Brewers Yeast & Bodybuilding

Brewer’s yeast comes from a fungus and is used to make beer 1. However, it also contains several vitamins and minerals and can be a good source to provide your body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and build muscle. While brewer’s yeast alone will not make you gain more muscle, it can keep your energy levels up and help your body process protein. Talk to your doctor about adding it to your diet.

Significance

Brewer’s yeast contains several of the B-complex vitamins, as well as chromium and selenium. These vitamins and minerals help your body metabolize the fat, carbohydrates and protein you eat and turn them into energy, which is especially necessary if you are doing a rigorous bodybuilding routine. These nutrients also support the health of your nervous system and the muscles that your body uses for digestion. The yeast is also a good source of protein.

Chromium

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Chromium is a trace mineral found in brewer’s yeast, and your body needs it to process your food and control your blood sugar levels. The RDA for women ages 19 to 50 is 25 mcg, and it is 35 mcg for males. If you eat a diet that consists of large amounts of simple sugars, have an infection or are under physical or mental stress, your chromium levels may decrease. This can lead to a drop in your energy and fluctuating insulin levels, making it difficult to complete your workout, and adding brewer’s yeast to your diet may help correct this. Additionally, chromium may help lessen the amount of body fat you have, but this loss is negligible in comparison to what you could lose by exercising and dieting.

Protein

When you begin a bodybuilding routine, you must consume adequate amounts of protein. Your body needs this nutrient to build and repair your muscles, and you will not likely experience the desired results from your workout without getting an adequate amount of protein. Brewer’s yeast is often used as a protein supplement, and you can add the powdered form to foods you already eat or dissolve it in water. Take 1 to 2 tbsp. a day, or the amount recommended by your physician.

Considerations

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Do not begin consuming brewer’s yeast before you check with your doctor, as it may interact with certain medications or health conditions you have. If you are prone to yeast infections or allergic to yeast, do not consume this product. People with diabetes, hypoglycemia or other blood sugar problems should not add brewer’s yeast to their diet without checking with a doctor, since it can inhibit the efficacy of your medications.