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Food Elimination Diet

A food elimination diet helps identify whether certain foods are causing your symptoms.

Food Elimination Diet
Guide for Food Elimination Diet
Food Elimination Diet.pdf
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It involves removing specific foods from your diet (usually for six weeks) and then reintroducing them one at a time to find out which ones are the problem. [1,4]

The most common food allergens are:

  • Cow's milk protein
  • Egg
  • Fish and shellfish
  • Soy
  • Peanuts and tree nuts
  • Wheat

If symptoms return when a food is reintroduced, speak with your dietitian, as that food is likely one you are sensitive to.[2]

❗
This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding your individual circumstances.

Why do I need this diet?

There are several reasons your doctor may have recommended a food elimination diet. One common reason is Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a condition where the immune system reacts to certain foods by causing ongoing inflammation in the oesophagus (the tube from your mouth to your stomach). The body produces too many eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), which causes swelling when certain foods are eaten.[1]

An elimination diet can identify which foods are causing this reaction. Research shows that many children with EoE see significant symptom improvement after completing an elimination diet. [1,4]

Foods to eliminate

Tick or mark each food group below that your dietitian has asked you to remove. Avoid all foods and ingredients listed for each ticked group.[2,3]

Table showing food groups to avoid or eliminate.
Table showing food groups to avoid or eliminate.

Do I need supplements?

Removing major food groups may affect your nutrient intake. Ask your dietitian whether you need supplements such as calcium or vitamin D during this time.[2]

Practical Tips

  • Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and cook from scratch where possible.
  • Cook in large batches and freeze portions to save time during the week.
  • Coconut oil is a good substitute for butter when both milk and soy must be avoided.
  • Use calcium-fortified rice milk in place of regular milk, soy milk, or almond milk.

Egg substitutes

Table showing substitute ingredients.
Table showing substitute ingredients.

Meal Ideas

Breakfast

  • BLT sandwich on gluten-free bread
  • Fruit smoothie with gluten-free toast
  • Gluten-free cereal with rice milk
  • Gluten-free pancakes with syrup and fresh fruit
  • Oatmeal with berries

Lunch

  • Caesar salad with chicken (dairy-free dressing)
  • Rice pasta salad
  • Sandwich on gluten-free bread
  • Rice crackers with vegetables and hummus

Dinner

  • Meat, potato, and vegetables
  • Stir-fry with rice
  • Stews, soups, or chilli
  • Tacos in a corn shell
  • Gluten-free spaghetti and meatballs

The Whole Foods Allergy Cookbook - Cybele Pascal (dairy, egg, wheat, soy, nut, fish, shellfish free)

Allergy Free Cookbook - Alice Sherwood (egg, dairy, nut, gluten free)

The Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook - Cybele Pascal (gluten, wheat, dairy, egg, soy, nut free)

Resources and support

References

1.Lucendo AJ, et al. (2017). Guidelines on eosinophilic esophagitis. United European Gastroenterology Journal, 5(3), 335-358.

2.Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA). (2024). Food allergy.https://www.allergy.org.au

3.Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). (2024). Food allergen labelling.https://www.foodstandards.gov.au

4.Spergel JM, et al. (2012). Treatment of EoE with specific food elimination diet. Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 107(5), 446-450.

Dr Pratap is a gastroenterologist who consults patients for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to gastrointestinal tract. You can submit a referral or new patient form on the referral page or reach out to his practice on 07 3063 1273.