The Elimination Diet: Top 5 Fails
May 20, 2019
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This day in age, people have handheld computers for phones and access to unlimited databases of information that can often be overwhelming… and inaccurate. Here at Integrative Health Matters, we often have people contacting us and...
This day in age, people have handheld computers for phones and access to unlimited databases of information that can often be overwhelming… and inaccurate. Here at Integrative Health Matters, we often have people contacting us and saying they have put themselves on the elimination diet due to health issues—and they are MISERABLE. “I’ve been on this diet for 9 months, and I’m still not better…” “I am still having digestive issues even on the elimination diet…” “There is hardly anything I can eat…” Okay, we have to stop you there. I’m so sorry to tell you this, but you have been subjecting yourself to undue torture. Here is some advice we would love to pass on about where we have seen people go terribly wrong, and why it’s a great idea to get professional help instead of tackling dietary changes because Google said it would heal your woes.
Problem 1: You are eliminating the wrong foods.
There are different types of elimination diets. There are different foods you may need to be eliminating. The intensity of the diet will depend on your current medical symptoms and the information gathered from your specialized lab work. Hard data from your body offers the clearest direction on which diet is going to be the best course of action for you. Guidance on this matter is best received from a medical professional. If you are on an elimination diet that you found on the internet and you are still having adverse reactions to foods, you are on the wrong elimination diet.
Problem 2: You have been on this diet for WAY too long.
If you have been on the elimination diet or AIP diet for longer than three months, you have been fighting this battle for far too long, my friend. The length of time varies based on the medical reasoning for the elimination diet, but most are only advised to be on it for 1-3 months before they are able to start slowly reintroducing foods back in. Your medical provider will advise you on what foods to add in first and the length of time you need to eat those foods before you can deem them safe and move on to the introduction of another food.
Problem 3: You are cheating.
There are no cheat days on the elimination diet. It is strict, and you have to follow it to the letter. If you don’t—it’s not going to work!
Problem 4: You are eating processed foods.
If you are purchasing pre-made food, check the side of the box for those handy, dandy ingredients. If it has more than 5 ingredients…it’s most likely considered processed food. If it contains ingredients that you cannot pronounce, or you do not know what in the world it is…it’s most likely processed food.
Problem 5: You are reading the wrong labels.
When you are looking at the packaging of your food products, don’t get mesmerized by labels boasting “gluten free” or “organic” and thinking that means its healthy food. Always check the ingredients. Be on the lookout for things like sugar content. The higher it is on the ingredients listing, the more prevalent it is in your food.
We hope this has helped you in your struggles if you are fighting the good fight against the elimination diet—or any diet for that matter. We strongly encourage you to make this as easy on yourself as you possibly can. Major dietary changes can be tough, but they can also go a long way in restoring your health. Let us help you on this journey and use actual data that we gather from YOUR specific symptoms and YOUR specialized lab work to best direct you on what diet is best for you and how long you should be on it. Set up your 15-minute, free phone consult today so that we can help you get started towards living your best life.