The Elimination Diet for Detoxing

The allergens and chemicals that can precipitate bodily toxicity does not only originate 
from external, environmental toxins found in places like the air. Damaging substances 
also comprise the chemical makeup of many of the foods individuals regularly consume. 
One method people often employ to eradicate these substances is a multi-step process 
referred to as detoxification. 

A nutritional plan known as the elimination diet is among the first steps taken in the 
detoxification process. The following short piece examines the elimination diet and 
describes how this undertaking correlates to detoxification. 

What Is the Elimination Diet?

This nutritional plan requires the participant to gradually eliminate foods believed to 
contain chemicals, toxins and allergens that could harm bodily tissues and result in pain 
and illness. The elimination diet is not only beneficial to those determined to rid their 
systems of harmful substances, but can also aid dieters in identifying the specific 
edibles that trigger allergies and digestive problems. 

What Foods Are Eliminated While on The Elimination Diet?

Dietary participants are expected to gradually stop consuming a wide range of foods 
representing every food group. Examples include:

Fruits and vegetables: Citrus products, tomatoes, eggplant and potatoes. 
Meat, poultry and fish: Chicken, pork, beef, processed meat products like hot dogs and 
cold cuts, eggs, any type of canned meat and shellfish.
Nuts and seeds. All kinds.
Legumes: Beans, peas and all products containing soy. 
Starches: Oats, barley, wheat, corn and all foods containing gluten. 
Dairy products: All should be eliminated, especially milk, cheese and ice cream. 
Spices and condiments: Relish, mustard, ketchup and barbeque sauce. 
Sugar: Anything containing this substance should be eliminated entirely.
Beverages: Alcoholic drinks like wine, beer and liquor; soda, coffee and green tea. 

What Foods Can Be Consumed?

It may seem as though nothing remains. However, there are still many different types of 
food elimination dieters can enjoy, including:

Fruits and vegetables: Most fresh fruits and vegetables. 
Meat, poultry and fish: Lamb, turkey and all fresh fish.
Starches: Rice.
Spices and condiments: Pepper, sea salt and herbs and spices like garlic, parsley and 
oregano.
Beverages: Water and herbal teas. 

How Long Should an Elimination Diet Last?

This will depend upon the dieter’s age, as well as what he or she hopes to accomplish. 
Young people will typically only need a week to a week-and-a-half to start reaping the 
benefits. However, adults and/or individuals seeking to identify food allergies and/or 
resolve digestive issues will likely need anywhere from three to four weeks. 

Must These Dietary Changes Be Permanent?

A pleasing aspect of the elimination diet is that the changes made do not have to 
become a permanent lifestyle fixture. Proponents of the diet recommend, perhaps even 
encourage participants to gradually reintroduce foods previously eliminated. However, 
reintroduction should be undertaken at a slow pace. This practice enables individuals to 
monitor their bodies for adverse reactions following the ingestion of specific foods. 
Should there be none, another previously eliminated edible can be reintroduced. As the 
reintroduction process moves forward, participants can garner a better understanding of 
which foods negatively impact them and can thus eliminate them for good
