What Is An Elimination Diet?

Have you noticed that more and more people are becoming sensitive and intolerant to food? According to studies, food allergies in children are a significant health concern, and their prevalence is rising. It’s often over-diagnosed by parents, occasionally resulting in unnecessary exclusive of some essential nutrients.

It also causes stress, anxiety, and even depression in parents and affects the entire family’s quality of life. Food intolerance and sensitivity are prevalent. Studies show that 2-20% of people worldwide may suffer from food intolerance.

With that said, many Allergists and registered dietitians have been using the Elimination diet for decades. It helps people rule out foods they cannot tolerate. So, an elimination diet involves removing specific foods that may be causing allergic reactions or signs of intolerance.

Plus, help alleviate symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea. Common allergens in certain foods causes intolerances. For example, dairy, fish, citrus fruits, corn, shellfish, wheat, gluten, and nuts are some of the most common intolerances.

The Elimination Diet

The body is observed for several weeks after removing intolerable foods. After the elimination phase, foods are reintroduced one at a time to see whether the symptoms resurface, Consequently, signaling that a specific food is an issue. Keeping a food diary is suggested to record any adverse reactions.

Once the particular food has been identified as a food your body can’t tolerate, it’s removed from the diet. This prevents any uncomfortable symptoms in the future. So, to sum up, and make it simple, this elimination diet involves the elimination and reintroduction phases.

True food allergies can affect the immune system and cause immediate symptoms. For instance, hives, rashes, puffy eyes, vomiting, and anaphylaxis. However, many people suffer from food intolerances. And symptoms can be less severe and even show up two or three days after eating the food. Food intolerance symptoms include indigestion, heartburn, nausea, cramps, rashes and skin changes, and changes in bowel habits, among others.

While this type of diet is fairly restrictive, there’s still a variety of foods you can include such as:

• Most vegetables excluding nightshades.
• Different fruits, excluding citrus fruits.
• Whole grain including rice and buckwheat.
• Meat and fish. For instance, turkey, lamb, wild game, and cold-water fish like salmon.
• Healthy oils, like cold-press olive oil, flaxseed oil, and coconut oil.
• Beverages, water, and herbal teas.
• Spices and condiments such as black pepper, fresh herbs and spices, and apple cider vinegar. But no cayenne pepper and paprika spice.

I hope you enjoyed it!

Marcey,
XOXO

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