Elimination Diet — Diets
Systematic removal and reintroduction of potential food triggers to identify individual dietary sensitivities and intolerances.
Overview
The elimination diet is a diagnostic dietary tool used to identify food sensitivities, intolerances, and triggers for various symptoms. The standard approach involves removing the most common allergenic and reactive foods (gluten, dairy, eggs, soy, corn, nuts, shellfish, nightshades, alcohol, caffeine, processed foods) for 21-30 days, then systematically reintroducing one food group every 3-5 days while monitoring symptoms. It is considered the gold standard for identifying non-IgE-mediated food reactions and is widely used in functional and integrative medicine. Multiple clinical guidelines support its use for conditions including IBS, eczema, migraines, and chronic fatigue.
Indications
- Food sensitivity and intolerance identification
- IBS and functional GI symptoms
- Eczema and chronic skin conditions
- Migraine and chronic headache
- Chronic fatigue and brain fog
Mechanism of Action
Eliminating reactive foods removes immune system triggers, allowing gut mucosa and systemic inflammation to calm
Dosing
| Compound | Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elimination Diet | Remove top 8 allergens + common triggers for 21-30 days | Daily during elimination phase | Reintroduce one food every 3-5 days; keep detailed symptom diary |
Evidence Grade
GRADE C
Safety & Contraindications
- Nutritional adequacy must be maintained during elimination phase
- May be psychologically challenging; risk of food anxiety
- Should not exceed 30 days without reintroduction
- Supervised by healthcare provider or dietitian recommended
- Not appropriate for individuals with eating disorder history without supervision