As the name implies, this diet is designed to temporarily avoid certain foods for 3 to 4 weeks (this is called the elimination phase), followed by a period of systematic reintroduction of certain food groups. The latter is called the reintroduction phase and may last up to nine weeks.

What is it used for? The purpose of this dietary protocol is to identify possible food sensitivities that have been correlated with hypersensitive immunological reactions. Such sensitivities may range from mild or hardly noticeable reactions to severe generalized allergic responses. Nonetheless, any hypersensitivity will play an important role in keeping your body’s immune system in an increased state of activity.

Are there alternatives to the elimination diet? This diet is often a practical and economical alternative to comprehensive laboratory investigation. However, if for some reason you are unable to follow the guidelines of this protocol, the following are some selected alternatives you can discuss with your naturopathic doctor.

• Computerized electrodermal testing (Red Paw)
• IgG and IgE Blood spot testing (Rocky Mountain Analytical)
• Gemoscan Food Intolerance Test or Meridian Valley Laboratory Food Allergy Test

Elimination Phase This is a period of 3-4 weeks, during which certain food groups will be eliminated from your diet. At a minimum, you should completely avoid dairy products, red meat, wheat and eggs. These foods are involved in more than 81% of all food sensitivities. However, to properly explore any potential hypersensitivity, you should ideally eliminate:

• Processed foods, dairy, chocolate, citrus fruits, soy (all forms), strawberries, nuts (especially peanuts and walnuts), eggs, shellfish, red meat, coffee, tea, banana, wheat and gluten containing foods (including barley, rye, oats, spelt, kamut, amaranth, quinoa, and malt)
• Other foods that are likely to cause sensitivity/allergy that you should also strongly consider eliminating during this phase include: potatoes (sweet potatoes, yams), squashes, yeast, corn, tomatoes, peas

Reintroduction Phase For the next nine weeks, food groups that have been eliminated will be progressively added to your daily diet. This systematic reintroduction of potentially allergenic foods will allow for the identification of any hypersensitivity you may have. In general, first reintroductions should be in small portions so as not to induce non-specific responses. It is also important to document all foods, liquids, supplements, medications, moods, symptoms and reactions in a diary.