If you are dealing with chronic inflammation and health issues, you may be experiencing food sensitivities that you didn’t before. Different foods can cause inflammation, and eliminating those you are sensitive to can make a big difference in how you feel. Inflammation can cause all sorts of health issues, so an elimination diet to see which foods you’re reacting to can be helpful in quelling inflammation.
Why an Elimination Diet?
Food sensitivities and intolerances are widespread, and an estimated 2-20% of the worldwide population is experiencing food intolerances. If you’re one of those people, an elimination diet is the gold standard to identify which foods are causing issues. By removing certain foods that can cause uncomfortable symptoms and reintroducing them later while observing for symptoms, you can rule out which foods are causing problems. Elimination diets can be helpful for people of all ages.
What is an Elimination Diet?
You can see if your symptoms lessen when you remove foods you suspect your body doesn’t tolerate well from your diet. When you introduce the foods at a later time one by one, you can observe your body to see if there is a reaction. This is the basic premise of the elimination diet. You usually take about five to six weeks to try this, which can significantly help people with food allergies, intolerance, or even a sensitive gut.
What Foods Do I Eliminate?
When you do an elimination diet, the most effective ones are the ones that are the most restrictive. The more foods you eliminate during this phase, the more success you have at discovering which foods are causing the symptoms. Some of the most commonly restricted foods during the first part of the elimination phase include the following:
- Gluten and gluten-containing foods like wheat, gluten, barley, corn, spelt, oats, rye, and bread.
- Dairy products like cheese, milk, ice cream, yogurt, and all other dairy products.
- Processed meats and leftovers that contain high histamines.
- Citrus fruits like grapefruits and oranges.
- Nightshade vegetables like eggplant, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes like peas, beans, and soy-based products.
- Alcohol, black tea, coffee, and soda. Drinking only water can be helpful during an elimination diet
- Spices, condiments, and sweeteners. Be careful with which of these you use.
You can alleviate symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating by eliminating many of these foods. Once you discover which foods your body doesn’t tolerate well, you can remove it permanently to prevent the symptoms from returning. If you suspect a food allergy, working with a medical professional while trying elimination diets can be a good idea.
We Can Help
If you suspect you have a food intolerance or have been experiencing symptoms after eating certain foods, you may be confused about where to turn. Working with a knowledgeable professional can make all the difference. Our practitioners can help you figure out this journey so you’re not going at it alone. Give our office a call to schedule your first appointment. Don’t suffer alone!
