My Adventure with an Elimination Diet!

Every since we have been using oils, I’ve been getting a little more health conscious. As you may know, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder about twelve years ago. When looking up what to eat I would see anything from go paleo to cut out everything except water (that’s an exaggeration, but it sure felt like it). I wanted to know what I needed to do for MY BODY. About a year ago I was listening to a webinar from a friend of mine and she mentioned seeing a nutritionist and how much that helped her. Ever since then, it has been something I have really wanted to do. Last month, I finally got the nerve to set up an appointment with one! We started some test that would give us a better reading of my gut health and well as my eating habits.

My test included an Expanded GI Panel, Symptom Burden Report as well as a Mediator Release Test. I know, I’m exhausted thinking about it! Here is what the test showed

Expanded GI Panel:
* Many yeast present in the gut (not surprising since that is a symptom of an autoimmune disease)
* Heavy growth of Proteus Mirabilis- not really sure what exactly it is, but it can cause kidney stones!! Cue the flashback to having one removed last summer!!
* Positive for being sensitive to Milk (casein)- which means no milk products….ever again…. not even butter.

Symptom Burden Report
* I scored in the high priority of EVERYTHING (expect for the male only section)
* But the main thing to work on was healing the gut!

Mediator Release Test– blood test which measures if you are sensitive to certain foods
* On the line for Non-Reactive and Moderately Reactive (only eat once or twice a week): Leek, Watermelon, Asparagus, Green Pepper, Sweet Potato, Wheat, Beef
* Moderately Reactive (take out of diet for 3 months): Benzoic Acid, Fructose, Tyramine, Candida Albicans, Cow’s Milk, Cheddar Cheese, Garlic, Basil, Pineapple, Corn, Crab, Clam, Chicken, Tapioca, hazelnut, Garbanzo Bean
* Reactive (take out of diet for 3 months): Yogurt, Amaranth

In addition to these restrictions, I have an anti-fungal diet list to follow because of the yeast overgrowth. Also since I have an autoimmune disorder, she is advising me to adopt a gluten free lifestyle.

For the most part this is only a 3 month reset and then I can closely start adding foods back in. But milk is gone for good and gluten if at all possible. I’ll post my Week One meal plan later!

3 comments

    • scottandmarie says:

      Hey Heather! I “see” Jessica at Simple Steps Nutrition. In in Georgia so we do phone appointments.
      simplestepsnutrition.com is her website.

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