet potatoes (that’s why I suspect SIBO),.. because they make me really too gassy. I already take digestive enzymes and a good probiotics and glutamine. I will look for a sibo test online. Are the results from a breath test/stool test reliable? Which of the two tests do you suggest?
Christina Feindel says
The easiest test measures the amount of hydrogen or methane in your breath. The gold standard of testing, though, is to obtain a sample of chyme from your intestine via endoscopy. A stool test can also tell you a little bit about the bacteria in your digestive tract as well as parasites. But none of these are known for being 100% accurate. – Christina, Sarah’s assistant
Amber says
I had similar symptoms. Take all of your blood tests to a Pharmacist and have him look at what supplements your need. Pretty much every one is low on IODINE because we don’t eat enough fish. If your thyroid is even slightly malfunctioning then your definitely need it. Also he put me on VIT D3 and Selenium supplements. I feel tons better. I had thought just eating a clean AIP diet would help but I was still so tired. The supplements are filling in the tiredness gap.
Minna says
Thank you for this Sarah. I’ve been wondering about gluten-free beers. The ones I’ve seen are made with barley with the gluten removed. Do you know how they remove the gluten?As they still contain barley, a grain, it would be interested to hear your views on including an occasional gluten free pint in my paleo diet. 🙂
Thanks.
Minna
Christina Feindel says
Very moderate consumption of any gluten-free alcohol is fine if you tolerate it well. – Christina, Sarah’s assistant
Jim Small says
Good post. As a pathologist with a PhD in Mycology it always makes me a bit crazy to see people lumping all yeasts together as a yeast free diet. Candida and Saccaromyces are not closely related at all!
Rina says
So for those of is who are battling Candida overgrowth, you’re saying yeast bread is ok? After recently learning about fermented foods benefits I’ve been toying with the idea of making my own sourdough. I haven’t because I’m torn that it might make things worse again. Now you have me pondering it again. So hard to know what the right thing to do is.
Ioana Burbatt says
Is the yeast/mold that grows on food (especially on organic grapes) harmful? I throw away the bad grapes and wash the rest but I’m wondering if that’s enough to get rid of the spores that are not visible and if I should throw away the whole package. Same thing happens to the top of the carrots, since I buy big 5 lb bags for juicing, keep or toss ’em?
Shan says
I realize that this comment is over a year old, but I didn’t see a reply to it (unless it’s further down the list…). If you are concerned about mold spores on fresh produce, wash it in a solution of apple cider vinegar and water (approximately 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar per 1 cup of water). There are several blog posts out there about this. Here are a couple:
http://thevedge.org/2012/09/how-to-clean-fruit-vegetables-using-apple-cider-vinegar/
http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2013/04/how-to-clean-produce-naturally-using-apple-cider-vinegar/
ethan says
Put it this way: people making molded cheeses and salamis often “catch” the mold using stale bread. Another component is whether it’s a laboratory monoculture, the “potentially-toxic” strains of which tend to exhibit much greater toxicity than when they occur in diverse polycultures, such as those traditionally used in Asian countries to ferment rice (the cultural predecessor of refined koji cultures). This info is from the International Handbook of Foodborne Pathogens, so I consider it reliable. I forget the page number — it was Sandor Katz’ book I was flipping through 🙂
Nadz says
Is active dry yeast and nutrirional yeast allowed in AIP diet? TIA
Kaley Wied says
Check out her other article: https://www.thepaleomom.com/wiki/active-yeast/
It says YES, yeast is AIP as long as it is gluten free!!
Sheryll Ziemer says
This was a question I needed answered right now. Bless you, and thanks for all the info!!!
This journey can be so confusing!
Sherry says
What foods should one avoid if they have a food sensitivity to yeast? Kombucha?
crosswind says
Thank you. You had me with the Info about Yeast & paleo, but this No >> “In fact, a great way to get beneficial yeast and bacteria into your diet is to grow your own vegetables organically and eat them without washing them first. “… too many birds poop, bugs, parasites, cats wandering gardens and let’s not forget the dust & air pollution (high here in AZ) and Chemtrail cloud spraying that settle on gardens & soil with Aluminum, cadmium, barium, lead, mercury and 5 types of mutated toxic molds. ~~ I’ll be washing my garden herbs & veggies. 🙂
Lelanie Grobler says
Hi there. Thank you for the information like younI could not find a definitive answer about if yeast is allowed and encouraged. Your information has helped a lot.
Claudia says
can I use my old sour dough starter and convert it to paleo?
Chris says
Hello. Thank you for all of the advices, that is so great. I have a couple questions. You talk about yeast, but what about nutritional yeast that vegans use everywhere? and what is your take on Chia seeds, is it as good as they say?
Thank you and happy new year to you!!
Christine 😀
Staci says
How does Active Dry Yeast differ from Rapid Rise Yeast? Does it have an alternate effect, or similar?
Kaley Wied says
I have three super quick questions! First, is yeast AIP? Second, what brand do you get that doesn’t have additives and yucky stuff? Thirdly, do you know if yeast would aggravate a sulfite allergy? (it is okay if you don’t know, just curious!)
Thank you so much!
Kaley