An allergic reaction is considered one of the most unpleasant types of pathologies. Yeast intolerance makes people give up quite tasty foods. Often, this pathology manifests itself already in adulthood. To eliminate all these symptoms and prevent their recurrence, you must strictly follow a diet and undergo medical treatment. In this review, we look at what yeast allergy is and how to deal with this problem.
What it is?
Yeast belongs to the group of unicellular fungi that live in semi-liquid and liquid substrates rich in nutrients. The main distinguishing feature of these microorganisms is their ability to ferment. For the reproduction and maintenance of fungal activity, the optimal environment is room temperature. If its value exceeds 60 degrees, microorganisms will die.
Officially, yeast mushrooms were discovered in 1957. The microbiologist Louis Pasteur first described these living microorganisms. But people from ancient times used yeast for fermentation and fermentation. The study of these microorganisms is engaged in zymology.
Types of Fungi
Today, specialists isolate more than 1,500 types of yeast-like fungi.
However, a person uses only four of them in nutrition:
- Dairy: used in the production of dairy products.
- Wine: contained in grape wines.
- Beer: used for the production of beer and other alcoholic products.
- Bakery: used in the manufacture of bakery products.
In the body of any person contains a huge number of fungi of a certain type. They are also called opportunistic microflora. Usually they live in the intestines, but can also be found in the submucosal and mucous layers of some internal organs and even in the skin. Of all the other types of fungi, Candida is of the greatest importance to the human body. With a significant increase in their number, some disturbances in the body's work, for example, thrush, can occur.
Yeast forms
So what are they like? The most widely used are baker's yeast, both in dry and in liquid form. On sale in pharmacy chains you can find special biologically active additives - brewer's yeast in the form of tablets or powder. It is recommended to use them only if there is evidence. The most beneficial for humans are those yeast that are present in nutritious foods in their natural form. Yeast-like organisms also live in the soil, fruits, and leaves of plants. Grains of cereals, malt and kefir are also rich in these components.
All currently known groups of yeast microorganisms can be divided into two large groups:
- ascomycetes;
- basidiomycetes.
Could there be an allergy to yeast in humans? This type of allergic reaction is classified as food intolerance, since most often the fungus enters the body with food.
How much yeast does the body need?
Fungal microorganisms are especially necessary for the intestines. They help normalize the digestive process, prevent the development of disorders in the pancreas and liver, and also help to cope with constipation. Yeast has a positive effect on the state of immunity, has an antioxidant effect, and lowers cholesterol concentration. The optimal number of microorganisms in the intestinal lumen is 10 4 per 1 g of content. Ensure the presence of yeast will help the intake of 5-7 grams of yeast per day.
When is it necessary to reduce the dose?
This issue needs to be given special importance. There are times when the body needs more yeast-like fungi than normal.
These include:
- Long stay in a stressful situation.
- Intensive physical or mental work.
- Iron-deficiency anemia.
- Violation of metabolic processes in the body: vitamin-mineral, protein, carbohydrate.
- Dermatological diseases: acne, furunculosis.
- Reducing the energy value of food consumed in food.
- Extensive wounds, burns and frostbite.
- Avitaminosis.
- Chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: ulcers, gastritis, colitis.
- Neuralgia.
- Reduced immunity.
- Chronic fatigue.
Doctors recommend periodically drinking a course of pharmacy yeast. This is especially necessary for those who live in areas with a high background radiation or are constantly exposed to harmful chemicals.
Who is better to limit the use of yeast?
Let's dwell on this in more detail. Despite the fact that yeast is a fairly useful natural product, in some cases their use is better to reduce. There are a number of reasons for this. One contraindication is yeast allergy. Also, their consumed amount should be reduced for patients with pathologies of the endocrine system and kidneys. Dysbacteriosis is also one of the contraindications to use. It is not recommended to eat foods rich in yeast and people with gout. With the frequent development of diseases associated with exposure to fungi, such as candidiasis, these microorganisms should be used with caution.
What ingredients should be discarded?
The products contain microscopic volumes of various fungi. They cannot lead to an allergic reaction. But there are also ingredients rich in active yeast. These include primarily bakery products and semi-finished products, as well as beer, kefir and grapes. These products may immediately show an allergy to yeast. What should not be eaten if you suspect a yeast intolerance?
