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Multiple Food Elimination Diet

An elimination diet systematically removes foods that are known to cause food allergies, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, shellfish and other foods. When you participate in this diet, you'll be encouraged by your physician or dietician to follow a 2-step regime for at least 4 to 6 weeks, eliminating foods and then reintroducing them in order to pinpoint the item causing the health-related issue.

  1. Food Allergens

    • In Step 1 your aim is to free yourself from common allergens, hopefully placing your body in a healthier state for easier detection of the offending food. There are four types of food intolerances: dairy, fructose, yeast sensitivity and gluten intolerance. An allergy is a result of repeated exposure to the item that is causing symptoms or an allergic response. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction can include canker sores, bed wetting, tight joints, ear fluid or bowel problems.
      Step 2 reintroduces one food a day into the diet in order to see how you react to the avoided foods. You will keep track of how you feel when the food is introduced, noting any symptoms or reactions to the food. If symptoms do occur, you shouldn't introduce the next set of food until the symptoms are gone from the previous food. Consult a physician if the symptoms become severe or chronic.

    Diet

    • For the first few weeks of the diet, eat only the allowed fruits and vegetables. Read food labels, because some items that you should avoid during the diet may be hidden within the ingredients. If your symptoms happen to get worse during the first few weeks, then try eliminating commonly eaten foods. Your favorite food may be the item that is actually causing your symptoms.

    Pros

    • Keeping a journal helps to systematically find the culprit that's causing your food allergy. This also helps with talking with your physician or dietitian so together you can determine the best food choices for your diet. The diet will help you with a better understanding of and appreciation for your body as well as start you on a path to feeling better.

    Cons

    • An elimination diet is extremely restrictive. You will have to learn to live without many foods until the food that is causing your symptoms is discovered. Many participants feel inconvenienced, especially if their symptoms are not causing problems or difficulties in their life on a daily basis. Eliminating certain foods may cause your body to be deficient in vital nutrients and vitamins. The entire diet process can be expensive, especially if you are consulting with a physician or dietitian.

    Warning

    • People who suffer from chronic symptoms such as gastrointestinal, neurological, respiratory problems or skin disorders should consult a physician before trying an elimination diet. Randomly removing foods from your diet may cause other health-related issues.

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