The Role of Elimination Diets in Identifying Food Intolerances

Food intolerances are very common across the US. Doing an elimination diet is one of the best ways to discover a food intolerance and is used by many across the globe. Allergists and registered dieticians have been using elimination diets for decades to help people rule out foods that are not tolerated well.

What is an Elimination Diet?

An elimination diet is a meal plan that avoids or removes certain foods so you can find out what you might be intolerant to or allergic to. The most common reason for an elimination diet is because you and your doctor think certain foods may be the cause of your intolerance or allergy symptoms.

How Does an Elimination Diet Work?

The first step is to stop eating the trigger foods. It’s important to read labels during this time to make sure there aren’t any hidden trigger foods. The food should be removed for up to two weeks, and it’s essential to eliminate the foods you think your body can’t tolerate, as well as foods that are known to cause discomfort. Make sure to keep track of all symptoms during this time and write down all of the foods you’re eating.

The second step is to reintroduce the eliminated foods back into your diet. Introduce them slowly and monitor how you feel after eating the eliminated food. The reintroduction phase will allow you to learn how much of the trigger food your body can tolerate. If you experience a lot of discomfort after eating a certain food, it’s recommended to eliminate this from your diet entirely.

What Shouldn’t You Eat When Doing an Elimination Diet?

The most effective elimination diet is one that is the most restrictive. Foods that are commonly removed during this diet are dairy products, foods that contain wheat, nuts and seeds, citrus fruits, sugar and sweets, and fats.

What Are the Benefits of an Elimination Diet?

Reduce Symptoms of ADHD: Studies have shown that elimination diets may reduce symptoms of ADHD. However, children should not follow an elimination diet unless advised by a healthcare professional.

Reduce Skin Conditions: Studies have shown that elimination diets may reduce symptoms of eczema. There are many different causes of eczema, but people with the condition have found that eating certain foods can worsen their symptoms.

Reduce Chronic Migraines: Around 3 million people in the US suffer from chronic migraines. An elimination diet removes foods that cause inflammation and has been shown to reduce chronic migraines.

Are There Any Risks of an Elimination Diet?

Elimination diets are a great way to find out which foods cause problems, but some risks are involved. It’s essential to follow the diet for a short period of time only, as you could cause yourself to have nutrient deficiencies.

Summary

Doing an elimination diet is recommended if you’re experiencing discomfort after eating certain foods. They can help to discover a food intolerance or an allergy which will help with any discomfort you’re experiencing. However, people with known or suspected allergies should only do an elimination diet under the supervision of a doctor.