The Hypoallergenic Diet is a diagnostic and therapeutic diet based on findings by naturopathic doctors, nutritionists and medical doctors. The program will help you identify food or food groups which your body is sensitive or allergic to. These are foods which will compromise your body’s ability to function at its best.
Many symptoms
Symptoms of food sensitivities are varied. Many involve gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, abdominal pain and discomfort, nausea and heartburn. Other sensitivities might present as recurrent ear infection, chronic muscle ache and pains, premenstrual syndrome, chronic fatigue low energy, high blood pressure, and mood disorders. Food sensitivities may also be connected to attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
The Food Elimination Phase
A hypo allergenic diet will usually include two phases to help you identify your food allergies and sensitivities: the food elimination phase and the food challenge phase. For most people the food elimination phase should take about three weeks. It could take longer if you’ve had GI problems for many years. During this phase you will enjoy a diet devoid of most food groups which cause reactions. During this phase you can eat all fresh vegetables, sprouts and squashes. You can eat most fruits and gluten free grains. All legumes and peas, but not soybeans. Poultry, lamb and organic fish are welcome.
The Food Challenge Phase
Once symptoms are reduced and the gastrointestinal system has had time to repair, the eliminated foods are reintroduced one at a time. This is the challenge phase. By slowly introducing food groups, you will be able to identify any group which may be causing unhealthful reactions in your body. As you reintroduce foods, do so one at a time and consume at least two portions a day on two consecutive days. Watch for symptoms over the following three day period. Wait until you can resolve those symptoms before moving on to the next challenge food. This part of the diet can take several weeks if done thoroughly. However, if you suspect certain foods already, you can just test those foods.