Elimination Diet

The elimination diet is the temporary removal of certain foods from the diet to identify allergic or sensitivity reactions.

What is the Elimination Diet? - Things to Know

The elimination diet, which we have frequently heard of recently, is essential in functional medicine and is quite effective in the healing of chronic inflammatory diseases. Essentially, it is applied to eliminate all foods seen as potential antigens to regulate the immune system response in the intestines. Additionally, it plays an important role in the weight loss of individuals with excess weight. There are very serious restrictions in the elimination diet, and therefore it should not be followed for a long time. It is generally a diet applied for 2-3 weeks. After following the diet, the foods removed from the diet are reintroduced one by one, and symptoms are monitored.

Prohibited Food Groups in the Elimination Diet

1. All Sugars and Sweeteners (Fructose Syrup – Sugar – Sucrose)

2. Gluten-containing Grains and Flours (Wheat – Barley - Rye)

3. Dairy Products (Cheese - Yogurt - Milk)

4. Eggs

5. Processed Meats (Salami - Sausage)

6. Shellfish

7. Corn

8. Soy and Soy-containing Products

9. Beef

10. Peanuts

11. Alcohol, Coffee, Chocolate

12. New World Vegetables like Peppers, Eggplant, Tomatoes, and Potatoes

Permitted Food Groups in the Elimination Diet

1. Vegetables and Fruits (Preferably Choose Organic)

2. Poultry (Organic Chickens Fed without GMOs)

3. All Legumes Except Soy and Peanuts are Allowed

4. Raw Nuts are Allowed (Walnuts, Almonds, Hazelnuts)

5. Seed Foods (Raw Seeds...)

6. Lamb Meat (Only from Lambs Fed with Milk)

7. Fish (Seasonal, Small Sea Fish)

8. Rice (Without Noodles)

9. Gluten-Free Grains and Similar Foods (Amaranth - Quinoa Flours)

10. Healthy Fats: Olive Oil, Pure Fat (Natural Butter with Milk Removed)

11. Spices (Turmeric, Ginger, Oregano, Rosemary, Cinnamon)

12. Green tea is allowed, and perhaps a small amount of regular tea can also be given.

Note: For those who say they cannot fully adhere to this diet, they can also follow diets that only prohibit the first 6 foods; 6 Food
Elimination Diet - or even diets that only prohibit the first 3 foods; 3 Food Elimination Diet.

Who is the Elimination Diet Suitable For?

The elimination diet is recommended for individuals experiencing digestive disorders such as indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating, reflux, stomach upset, and heartburn. It can also be applied to individuals with migraines, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, and fibromyalgia. By removing the foods that cause reactions from the diet, this diet helps to suppress inflammation in the body, supports healthy microbiota, contributes to reducing toxic load, helps identify triggers in foods, increases the body's awareness of foods, and aids in healing the gut through the intake of phytonutrients.

How is the Elimination Diet Implemented?

It is applied in the treatment of certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, eczema, and attention deficit, and it works quite well. Generally, it is followed for 2-3 weeks, but the duration may vary from person to person. During the diet, the prohibited foods are added back one by one. After adding a single food, the individual is monitored for 3 days. If there are no complaints from the individual, another 3 days are waited. Then, after a total of 6 days, a new food is included in the diet, and this protocol continues in this manner. If there is again an intolerance to a food, that food should be removed from the diet for another 3 weeks.

Things to Consider in the Elimination Diet

Since the elimination diet is a challenging diet, it is necessary to procure the foods in advance while implementing it.
Additionally, it is advisable to do this with the support of a dietitian.

Conclusion:
Issues such as gas, constipation, and bloating in the individual will disappear, and the individual will feel relaxed and healthy.
If foods that do not agree with the individual are completely removed from the diet, a substitute food should definitely be provided in their place. After the elimination diet, a personalized nutrition program should be organized and monitored. You can seek help and support from the experts at Cinik Polyclinic for a healthy lifestyle and regular nutrition.