Elimination Diet Health Article

Definition

An elimination diet functions as a test, determining whether patients may have a sensitivity to certain foods. Initially, patients stop eating foods suspected of causing illness. Then, after a suitable period of time (often 10–14 days), they review their symptoms. If significant improvement has occurred, it is assumed that an allergy or intolerance to certain foods may be involved. These suspect foods are then reintroduced to the diet, one by one. When symptoms return (usually within three days), the problematic food is identified and removed from the diet.

Benefits

Elimination diets are potentially useful in identifying hard-to-detect food intolerances that proponents believe are responsible for a wide range of ailments. These include constipation, headaches, migraine, infections of the ear or sinuses, frequent colds, post-nasal drip, chronic nasal congestion, sore throats, chronic cough, eczema, hives, acne, asthma, pain or stiffness in the muscles or joints, heart palpitations, indigestion, ulcers of the mouth, stomach, or duodenum, Crohn's disease, diarrhea, yeast infections, urticaria, edema, depression, anxiety, hyperactivity, weight change, and generalized fatigue.

Description

The following lists of appropriate and inappropriate foods for an elimination diet represent general guidelines. Elimination diets vary according to practitioner and the specific symptoms or allergy.

Foods that may be prohibited in an elimination diet include those containing:

• Additives: monosodium glutamate, artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors, or colors.
• Alcohol: beer, ale, stout, porter, malt liquors, wine, coolers, vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, brandy, liqueurs, and cordials.
• Citrus fruits: oranges, calamondins, tangerines, clementines, tangelos, satsumas, owaris, lemons, limes, kumquats, limequats, and grapefruit.
• Commonly eaten foods: anything consumed more than three times weekly, as well as foods that are craved or that cause a feeling of weakness.
• Corn: as well as corn syrup or sweetener, corn oil, vegetable oil. popcorn, corn chips, corn tortillas.
• Dairy products: milk, milk solids, cheese, butter, sour cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, whey, and ice cream.
• Eggs: both yolks and whites.
• Gluten: any pasta, breads, cakes, flour, or gravies containing wheat.
• Honey.
• Maple syrup.
• Sugar: candy, soft drinks, fruit juices with added sugar or sweetener, cakes, cookies, sucrose, fructose, dextrose, or maltose.

Foods that may be allowed include:

• Cereals: puffed rice or millet, oatmeal, or oat bran.
• Daily multivitamin: this is especially important during extended dieting to replace missing nutrients.
• Fats and oils: soy, soy milk, soy cheese, sunflower oil, safflower oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil, and sesame oil.
• Fruits and vegetables: typically, anything except corn and citrus fruits. Some practitioners suggest fruit be consumed in moderation, and preferably whole as opposed to juices.
• Grain and flour products: rice cakes or crackers, rye or spelt bread (both must be 100% with no added wheat), kasha, rice, amaranth, quinoa, millet, oriental noodles, other exotic grains.
• Legumes: soybeans, string beans, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, peas, chickpeas, lentils, tofu. Canned beans should be avoided unless they are free of preservatives and sugar.

• Seeds and nuts: must not contain sugar or salt. Nut butters are allowed if they meet this requirement and are organic.
• Water: two quarts daily. Preferably bottled, as tap water contains potential allergens including fluoride and chlorine.
• Other: honey, white vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, onions, ginger, herbal teas, coffee substitutes, spices or condiments (mustard, ketchup) that are free from sugar, preservatives, and citrus. These products can commonly be found at health food stores.

An important complement to any elimination diet is a food diary, in which all dietary consumption is recorded, along with any subsequent symptoms. Patterns should be evident after about one month of record keeping.