Brewer’s Yeast
Let’s talk about brewer’s yeast – what is it and how you can include it in your diet.
~ Disclaimer: All information is based on my personal experience and is not intended to take the place of your doctor’s advice. ~
Oh, my babies! First I added organic ground flax seeds to my diet and now…
Brewer’s Yeast!
Quick! Someone grab the bongos and the peace beads – OMT! done gone hippie!
~ A gentle reminder: OMT! uses Amazon referral links at no cost to you.~
Now’s Brand of Brewer’s Yeast
If you are interested in this particular product, there is a clickable link below.
(clickable link source: AMAZON)
Product Deets:
- ~ Contains several naturally occurring vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial nutrients
- ~ All vitamins listed occur naturally in Brewer’s Yeast
- ~ No synthetic vitamins added to the yeast during processing
NOW also wants you to know their legal disclaimer:
Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Okay? OKAY!
So WHY? you may be asking. Why would anyone add anything to their diet that actually touts the words “reduced bitterness”?
Why I Added Brewer’s Yeast To My Diet:
Since my diagnosis of breast cancer (8 years ago!), I have combed through my diet to see where I might be lacking, or where I might strengthen my already good nutritional habits.
I hate taking pills of any sort, so I knew my nutrition had to be shored by food, glorious food.
I research the good and the bad and try to stick with solid science, i.e. actual studies, before I consider adding something to my diet that might be normally objectionable (like spinach in smoothies!).
Enter brewer’s yeast (and ground flax seeds and smoothies with veggies).
WEIRDO SIDE NOTE:
The year I was diagnosed, I was told by every single medical professional I came in contact with that I was the exception to the rule.
Statistically, I had a .01 chance of being diagnosed (nope. not a typo), yet, there I was, a cancer patient.
I had exercised my entire life. I ate healthily. I didn’t have any dangerous habits that would put my health at risk. No family history. I was golden…or so I thought.
Why am I telling you this?
- BECAUSE: no matter how well you protect yourself against disease, no matter how hard you try and live a life that fosters health, sometimes you lose the coin toss.
- BUT: that doesn’t mean to stop trying.
And try I shall.
Until, my last breath.
How To Add Brewer’s Yeast To Your Diet
Get ready to be grossed out TO THE MAX!
Garry and I both imbibe in daily shots of water mixed with 2 tsps of brewer’s yeast.
As in, we mix a teaspoon of brewer’s yeast powder with water and take it as a shot.
Garry takes it twice a day: one in the morning and one after supper (the last meal of the day for those of you who don’t speak Southern).
I have mine mid-morning, with my flax.
DON’T SMELL IT! DON’T LOOK AT IT! JUST DO IT!
~HURK~
Yep, as gross as it sounds.
But here’s the thing: the shot is the fastest way to get it down. Takes less than a few seconds (I literally timed it)
Chase it with anything and BOOM! you’re done.
And the taste, the faintly beery taste, is gone pretty quick once you find the perfect chaser.
There’s also this brewer’s yeast amazeball action (for anyone concerned about diabetes):
TL;DW (too long; didn’t watch):
Due to the chromium content of brewer’s yeast, there is interest in using it for lowering blood glucose in people with diabetes. Chromium may help the body use insulin more effectively. This can lower blood sugar levels.
This is really interesting/good news for those who struggle with their blood sugar.
Brewer’s Yeast Benefits
That’s impressive, but how in the heck does it work?
For diabetics, it’s believed the chromium content of brewer’s yeast is responsible for lowering blood glucose. It can also increase enzymes in the intestines to fight off lots of ick.
It’s believed to help improve gut health (man, don’t we hear that everywhere these days!), raise the health of your immune system (my MAIN reason to use it) and is even used as a treatment for diarrhea AND constipation.
It reportedly helps lower cholesterol, fight seasonal allergies and PMS.
Wanna know the best part?
Do ya?
It costs pennies a day!
Now we’re talking my language (more money for cake).
Side Effects and Interactions of Brewer’s Yeast
Brewer’s yeast does interact with a few things. You must always be careful before adding a supplement to your diet. (again: ask yer doc!)
Click HERE for side effects and HERE for interactions.
If you aren’t as foolhardy brave as Garry and I, you can always mix it in food and eat. Lots of folks swear by that method.
Possibilities include sprinkling it on popcorn, stir it in yogurt, toss with a salad, or mixing in a smoothie.
Personally, my take-a-shot-and-get-‘er-done seems way more palatable than having to endure it mixed with the food I love.
But, as always, you do you, my babies.
To recap:
I’m now hippie. I eat ground flax seed, drink smoothies filled with greens and now drink shots of brewer’s yeast.
What’s next? Burning Man? A retro VW? Giving up electricity?
Doesn’t matter. If that’s what it took, I’d do it.
Oh, one more thing.
Just so you know I haven’t completely lost my ever’livin’, as soon as I finished writing this post, I went outside, plucked a lime from my tree, and squeezed it into an ice cold beer.
Now that’s the brewer’s yeast I can get behind!
Share your hippie stories below!
~ Disclaimer: All information is based on my personal experience and is not intended to take the place of your doctor’s advice. ~