Food Elimination Phase

• Over the course of two or three days simply observe and record a list of the symptoms you've been experiencing. Following that, for the next seven to 30 days (or until the symptoms you've been experiencing subside), eliminate all foods from your diet that contain wheat, gluten, eggs, milk, nuts, corn and soy in their ingredients. You may now be asking, well what's left to eat? Stick to meats (with the exception of shellfish, hot dogs and luncheon meat), fresh fruits and veggies (except for corn and citrus), rice and rice-based products such as rice milk (in place of cow's milk). It's easiest just to avoid fast foods for the duration of this testing period. Keep a detailed record of all the foods you eat during this time in a food journal. If you experience any symptoms at all during this diet elimination phase, make a note of it.
  
  

Hidden Dangers

• Many processed foods contain ingredients you probably wouldn't even think to associate with that food. For example, some tomato soup contains ingredients detrimental to wheat intolerance (celiac disease) sufferers. As with fast foods, it's easiest just to avoid eating any processed foods during your elimination diet.
  
  

Reintroduction Phase

• After the elimination phase comes the reintroduction period. Here you slowly, and one at a time, reintroduce the eliminated ingredients back into your diet. Maintain your food journal, keeping track of all the foods you eat and any symptoms you experience. DO NOT reintroduce multiple eliminated foods back into your diet during this reintroduction phase. Reintroduce only one eliminated food back into your meals per day and record your body's reaction to it (it may take anywhere from a few minutes to an entire day for symptoms to occur). Describe in detail any fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, abdominal pains, congestion, bloating, irritability or trouble concentrating.
  
  

Special Note

• It's best to consult with your physician before beginning any elimination diet plan.