Brewer’s yeast is one of the main ingredients used in making bread or beer. They have a rather bitter taste and are made from a single-celled fungus called Saccharomyces Cerevisiae.
In some cases, brewer’s yeast is used as a dietary supplement. They are considered one of best sources of chromium to normalize blood sugar levels. However, in addition to this, they are considered a good source of B vitamins.
Brewer’s yeast is a quality probiotic. Their consumption can improve digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Principle of action of brewer’s yeast
Main part of brewer’s yeast are microorganisms that, when ingested, improve intestinal microflora. This, in turn, leads to normalization of gastrointestinal tract.
But beyond that, this product can act as a nutritional supplement to produce more energy and strengthen immune system.
They also contain an impressive amount of micronutrients such as:
- Magnesium;
- Zinc;
- Selenium;
- Chromium;
- Protein;
- Potassium;
In addition, consumption of this product provides body with most of necessary B vitamins, namely:
- Riboflavin;
- Biotin;
- Thiamine;
- Pyridoxine;
- Folic acid;
- Niacin;
- Pantothenic acid.
Useful properties of Brewer’s yeast
Brewer’s yeast has probiotic properties, it can be used to eliminate diarrhea and treat other gastrointestinal disorders caused by various reasons, namely:
- Diarrhea from taking antibiotics;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- colitis;
- lactose intolerance.
Benefits of brewer’s yeast are noted by scientists in such areas as improving skin quality, normalization of organs of vision and stimulation of hair growth. This product can be used to strengthen immune system and normalize central nervous system.
Chromium contained in brewer’s yeast can be used to lower sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes by improving body’s absorption and use of glucose.
Side Effects
Before you include brewer’s yeast in your diet, you should consult your doctor. This is because product may interact with some medications.
Regular consumption of brewer’s yeast can cause certain side effects. The most common ones are:
- Headaches;
- Bloating;
- Migraine;
If ingestion of brewer’s yeast is accompanied by pain in chest and throat or difficulty breathing, you should immediately consult a doctor. These symptoms are a sign of allergy to this product.
It is worth noting that brewer’s yeast is a source of B vitamins, but at same time does not contain vitamin B12. Deficiency of latter element can lead to development of anemia. Therefore, before including a supplement in a regular diet plan, you need to make sure that there are sources of vitamin B12 in diet.
How to use brewer’s yeast correctly
Most common forms of brewer’s yeast are powder, tablets, flakes, and liquid. However, you can also get this product by including bread or beer in your daily diet.
For an adult, recommended intake of this product is 1 to 2 tablespoons per day added to food, water or juice.
Risks associated with use of brewer’s yeast
To avoid side effects and potential risks when using brewer’s yeast, doctors recommend starting with small amounts. However, this does not guarantee 100 percent safety. Because of this, when considering benefits and harms of brewer’s yeast, it is important to pay attention to potential risks.
As doctors have noted, this product can react with certain medications, namely:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (tranylcypromine, selegiline and isocarboxazide), substances used to treat depression. When these drugs interact with brewer’s yeast, risk of hypertensive crisis, which is accompanied by a sharp and life-threatening rise in blood pressure, increases significantly. Consequence is a stroke and a heart attack;
Meperdine, an analgesic that is a narcotic. Interaction of this drug with yeast can cause a hypertensive crisis;
medications for treatment of diabetes – reduce blood sugar levels. This effect is also exerted by brewer’s yeast, which can lead to extremely low blood sugar levels and development of hypoglycemia.
Pregnant women and women breastfeeding should be especially cautious about use of brewer’s yeast. Also, this supplement is not recommended for use by persons with disorders such as:
- Diabetes mellitus;
- Allergies;
- Crohn’s disease;
- fungal infections;
- Weakening of immune system.
Treatment of these conditions is accompanied by taking medications that may not combine with brewer’s yeast. Therefore, before including latter product in your diet, it is mandatory to discuss it with your doctor. Moreover, only your doctor will be able to determine whether you need to use brewer’s yeast to improve your health.
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