Elimination Diet 2012

I did an elimination diet after "The Seven Day Detox Miracle". I did lose 10 pounds and I felt great, but once I found out what was irritating my system, I figured out how to still have it sometimes and not get as sick. I probably should leave those things alone altogether... What was fustrating to me when I did it was how difficult it can be to find acceptable, whole foods. But nowadays gluten free, vegan and other food lifestyles are so popular, there is much more out there than when I did it.

I would like to do this again, but I find it difficult now that I'm working full time. When I did it the first time, I had a week in between jobs to get started, and then I worked part-time in a really casual environment. It really takes planning and dedication... but I know health is worth it! I hope you blog about your journey so you can inspire others (like me)

Whoah sorry for sloooowww response! The most challenging for me was grocery shopping and family and friends not understanding that I wasn't on a diet to get thin - I was trying to stop being sick all the time! I had horrible nausea 24/7 and it was a friend that told me about detoxing and elimination diet. I found that I am mostly sensitive to flour, sugar and processed and fried foods. When you tell family and friends you can't eat those things, they take it personal and think you're trying to put yourself above them or something.

I looked at it, but I have tried to eliminate wheat from my diet and feel a lot better already. After reading wheat belly, I am not sure I really want to eat that stuff. I don't eat much dairy, and red meat isn't part of my diet. I rarely eat processed foods. Personally one of the best things I think I did for myself was stop drinking milk, and the cheese I use is all cheese made with raw milk.

Hi, I am starting it today. However, due to digestive issues, I am going to swap the 2-day green smoothie fast for a fast of just quinoa and salt all day long. I figure this will detox my body in a kinder and gentler manner.

We can keep each other updated on our progress. I have found a few great posts around the web of folks that have tried it and identified allergies.

Sriraw

I think I'm a tad biased being a registered dietitian but I don't think an elimination diet is something you should tackle on your own but rather under professional guideance. It needs to be done in a very structured manner. There are different types of elimination diets and it is important to choose the one that best fits your circumstances, or at the very least to recognise the limitations and know the other options available for progression.

As a side, most allergy and in particular 'intolerance' tests aren't very accurate anyway so don't be tempted to pay for them.

Unfortunately, many people who attempt an elimination diet do not find an answer to their problem. Those few that do though, find it so incredibly valuable. Good luck!

I didn't go by any of those specific plans to eliminate foods, but I suspected I was gluten intolerant so I tried Atkins. Then through all that, I had cut dairy because of the carb restriction. When I came out of the diet...voila...dairy intolerance. I think it's the best way to go. Allergy testing doesn't necessarily show things that you are sensitive to. Even if it stalls weight loss, I think it's a good start. A lot of my pains I found out were due to the intolerance: athma, sinus infections, mental fog, stomach aches, acid reflux. If you can pinpoint something in your diet that irritates your body, you'll have a better starting point to reconstruct your diet.

I went and got everything I need for the 2 day smoothie fest, I'm going to start it tomorrow while I'm still on vacation. I know I'm lactose intolerant, but I have a bad feeling gluten also might be a culprit

Yeah! more people to discuss the diet with!
I am now on my fourth day and I am just going crazy! I didn't do a good job of making snacks for myself, so I have to do that this weekend when I get some time. I saw a few recipes for nori rolls that sound good. I am already a vegan, so i wasn't a huge deal to give up meat and dairy. However, I do miss the variety.
Good luck guys and keep me udpated on how you are doing.
I hope the 2-day smoothie part goes easily for both of you.

The best testing is done by eliminating the foods (IMO). Having eliminated gluten from my diet I can tell you if I had some within an hour. I can completely feel it. My manger did the diet and when gluten come back she said she felt it as well. A lot of people have sensitivities but dont know it.

Woo Hoo, off smoothies. Todays plan is curried lentils with spinach, lots of fruit and sweet potatoes. maybe some quinoa in there. I have never tried it before. (I hope no gluten in seasoning, thought about it afterwards.

For those who have identified sensitivities, does it just manifest in digestive issues?

For Dairy, the top 5 are: Nausea, Stomach pain/cramping, Bloating Flatulence, Diarrhea. Other common symptoms of a dairy sensitivity are more serious conditions such as eczema, acne and other skin disorders, asthma, chronic fatigue, weakness, irritability, inability to concentrate, headaches, congestion, excessive mucus, and joint pain.

For me it was Bloating, chronic fatigue, weakness, irritability, congestion, and joint pain.

For gluten
•Gastrointestinal symptoms: Abdominal pain and distension, Acid reflux, Bloating, Constipation, Diarrhea, Gas and flatulence, Greasy, foul-smelling, floating stools, Nausea, Vomiting, Weight loss or weight gain

For me it was Abdominal distention ( I swear you would say I was preganant after consuming it ... not joking, it was embarrassing).

•Nongastrointestinal symptoms: Fatigue and weakness (due to iron-deficiency anemia), Vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies, Headaches (including migraines), Joint/bone pain, Depression, irritability, listlessness, and mood disorders, “Fuzzy brain” or an inability to concentrate, Infertility, Abnormal menstrual cycles, Dental enamel deficiencies and irregularities, Seizures, Clumsiness (ataxia), Nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), Respiratory problems, Canker sores (apthus ulcers), Lactose intolerance, Eczema/psoriasis , Rosacea (a skin disorder), Acne, Hashimoto’s disease, Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus erythematosus, and other autoimmune disorders, Early onset osteoporosis, Hair loss (alopecia), Bruising easily, Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), Muscle cramping, Nosebleeds, Swelling and inflammation, Night blindness

For me it was Vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies, Headaches (including migraines), Joint/bone pain, listlessness, “Fuzzy brain” or an inability to concentrate,Seizures, Clumsiness (ataxia), Respiratory problems, Lactose intolerance, other autoimmune disorders, Hair loss (alopecia), Bruising easily, Muscle cramping,Night blindness


That being said, with Fibromyalgia is so very hard to say where on symptom drops off and one picks up and why. I have been dairy free long enough to confirm the sensitivity. The gluten is new and I have had the absolute hardest time eliminating it. I think I have a renewed energy to get my but in gear and give it the full 3mo go it deserves!