Two years ago, I embarked on an elimination diet. I had been diagnosed with Chiari. My doctor suggested that I investigate to see if a food intolerance was contributing to the headaches and dizziness, that I had been experiencing. Chiari occurs when the cerebellum (back part of your brain) is herniated (tonsil) and extends past your skull. The cerebellum tonsil touches your brain stem and spinal cord which can cause a host of different problems. Besides headaches and dizziness, Chiari can also cause issues with eyesight, balance, hearing, speech, swallowing, and much more. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Chiari. Managing symptoms is the best course of action, which is basically trial and error.
Before I get too far into my story, I would like to point out an elimination diet is not a fad diet and the goal is not to lose weight. An elimination diet is a scientific journey of sorts that helps one to access the impact that different foods have on their overall health. An elimination diet helps one to determine if they have any food intolerances. Food intolerances typically cannot be found through allergy testing. Allergy testing only works for true food allergies that can be life-threatening, even then allergy testing is not 100% accurate. A food intolerance can make you extremely sick but is not considered life-threatening and will not show up on an allergy test. A food intolerance can cause a variety of symptoms: dizziness, headaches, weight gain, gastrointestinal problems, sleep problems, breathing problems, and the list goes on.
I researched my options and decided to purchase the book: The Elimination Diet. The book outlines the steps of the elimination diet, talks about what to look for when reintroducing foods, and includes recipes for different phases of the diet. I bought a medium sized notebook and colorful ink pens (you have to have some fun) to record my journey and symptoms. I also reached out to family and friends for help and support.
Here are the nuts and bolts of the elimination diet. The diet consists of three phases. Phase 1 is a two-day detox. There is a limited list of foods for those two days and all foods must be in puree or smoothie form. When foods are pureed, it is easier for your body to break down the nutrients and minerals. The detox days are to reset your body. The 2nd day was probably the hardest day overall for me, due to Phase 1 not allowing any meat. Phase 2 is day three through fourteen. There is a limited list of foods, but meats are included. Phase 3 starts on day fifteen and continues until all the food have been reintroduced. The foods are reintroduced one at a time twice a day for 3 days in a row. I discovered that for me it was best to test during lunch and dinner. If the food passes, you move to the next food on the list. If the food does not pass, you go into a holding pattern until your symptoms subside. That typically took 3-4 days for me. You can eat as much as you want, but you must stay within the safe foods you are allowed. I referred to the Whole Nutrition website Elimination Diet Resources during my journey.
I tested the following foods for intolerances: Citrus, nightshades (I broke this group out into potatoes and tomatoes since I am allergic to peppers), beef, pork, sesame, walnuts, pecans, almonds, cashews, peanuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, sugar, chocolate, corn, soy, yeast, eggs, dairy, gluten, wheat, alcohol, and caffeine. The journey took me 15-1/2 weeks to complete. Besides being allergic to peppers (paprika), I discovered an intolerance to soy and sesame. Health-wise, I had fewer bouts of dizziness and headaches afterward. I learned to eat healthier. Before the elimination diet, I had also experienced acid reflux every evening as I laid down to sleep. The acid reflux is completely gone. The removal of soy and sesame from my diet resulted in me losing 50 pounds through eating alone. I am glad that I underwent the journey two years ago and I felt healthier for it.
Last year when I was undergoing treatment for breast cancer, I was unable to cook for about a month. It was another few months before I could comfortably cut produce, open bottles, or lift pans without extreme pain. It took about four months before I could drain a pot of pasta. I had to rely on others to prepare food. Fast and simple meals were the best way to go and as a result, I got out of the practice of eating healthy. I want to retrain my body to eat healthier again. I am also curious if the soy intolerance was extensive enough to mask other potential food intolerances. So, I have come to the decision to do a second round of the elimination diet in January. I learned so much through the first go around that I am looking forward to trying it a second time. I discovered amazing new recipes, how much soy is hidden in foods, and that eating healthy can be fun.
What new adventure are you planning for January?
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