Elimination diet

Elimination diet is a method of identifying foods that an individual cannot consume without adverse effects. Adverse effects may be due to food allergy, food intolerance, other physiological mechanisms, or a combination of these.

Overview

An elimination diet involves removing specific foods or ingredients from a person's diet because they are suspected of causing an adverse reaction. These could include allergies or intolerances. The person then reintroduces the foods one at a time while monitoring for symptoms to identify which foods cause symptoms. This can be useful for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, eosinophilic esophagitis, or food allergies.

Process

The process of an elimination diet typically involves two phases: the elimination phase and the reintroduction phase. During the elimination phase, the individual eliminates certain foods from their diet for a period of time, typically two to three weeks. During the reintroduction phase, the individual systematically adds these foods back into their diet and monitors for symptoms.

Types of Elimination Diets

There are several types of elimination diets, including the few foods diet, the rare foods diet, and the rotation diet. The specific type of elimination diet chosen often depends on the individual's symptoms, medical history, and food preferences.

Risks and Considerations

While elimination diets can be helpful in identifying food intolerances or allergies, they should be undertaken with caution. Elimination diets can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not properly managed. It is recommended to undertake an elimination diet under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

See Also

• Food allergy
• Food intolerance
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Eosinophilic esophagitis

References

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