Here are just a few of the prohibited products:
- sauerkraut;
- peanut;
- vinegar, as well as the sauces and marinades in which it is contained;
- alcoholic beverages - champagne, beer, cider;
- mushrooms;
- dried fruits;
- kvass;
- Cheeses
- butter;
- yogurt;
- mead;
- hop;
- sour cream;
- Kombucha hops
- cow and goat milk;
- pasta;
- cottage cheese.
Using these foods may cause an allergy to yeast. Symptoms and manifestations of this condition will be described later.
Causes
Yeast allergy refers to contact reactions of the first type. In this case, the immune system simply does not respond correctly to the protein that is part of these trace elements. When they enter the digestive tract or blood, the body perceives the protein as foreign and begins to produce antibodies. With secondary contact, a reaction to the antigen occurs. As a result, inflammatory mediators are thrown into the blood . They are responsible for the appearance of symptoms of the disease.
Allergies to yeast in children can be a manifestation of hereditary factors. In adulthood, its development can provoke chronic disruption of the digestive tract, as well as hormonal disruptions.
Allergies to yeast in infants are also common. The reason for this is reduced immune defense and imperfection of the gastrointestinal tract. Most often, over time, the reaction completely disappears.
Allergens
What are they like? What is a yeast allergy? How is it manifested? Typically, the body responds to baker's yeast. Thus, symptoms appear after eating flour products: bread, loaf, pies, muffins. An allergen protein can also be found in brewer's yeast, used to make hop drinks. In addition, such substances are often found in pharmacological preparations.
Symptoms
An allergy to baker's yeast can occur 2–3 hours after an irritant enters the stomach. In some cases, the time before the onset of the reaction can stretch to 24 hours. In adults and children, the symptoms of allergies are basically similar.
These include:
- Changes in the skin: urticaria, burning, itching, swelling, dermatitis.
- Disorders of the nervous system: increased irritability, nervousness, persistent headaches.
- Joint and muscle pain.
- Nasal congestion, swelling, excessive mucus, cough, sore throat.
- Photophobia, lacrimation, severe itching of the eyes.
- Abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.
In patients with psoriasis with an allergy to yeast, an exacerbation may occur. In children in the first months of life, fungal intolerance can be expressed differently. The fact is that an allergenic protein enters the baby's body with mother's milk. At the same time, the underdeveloped digestive system simply cannot absorb it.
Therefore, in infants, an allergy to baker's yeast is manifested primarily by changes in the digestive tract:
- colic and cramping;
- strong gas formation;
- plentiful frequent spitting up;
- diarrhea;
- poor appetite.
Violations of the digestive tract negatively affect the well-being of the baby. As a result, sleep disturbances occur. In addition to the manifestations of the gastrointestinal tract, allergies to yeast in children can also be expressed in the appearance of edema, rash, and hyperemic spots.
How to diagnose?
At the slightest suspicion of an allergy to yeast, you must visit a qualified specialist.
Basically, two analyzes are taken to make a diagnosis:
- Blood test: shows a high content of immunoglobulins.
- Skin tests: help to accurately determine the type of allergen.
If necessary, the patient may still need to consult specialists such as a gastroenterologist and endocrinologist.
How to treat?
The only way to avoid the symptoms of a yeast allergy is to prevent body contact with the irritant. It is imperative to learn how to choose the right products for your daily diet. However, if the patient exhibits acute symptoms, urgent medical treatment may be required. For this purpose, the doctor prescribes antihistamines, such as Zodak, Cetrin, Erius, Fenkarol, Treksil, Fexofast, Desal and others. Children are usually advised to take medicine in the form of drops or syrups. The main thing is to choose the right dosage of the drug. It may depend on the age and body weight of the child. When dermatitis occurs, special ointments are prescribed to relieve irritation and itching. They also contribute to the restoration of the epidermis and prevent the further formation of a rash. Skin manifestations of a yeast allergy are well treated by zinc ointment and Fenistil gel. Drugs with hormones should be used only as directed by a doctor.
Conclusion
Nowadays, an allergy to yeast is not uncommon. Both adults and children suffer from this pathology. Antihistamines are usually prescribed to combat symptoms. A prerequisite is also the observance of a special diet. If you find any changes in your body, it is better not to pull, but immediately seek the advice of a qualified specialist. Take care of your health!