Elimination Diet

Question 1

Elimination Diet

Answer 1

The elimination diet is the most cost-effective way of identifying a food allergy or intolerance.

• It involves first removing the suspected food(s) from the diet for a period of time and monitoring any change in symptoms.
• The potential offending food is then reintroduced and symptoms are monitored to confirm sensitivity.

Question 2

Most common problematic foods

Answer 2

gluten and dairy, corn and soy, eggs, nuts, beef, pork, yeast, citrus, nightshades, chocolate and coffee

Question 3

Stage 1 (days 1–2) Detox

Answer 3

• Increase fruits, vegetables, gluten-free wholegrains, healthy fats, water intake, herbal teas.
• Remove processed foods, confectionary, chocolate, additives, caffeine, etc.

Question 4

Stage 2 (days 3–14) Elimination

Answer 4

• Above, plus remove all suspected foods for 2 weeks (can be done one at a time). If symptoms don’t improve by 3rd week consider other possible triggers.

Question 5

Stage 3 (days 15 onwards) Reintroduction

(one food at a time!)

Answer 5

• Eat the ‘challenge’ food 2–3 times a day for 1–3 days.
• If you notice any symptoms, remove the food and wait for symptoms to completely disappear before challenging the next food.
• If the food does not cause a reaction, it is safe to keep in your diet for the rest of the programme.
• If a food causes a reaction, keep out of the diet for 3 months before challenging again.