This makes food allergies, sensitivities, and intolerance’s a huge contribution to an array of symptoms all over our bodies. Things like autoimmune issues, inflammation, and even our moods can be affected by what we eat. If you have digestive issues or any other unexplained symptoms, you may want to consider trying an elimination diet.
An elimination diet is one where you strategically eliminate certain foods to see if you react to them. It can help immensely when trying to figure out if a particular food is causing symptoms because you’re sensitive to it AND…here’s the real winner: If done correctly, an elimination diet can lead to a significantly reduced reaction (or even disappearance of sensitivities altogether) to foods you were previously sensitive to! I know, so cool right?!
The best way to go about an elimination diet is to have a full health history taken by a naturopath or nutritionist to check what conditions and sensitivities you currently have. You would then have a blood sample taken which is then analysed in detail to determine which foods are the absolute best ones for you to eat; the foods that will not cause a reaction, that will reduce inflammation in your body and will give the digestive system a chance to heal and perform once again at optimal levels so the immune system can do the same. After a few weeks, you then slowly add other foods back into your diet, one at a time, and note any symptoms (better or worse).
Let’s go over the pros and cons of elimination diets:
Pros of elimination diets
- If undertaken properly, elimination diets can not only help you tune into which foods cause reactions, but can also reverse or significantly diminish food sensitivities, so you can once again enjoy a wide variety of foods without worrying about adverse affects.
- Experiencing results first-hand can be very motivating when it comes to sticking to eliminating a certain food until your body has healed sufficiently enough to allow that food back into your diet.
- Elimination diets can be less expensive, and provide better long-term outcomes, than standard allergy or food sensitivity testing.
- It can also be very empowering to be in control of what you eat, learn about food and the compounds they contain, and try new recipes that exclude eliminated foods.
- Having a good plan makes things much easier (even exciting).
- If you love grocery shopping, cooking from scratch, and trying new recipes, you’re going to draw on all these skills.
- These diets can be customizable, which is a great pro (see first con below).
Cons of elimination diets
- If not done strategically (see comments above), you may not figure out everything you’re sensitive to. Your plan should be strategically created to ensure that the most common food allergens are eliminated. This will give you the highest likelihood of success. It can become complicated if you let it.
- Full transparency: even after an elimination diet, there may be a small number of foods that will always cause you reactions and will therefore have to remain on your taboo list if you want to continue to feel great.
- It’s a commitment for anywhere from 2-13 weeks, if not longer (which can be difficult for some people).
- When you’re eliminating certain foods (or parts of foods, like gluten), it can be HARD!
- If you’re not used to planning and preparing the majority of your meals, you’re going to have to start doing it
Conclusion
Elimination diets, if performed under the care of a trained gut and metabolism health professional, can be a very useful tool to identify food sensitivities and help you eat the right foods for your unique blood and body chemistry. They can be empowering and should be completely personalised to your own nutritional requirements.
Have you done an elimination diet? What was your experience?
Would you like to try an elimination diet? Feel free to book in for a complimentary 15 minute chat with me to find out your best approach to commencing a personalised elimination program. Or check out the program that I offer all year round for those ready to take control of their weight, food sensitivities, inflammatory conditions and hormonal imbalances.
References:
https://www.precisionnutrition.com/elimination-diet
http://www.dietvsdisease.org/11-warning-signs-you-have-a-food-intolerance/