Elimination diets are exactly what they sound like. A diet meant to help you eliminate common trigger foods, then re-add those foods slowly to figure out which foods are affecting you physically or mentally.
However, there are so many different types of elimination diets that it can be hard to figure out the right one for you. Here are some tips for deciding which one you might need to start with.
What Are Your Primary Symptoms?
Not all elimination diets are for the same physical symptoms. For example, if you think you have IBS because of your symptoms, then you probably want to do the low FODMAP elimination diet. But if you have stomach pains from certain foods, removing those allergens in your elimination diet is a better option.
This is a good time to consider why you want to go on an elimination diet and whether you have the right motivation. Sometimes, people hear others doing a certain elimination diet and decide it might work for them, but do you have symptoms that make it necessary?
If you’re working with functional medicine Doctors, you’ll likely receive a tailored approach based on your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors.
How Restrictive Do You Want to Be?
Some elimination diets are very restrictive, while others might not be too different from your current diet. Again, it really helps to understand why you are doing an elimination diet in the first place.
For example, some of the most restrictive elimination diets are Whole30 and the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diets. These take away many of the foods you currently eat, far beyond just removing gluten and dairy or doing the low FODMAP diet.
If you struggle with disordered eating already, these overly restrictive diets are probably not a good idea. In this case, it is best to talk to your doctor before attempting them.
What Are You Concerned the Most About?
Think about your reasons for doing the elimination diet, what foods are most important to remove, and what you are trying to solve.
If you have an autoimmune disease, the AIP diet is going to be the one for you. It is more restrictive, but as long as you work with your practitioner, you can do it in a safe and effective way to help with your autoimmune disease.
For IBS and gut issues, the low FODMAP diet is typically the one to go with. This removes high FODMAP foods like some vegetables and fruits, most forms of wheat and gluten, sugar alcohols, most processed foods, garlic and onion, and other foods that commonly upset the stomach.
Many individuals seeking functional medicine Studio City find that working with a practitioner helps streamline the reintroduction process, ensuring you get long-term results without nutritional deficiencies.
Make sure you understand that with all elimination diets, the goal is not to stay on them forever. You are eliminating problem foods so that you can add them back into your diet one by one and see which ones trigger your symptoms.
Do you need guidance on your elimination diet or digestive health plan? Contact Functional Medicine Los Angeles to schedule a personalized consultation with an experienced practitioner.