Vincent Bronson

Guide to Elimination Diet Vincent Bronson

Elimination diets are the gold standard for identifying food intolerances, sensitivities and allergies through diet. They remove certain foods known to cause uncomfortable symptoms and reintroduce them at a later time while testing for symptoms. Allergists and registered dietitians have been using elimination diets for decades to help people rule out foods that are not tolerated well. An elimination diet involves removing foods from your diet that you suspect your body can't tolerate well. The foods are later reintroduced, one at a time, while you look for symptoms that show a reaction. It only lasts 5-6 weeks and is used to help those with a sensitive gut, food intolerance or food allergy identify which foods are contributing to their symptoms. In that way, an elimination diet may alleviate symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation and nausea. Once you have successfully identified a food your body can't tolerate well, you can remove it from your diet to prevent any uncomfortable symptoms in the future. There are many types of elimination diets, which all involve eating or removing certain types of foods. However, if you have a known or suspected food allergy, then you should only try an elimination diet under the supervision of a medical professional. Reintroducing a food allergen may trigger a dangerous condition called anaphylaxis. If you suspect you have a food allergy, check with your doctor before starting an elimination diet. Symptoms of an allergy include rashes, hives, swelling and difficulty breathing. These are a few of the common health issues people experience before they go on the Elimination Diet plan. Everyone is different so you may experience completely different symptoms from someone else but these are a few of the most common symptoms people experience. An elimination diet is divided into two phases: elimination and reintroduction. The elimination phase involves removing foods you suspect trigger your symptoms for a short period of time, typically 2-3 weeks. Eliminate foods that you think your body can't tolerate, as well as foods that are notorious for causing uncomfortable symptoms. Some of these foods include nuts, corn, soy, dairy, citrus fruits, nightshade vegetables, wheat, foods containing gluten, pork, eggs and seafood. During this phase, you can determine if your symptoms are due to foods or something else. If your symptoms still remain after removing the foods for 2-3 weeks, it is best to notify your doctor.