The Elimination Diet is a dietary program designed to clear the body of foods and chemicals you may be allergic or sensitive to or simply toxic, and, at the same time, improve your body’s ability to handle and dispose of these substances.
We have called this an “Elimination Diet” because we will be asking you to remove certain foods, and food categories, from your diet however there is a lot more to this program than just elimination. The main rationale behind the diet through is that these modifications allow your body’s detoxification machinery, which may be overburdened or compromised, to recover and begin to function efficiently again. The dietary changes help the body eliminate or “clear” various toxins that may have accumulated due to environmental exposure, foods, beverages, drugs, alcohol, or cigarette smoking.
Generally individual experiences of this process has been well tolerated and extremely beneficial however here is really no “typical” or “normal” response. A person’s initial response to any new diet is highly variable, and this diet is no exception. This can be attributed to physiological, mental, and biochemical differences among individuals; the degree of exposure to, and type of “toxin”; and other lifestyle factors. Most often, individuals on the elimination phase report increased energy, mental alertness, decrease in muscle or joint pain, and a general sense of improved well- being. However, some people report some initial reactions to the diet, especially in the first week, as their bodies adjust to a different dietary program. Symptoms you may experience in the first week or so can include changes in sleep patterns, lightheadedness, headaches, joint or muscle stiffness and changes in gastrointestinal function. Such symptoms rarely last for more than a few days, we have found this to be largely due to the removal of grains.
Changing food habits can be a complex, difficult and sometimes confusing process for some individuals. Simplifying the process and following a systematic approach will make the transition easier but the speed of adaption to the new nutritional protocols will be individual and therefore must accommodate the needs of the individual.
In addition to the nutritional changes the individual can also include other aspects of the programs depending on their needs and what facilities or services that have access to such as a infrared sauna or manual therapists.
Nutritional supplements also play a role in the process however should always be considered “supplemental” to the nutritional protocols and not the focus or basis of the program even though they are often an essential part of the program.