DIETARY DETOX
Getting started, and getting answers, with a strict elimination diet.
Food intolerance can be the source of a buffet of chronic symptoms, most often manifested in sinus congestion, irritable bowels or other digestive issues, or muscle pains. Those suffering from these, or any other nagging chronic symptoms, should investigate food intolerance as a possible culprit. First consideration should be given to dairy products and the gluten-containing grains wheat, barley, rye, oat and spelt. If an aggressive approach is warranted, a strict elimination diet should be considered.
When multiple foods are believed to be causing symptoms, a common reaction is disappointment and concern over tolerable options. For nourishment, look no further than the Mother Nature’s grocery store. Follow the guide below in coordination with the elimination diet procedure for at least two weeks, and then slowly reintroduce one food group at a time. Spend several days to a week prior to your challenge diet learning recipes, reading labels and surrounding yourself with acceptable low risk foods (listed under “The In Crowd”)
The Outcasts:
• Dairy. See dairy elimination diet.
• Grains. Wheat, oat, barley, millet and rye. See gluten elimination diet.
• Citrus fruits.
• Chocolate, coffee, tea, colas and alcohol.
• Eggs. Albumin, egg whites, globulin, hollandaise sauce, imitation egg products, mayonnaise meringue, ovalbumin, and nearly all deserts and baked goods.
• Soy. Textured vegetable protein, hydrolyzed vegetable (or plant) protein, natural flavoring, vegetable broth, vegetable gum and vegetable starch.
• Peanuts. Hydrolyzed vegetable (or plant) protein, nougat, candy, cheesecake crusts, chili, chocolates and sauces.
• Nightshade vegetables. Bell peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes and eggplant.
• Vegetable proteins. Peas, beans, lentils, bean sprouts and all nuts.
• Food additives. Tartrazine (yellow dye #5), benzoates, glutamate and monosodium glutamate (MSG).
The In Crowd:
• Grains. Sweet potato, rice (rice cakes and rice cereal), tapioca, buckwheat, arrowroot and corn.
• Beverages. Filtered water, 100 percent fruit juices (not citrus) and rice-based beverages.
• Sweeteners. Cane or beet sugar, or organic maple syrup.
• Fruits. All but citrus.
• Meat. Lamb, hormone and antibiotic-free chicken or turkey (not deli meats, due to preservatives).
• Vegetables. All but nightshade vegetables (see above).
• Oils. Safflower, olive and sesame.
• Other. Salt, pepper, vanilla and baking soda.
Nutrition
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