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Elimination Diet Experiences?

Emilem

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Emilem Apprentice
Emilem
Posted

I am wondering if there is anyone out there who has had sucessful experiences with elimination diets to alleviate symptoms. I was diagnosed celiac in March and have been on a strict gluten-free diet ever since. Although many of my initial symptoms (anemia, vitamin/mineral deficiencies) have improved, one symptom seems to have gotten worse. I have constant edema that has gotten increasingly worse as time has gone on. I estimate 10+ lbs of fluid retention which results in severe swelling and joint pain. I do have cravings for certain foods -- coffee, peanut butter, from time-to-time, so I am wondering if I have developed intolerances and this is my body's way of reacting.

I set out on an elimination diet Friday. This is my fourth day of the diet. By the end of Friday night I felt absolutely ILL. Like I had a head cold, my whole body felt like a ton of bricks. My joints ached. I was extremely fatigued. I woke up Saturday morning feeling similar and the pain lasted through Sunday. Sunday night I awoke in the middle of the night extremely THIRSTY. When I tried to go back to sleep I was achy, irritated and tired. I woke up feeling as though I had not rested.

I am on day four (sticking to a very limited list of low allergenic foods) and I am wondering when I can expect to start feeling better and if what I'm going through is normal? It is so frustrating and tempting to try and give up!! Looking for anyone to relate......

Thanks

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Juliebove Rising Star
Juliebove
Posted

The elimination diet per se didn't work for me because I have mulitple intolerances and also delayed reactions. But once I got tested and eliminated the foods I shouldn't eat, I did get better. However at about the two week mark I did get very ill. I think it was detox.

If you are having joint pains, you might want to do away with nightshades like eggplant, peppers and potatoes. They can cause joint pain and swelling if you have arthritis.

My intolerances tend to make me want to shy away from those foods. I don't crave them at all although I did seem to want cheese for a time but then I realized I was in denial about the effects of it and eventually was repulsed by it.

My mom however craves that which she shouldn't have. So I guess it's different for everyone.

Newbee Contributor
Newbee
Posted

What are you eating on your elimination diet? I tried eliminating a bunch of stuff from my diet leaving mainly raw fruits and vegetables. This made me very sick. It took me awhile to realize and accept that my digestive system is too messed up right now to handle that (raw foods are hard to digest).

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