Why You Should Talk to Your Doctor Before Going on an Elimination Diet

Elimination diets are all the rage these days, but they can be hard to follow and even harder to stick with. For example, you might eliminate gluten from your diet in an attempt to find relief from your chronic pain or fatigue, but if you don’t carefully plan your meals, it could backfire and cause more problems than it solves. That’s why consulting with your doctor before you begin an elimination diet is so important—your doctor can help you craft a plan that will help you achieve your goals and help you get back on track if your symptoms return after the elimination period ends.

What is an elimination diet?

An elimination diet is a temporary diet that cuts out specific food groups or compounds. For example, some people may cut out gluten from their diets because they are sensitive or allergic to it. An elimination diet can help pinpoint which foods cause negative reactions and therefore make it easier for you to develop a personalized nutrition plan that works best for your body. Just remember, it's important to consult with your doctor before beginning any kind of diet. Since everyone's health and nutritional needs are different, eliminating certain foods could negatively impact you if you don't know how much of each food group you should be eating.

Does my doctor support this?

It can be a challenge for health care providers to keep up with all of the latest trends and developments in their field. If you're wondering whether your doctor is familiar with elimination diets, start by asking if she's heard of it before—then go from there. If your doctor isn't familiar with elimination diets, ask her what she thinks about them and if they're worth trying. She may suggest getting a second opinion or recommend you find a nutritionist who has more experience helping patients with food allergies or other eating disorders (such as picky eaters). Once you know what your doctor thinks about elimination diets, ask for her input on how you should get started and when she'd like to check in again once you've begun.

How do I choose which foods to eliminate?

Every person has a different set of dietary needs. Some people experience reactions from allergens or chemicals in foods, while others may have reactions to certain food groups. This is why it’s important to consult with your doctor before starting any kind of elimination diet. They can advise you on how to choose which foods are right for you, and develop a plan that works best for your health goals. Choosing different types of foods will vary depending on your personal needs, but if you want to try going gluten-free or cutting out eggs and soy, these recipes can help get you started: Egg Free Banana Bread (eggs), Allergy-Friendly Tater Tots Recipe (soy/milk), and Gluten-Free Pizza Crust Recipe.

What should I expect after starting the diet?

There are a few things you can expect after starting an elimination diet. The first is noticeable improvements in your overall health. Many people find that digestive issues disappear, their energy levels skyrocket, and they’re able to focus more clearly. Most people start feeling better within about a week of eliminating certain foods from their diet; however, it may take as long as two months for some people before they experience benefits. During these early stages of your diet plan, it’s a good idea to keep detailed notes about how you feel each day. If you feel worse or notice symptoms returning, speak with your doctor and be sure to mention what you eliminated from your diet when discussing potential triggers.

How long will this take?

If you’re brand new to whole foods, be prepared for a learning curve. It can take up to a year of heavy-duty eating before your system is acclimated and running smoothly. Stick with it! The long-term effects are well worth it. (And if you’re already eating whole foods, use these tips as a way to optimize your diet!)

What if my symptoms get worse?

Elimination diets can be powerful tools, but they aren’t right for everyone. In fact, some people could experience adverse reactions and not know why. If you decide to start a diet, take it slow. When you make major changes to your diet—particularly when you remove entire food groups—you put your body in a state of shock. This can result in uncomfortable symptoms like headaches, nausea, constipation or diarrhea.

If I experience worsening symptoms after eliminating foods, what should I do?

If your symptoms worsen after eliminating certain foods, don’t panic. There are a few reasons why you might experience additional pain or discomfort, so here are some tips for finding relief. First, be sure that you didn’t make any other changes at around the same time as when your symptoms worsened. For example, if you started exercising more often right before experiencing new pain and fatigue, it could be a sign that your body is reacting negatively to increased physical activity rather than food. Second, consider reintroducing one of these eliminated foods back into your diet to see if it makes things better (or worse). And third, talk with your doctor about what’s going on. They can help determine whether there is another underlying condition causing problems—such as stress or depression—and recommend treatment options accordingly.

When can I reintroduce foods back into my diet?

A typical elimination diet lasts for 6-8 weeks. During that time, you'll eliminate potentially inflammatory foods in a step-by-step process designed to help you understand how your body responds to various foods. The first stage of an elimination diet is commonly referred to as the jumpstart or the loading phase. During these first three weeks, many people feel great and begin wondering why they waited so long before going on their own elimination diet. They discover which foods make them feel poorly, figure out that gluten makes them sleepy after lunch, or realize that eating before bedtime causes digestive problems. This can be empowering and exciting! However, it's important not to get too carried away during these initial stages.

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