Brewer's yeast : How to use it for its benefits ?

Brewer's yeast is also known under the Latin name of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

What are the traditional uses of brewer's yeast ?

Brewer's yeast is edible. Its excessive consumption seems to unbalance the digestive and vaginal flora. It should therefore be consumed in accordance with the indicated dosage.

Brewer's yeast is a mushroom that has been used by man since antiquity. It is necessary to wait for the 19th century and the technical progress in the field of science to allow its identification. It is assumed that it was traditionally used in China 7000 BC and in Mesopotamia in prehistoric times. Later, traces of the use of brewer's yeast in Egypt for its beneficial action on the skin are found.

The history of Ultra-levure© - a medicine made from brewer's yeast - began in the 20th century in Indochina. The French doctor Henri Boulouard observed the aborigines using a decoction to fight diarrhea and decided to bring it back to France. With the development at the same time of the use of antibiotics (which favors diarrheic episodes), the use ofUltra-levure© spreads rapidly in the world.

How do we recognize this fungus ?

Brewer's yeast can be identified by :

• its size : this fungus is one of the smallest. Microscopic, it is invisible to the naked eye;
• its appearance : under the microscope, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a rounded appearance;
• its composition : there are 2 types of brewer's yeast (active and inactive forms).

What are the differences between live yeast and dead yeast ?

The 2 types of yeast differ by their composition and their medicinal virtues :

• the "active", "living" or "revivable" form has probiotic properties directly attributed to the fungus;
• the so-called "inactive" or "dead" form : based on the composition of the mushroom and not on its therapeutic activity. The great nutritional richness (vitamins, minerals, ...) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae makes it a preferred choice to correct a pathological disorder or a dietary deficiency.

What are the properties and benefits of brewer's yeast ?

Brewer's yeast has many medicinal virtues which differ according to the form used :

• for the live form : it helps fight diarrhea caused by a virus, an antibiotic or a digestive problem;
• for the inactive form : it helps to nourish the hair, skin and nails.

What are the possible side effects ?

In spite of a respectful use and in conformity with the prescription, it is possible to feel some unwanted effects :

• flatulence ;
• headaches ;
• itching (if allergic to brewer's yeast).

It is strongly discouraged to use brewer's yeast with :

• an inflammatory bowel disease;
• a weakened immune system (only for the "live" form);
• a central venous catheter (only for the "live" form).

What precautions should I take before using Brewer's yeast ?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae should not be used in :

• pregnant or breast-feeding women;
• children under 18 years old.