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FOOD
Elimination
HAND
BOOK AND
FOOD DIARY

An elimination diet is a
method used to identify
foods that an individual may
be sensitive or allergic to
What It Is:

An elimination diet is a short-term eating plan that eliminates certain foods that may be
causing allergies or digestive reactions, then reintroduces them one at a time to determine
which foods are problematic.
It's often used to identify food intolerances, sensitivities, or allergies.

Why It's Used:

To identify specific foods causing symptoms like bloating, gas, diarrhea, constipation,
nausea, skin rashes, or headaches.
For individuals with chronic gastrointestinal issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), it can
help identify trigger foods.
It's also used in cases of suspected food allergies or intolerances, such as lactose
intolerance or gluten sensitivity.

How It Works:

Elimination Phase:
For a few weeks, you remove foods from your diet that you suspect are causing symptoms.
Common foods eliminated include dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, nuts, and shellfish.
Reintroduction Phase: After the elimination period, you gradually reintroduce these foods
one at a time, typically every 3 days. During this phase, you carefully monitor and record any
symptoms or reactions.

Identification:
If symptoms reoccur when a food is reintroduced, it suggests that the food may be a trigger.
If there are no symptoms, it's likely safe to include the food in the diet.
Considerations:

An elimination diet should be well-planned to ensure nutritional needs are met.

It is typically recommended to undertake this diet under the guidance of a healthcare
provider or a dietitian to ensure it's done safely and effectively.
Keeping a detailed food diary during the process is crucial for identifying which foods cause
problems.
An elimination diet is not a weight-loss plan or a diet that is meant to be followed long term.
Its primary purpose is to pinpoint foods that you might be sensitive to or allergic to.
 How Elimination Diets Work

The Two Phases:

Elimination Phase: Describe how certain foods are completely removed from the diet for a
period, often 2-4 weeks.

Reintroduction Phase: Detail the process of reintroducing foods individually and monitoring
for symptoms.

Elimination Phase of an Elimination Diet

The Elimination Phase is a critical component of an elimination diet, and it involves the
following steps:

Identification of Potential Allergens:

Before starting, identify the foods that are most likely to cause adverse reactions. Common
allergens include gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, and certain food additives.
It's also wise to consider any foods you eat frequently or crave, as these can sometimes be
culprits.

Complete Removal of Identified Foods:

For a period, typically 2-4 weeks, all identified potential allergens are completely removed
from the diet.
This means not only avoiding these foods in their whole form but also being mindful of their
presence in processed foods, sauces, and seasonings.

Substituting Nutrients:

Removing major food groups can lead to nutritional deficiencies. It's important to substitute
these foods with nutritionally equivalent alternatives. For example, if you eliminate dairy,
consider calcium-fortified plant milks.
Consulting with a nutritionist can be helpful in ensuring that your diet remains balanced.

Maintaining a Food Diary:

Keep a detailed food diary during this phase. Record everything you eat and drink, as well as
any symptoms or changes in your health and well-being.
This diary will be invaluable for identifying which foods are problematic when you start
reintroducing them.
Monitoring Symptoms:

Pay close attention to any changes in symptoms. Some people experience a significant
improvement in their symptoms during the elimination phase, which can indicate that one or
more of the eliminated foods were causing issues.

Lifestyle Considerations:

Plan meals and snacks ahead of time to ensure you adhere strictly to the diet.
Be prepared with suitable alternatives when eating out or in social situations.

Professional Guidance:

If possible, undertake this phase under the guidance of a healthcare provider or a dietitian.
They can provide support and ensure that the diet is conducted safely and effectively.

Conclusion of the Elimination Phase

At the end of the elimination phase, if symptoms have improved or disappeared, this
suggests that one or more of the eliminated foods may be causing a problem. The next step
is the Reintroduction Phase, where these foods are systematically reintroduced to pinpoint
the exact
 Reintroduction Phase of an Elimination Diet

After completing the elimination phase, the reintroduction phase begins. This is a
systematic process where previously eliminated foods are reintroduced into the diet one at
a time to identify any reactions. Here's how to approach this phase:

Planning the Reintroduction:

Start with foods that are less likely to cause a reaction. Save those you suspect the most for
last.
Decide on the order of reintroduction and create a schedule. Typically, each food should be
reintroduced over 3-4 days.

Reintroducing Foods:

Introduce one food group at a time. For example, if you're reintroducing dairy, you might start
with milk, then try yogurt, and so on.
Start with a small amount on the first day and gradually increase it over the next few days,
unless symptoms occur.

Monitoring for Symptoms:

Continue to keep a detailed food diary. Note the type and quantity of the food reintroduced,
and any symptoms that you experience.
Symptoms to look out for include digestive issues, skin reactions, respiratory problems, or
changes in energy levels and mood.

Assessing Reactions:

If you experience a negative reaction, stop eating the reintroduced food immediately.
Record the symptoms and severity in your diary.
Wait until symptoms have subsided before reintroducing the next food. This can take a few
days.

Interpreting Results:

If reintroducing a food causes no reaction, it can be assumed safe and kept in the diet.
If a food causes symptoms, it should be eliminated again. You may choose to retest it later
to confirm the reaction.
Long-Term Management:

Once you've tested all foods, you'll have a clearer idea of which foods you can tolerate and
which you should avoid.
For foods that cause reactions, you can decide whether to eliminate them completely or
limit their intake, depending on the severity of your reaction.

Consultation with a Health Professional:

If any severe reactions occur, or if you're unsure about the results, consult with a healthcare
provider or a dietitian.
They can help interpret your findings and provide guidance on managing any identified food
sensitivities or allergies.

Conclusion of the Reintroduction Phase

This phase is crucial for pinpointing specific foods that cause problems and should be
approached methodically. The insights gained from this phase can help guide your long-
term dietary choices, leading to better overall health and well-being.
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