Elimination Diet: the DIY approach

Feeling sluggish, puffy, or just not quite yourself? You might be surprised at how much your diet can impact your overall well-being. Food sensitivities, hidden triggers that cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, can be a real mystery. But there's a powerful tool to help you identify the culprits: the elimination diet.

An elimination diet involves removing common food allergens and inflammatory foods from your diet for a set period, typically three weeks. Then, you slowly reintroduce these foods one by one, carefully monitoring your body's reaction. By pinpointing which foods trigger symptoms like bloating, headaches, or fatigue, you can personalize your diet and unlock a new level of health.

Benefits of the Elimination Diet:

• Identify Food Sensitivities: This is the elimination diet's superpower. By removing common triggers, you can isolate which foods are causing unwanted reactions.

• Reduce Inflammation: Many chronic health issues are linked to inflammation. Removing inflammatory foods from your diet can lead to significant improvements in overall health.

• Improve Gut Health: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and even mood. An elimination diet can help reset your gut and promote a healthier gut flora.

• Boost Energy Levels: Food sensitivities can zap your energy. By eliminating triggers, you may experience a surge in vitality.
  

Why Consider a Health Coach?

While you can certainly do an elimination diet on your own, a study published here (https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2024/02230/functional_medicine_health_coaching_improved.34.aspx) suggests that guidance from a qualified health coach can significantly improve your experience. A health coach, trained in functional medicine, can provide personalized support, ensure you're getting adequate nutrition during the elimination phase, and help you navigate the reintroduction process for the most accurate results. A summary of the study findings can be read here (https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/health-coaching-and-elimination-diet/).

Ready to Try an Elimination Diet?

Here's a basic roadmap to get you started:

1. Consult a Doctor or Registered Dietitian:  Discuss your goals and ensure an elimination diet is right for you.

2. Plan Your Elimination Phase:  Research common food sensitivities and create a meal plan that excludes these foods.

3. Keep a Food Journal:  Track everything you eat and any symptoms you experience.

4. Reintroduce Foods Carefully:  Start with a single food for a few days and monitor your reaction before introducing anything new.

5. Seek Support:  Consider working with a health coach for personalized guidance and motivation.
   

Remember, an elimination diet is a journey, not a race. Embrace the learning process, and enjoy the empowering feeling of taking control of your health through your diet.