The purpose of the elimination diet is to identify hidden
food allergens that may be causing some or all of your symptoms. During the
elimination period, all common food allergens are completely eliminated from
your diet for 2 to 3 weeks (see guidelines below). After your symptoms improve,
foods are added back, one at a time, to determine which foods are causing your
symptoms.
Possible symptoms of food allergy or sensitivity:· Skin: eczema, dermatitis, itching, hives, swelling, redness, acne, dark circles under eyes.
· Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, gas, nausea/vomiting, cramps, bloating, abdominal pain, constipation
· Respiratory: wheezing nasal congestion, trouble breathing, asthma
· Other: joint pain, swelling (lips, tongue, face, throat), headache, migraines, brain fog, fatigue
Foods to Eliminate (See chart on the following page for more specific information)
Dairy products
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Wheat and Gluten-containing grains
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Corn
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Eggs
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Soy
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Citrus Fruits
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*Nightshade vegetables (joint pain)
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Coffee, Tea, Alcohol, Chocolate
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Refined Sugars
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Food Additives
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Elimination Diet Guidelines
1. Avoid all foods or food additives that you suspect are causing symptoms even if they are on the list of acceptable foods.
2. Eliminate fish and nuts if you know you are allergic.
3. You may get better results with the elimination diet if you eat only organic, pesticide free produce, legumes and grains, and organic, free range or grass fed meats.
4. Use only those foods allowed unless you check with your healthcare practitioner. Read all labels carefully to look for hidden ingredients.
5. Withdrawal symptoms may occur during the first few days or week on the diet. Some or all of your symptoms may increase temporarily. It is also possible to experience new symptoms. The following may help you feel better: Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, Baths with Epsom Salts or baking soda, Naps, and Mild exercise such as walking. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms become uncomfortable.
6. The elimination diet should be followed for a minimum of 2-3 weeks, and may be followed for up to 4 weeks. Be sure to follow the recommendations of your healthcare provider to get the best results. We recommend you come in for a follow-up appointment to get specific details about how to reintroduce foods.
7. During elimination, it is very important to keep a journal to track your diet and symptoms so that your healthcare provider can monitor your results.
