Definition

An elimination diet is a systematic approach to identifying food sensitivities by removing potential trigger foods for a period (typically 3–6 weeks), then reintroducing them one at a time while monitoring symptoms. Common foods eliminated include gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, shellfish, and nightshades. This process helps identify foods contributing to symptoms.

Why It Matters

Food sensitivities can drive chronic inflammation, digestive issues, skin conditions, autoimmune flares, and neurological symptoms. Elimination diets are the gold standard for identifying trigger foods when lab testing is inconclusive or unavailable. They empower you to understand your unique food-symptom connections and create a personalized healing diet.

Related Conditions

Ibs Eczema Autoimmunity Bloating Headaches

Related Modalities

Clinical Nutrition Functional Lab Testing Lifestyle Medicine

Frequently Asked Questions

The elimination phase typically lasts 3–6 weeks to allow inflammation to subside and symptoms to improve. The reintroduction phase takes another 2–4 weeks, introducing one food every 3–4 days while monitoring reactions. The entire process usually takes 6–10 weeks.

Yes, when properly planned. Elimination diets remove specific foods but maintain nutritional diversity through vegetables, fruits, proteins, healthy fats, and alternative grains. Working with a practitioner ensures adequate nutrition and prevents common pitfalls during the elimination and reintroduction phases.