An elimination diet may be used to determine if you have a food allergy or sensitivity. An allergy provokes an immune system response, while a sensitivity or intolerance causes an adverse reaction without an immune system response. Reactions include stomachache, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, rashes, eczema and migraines. Common allergens are wheat, gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, corn, citrus fruit and eggs. An elimination diet is not 100 percent accurate, warns MayoClinic.com and should be done under a doctor's supervision and in conjunction with other allergy testing.
Step 1
Keep a food journal for one week before beginning your elimination diet. Eat normally and record any symptoms you experience. Make note of what you ate and when, and if you had any type of adverse reaction. Your doctor may want you to keep a record of all your bowel movements as well.
Step 2
Eliminate suspected allergens. After reviewing your food journal, you may have a better idea which foods could be causing an adverse reaction. This may be very limiting, but will only last for two weeks. Dr. Sears suggests eating free-range turkey, chicken or lamb with boiled or baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, yellow or green squash and pears during this time.
Step 3
Start to "challenge" your body by introducing the eliminated foods, one at a time. Add the food back into your diet once a day, three days in a row and note any reaction. If you have no reaction after eating the food three times, you probably don't have an allergy to it. Add the next food back into your diet, following the same procedure.
Step 4
Work with your doctor or a nutritionist to create a balanced diet, avoiding foods that trigger your symptoms.
Tips and Warnings
- Your symptoms should improve after one week on the elimination diet. If your symptoms do not improve after two week, stop the diet and consult your physician.
- You may need to take supplements to replace nutrients from any food group you may be allergic to. For example, if you have a dairy allergy, you may need a vitamin D or calcium supplement.
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