A food allergy is categorised when the system reacts to certain elements in the food. Allergy is mild in most cases but can be very severe for a few people. Food allergies can result in a broad spectrum of uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous signs and symptoms. An allergy diet, also called an elimination diet or hypoallergenic diet, is specifically formulated to help people manage food allergies by identifying triggers and avoiding those foods while ensuring a balanced supply of nutrition.
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Read this article to explore more about allergy diets: how they work, their benefits, and which foods to eat or avoid.
What Is An Allergy Diet?
An allergy or elimination diet is a short-term approach that helps identify foods that the body cannot tolerate and eliminates them from the diet. It is a carefully designed eating plan that eliminates common allergens to avert allergic reactions and eases symptoms like rashes, bloating, fatigue or headaches. This diet benefits people with IBS, ADHD, migraine, eosinophilia and skin diseases like eczema and urticaria. This diet regimen is often followed under the supervision of a healthcare provider or dietitian to diagnose food allergies or intolerances. Food allergies and intolerances are quite common and about 20% of people across the globe may encounter a food intolerance.
Also Read: Allergies: Understand About Types, Symptoms, Causes And Treatment
An allergy diet identifies food intolerances, sensitivities and allergies through diet and wise choice of food. They remove food known to cause symptoms and slowly reintroduce them later while testing for symptoms.
How Does It Work?
This diet typically works in two phases:
Elimination Phase
In this phase, potential allergens from the diet are eliminated for a period of two to four weeks. Some of the common foods restricted during this phase include dairy, gluten, nuts, soy, eggs and shellfish.
Reintroduction Phase
Slowly a few foods are reintroduced back one at a time while closely watching out for any reactions or symptoms. This phase helps to detect food triggers which are causing allergic reactions or sensitivities.
Benefits of an Allergy Diet
Generally, an allergy or elimination diet assists in determining food substances that are causing allergies, sensitivities or intolerances.
Limiting allergens can lower systemic inflammation and improve skin health, digestion, and joint function. In addition, restricting food triggers can ease symptoms like bloating, gas or IBS.
Removing allergenic foods can reduce fatigue and brain fog. This helps you to stay active and boost energy levels.
An allergy diet may improve skin conditions like eczema, acne, or urticaria and support skin health.
Foods to Include in an Allergy Diet
The foods included in the elimination phase are safe and well tolerated unless known to be allergens:
Low-Allergen Foods
Fruits like apples, pears, berries, and bananas
Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, spinach, and zucchini
Whole grain cereals like rice, quinoa, oats and other gluten-free cereals.
Chicken, turkey, lamb, legumes (unless sensitive)
Plant Milk products like coconut milk, rice milk
Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, and flaxseed
Common Allergenic Foods to Avoid
Milk/Dairy
Eggs
Wheat/Gluten
Soy
Peanuts
Tree Nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)
Fish
Shellfish
Other Potential Triggers:
Artificial food colourings or preservatives should be totally avoided.
Sugary foods, candies, sweets, bakery products and processed foods.
Corn starch may be an allergen for some individuals.
Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants to be limited in sensitive people.
Additional Tips
Read food labels carefully, as potential allergen traces can be hidden in processed and packaged foods.
Having homemade foods and cooking food can help you regulate ingredients and reduce the chance of cross-contamination.
Maintain a food diary, as this helps to track symptoms and reactions daily.
Consult a certified dietitian to avoid nutritional deficiencies, specifically in children or people with several food allergies.
Reintroduce foods slowly and watch for 3 days between adding foods back to monitor effects.
In case of a severe allergic reaction, it is best to consult a physician or allergist specialist if you experience symptoms like breathing difficulties, anaphylaxis or swelling.
Conclusion
An allergy or elimination diet can be highly beneficial for people struggling with undiagnosed food sensitivities or allergic reactions. By restricting potential allergens and carefully reintroducing them, you can better understand your body's unique needs, reduce discomfort, and improve overall health. With careful planning and guidance, this diet can be both safe and highly effective.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics, including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Allergic Diseases
Ping Zhang 1
Editor: Jon A Vanderhoof1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10490368/
Nutritional management of food allergies: Prevention and treatment
Ludovica Leone 1,*, Alessandra Mazzocchi 2, Laura Maffeis 1, Valentina De Cosmi 2, Carlo Agostoni 1,2
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9853442/
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