Being the awesome naturopathic intern that I am, I have spent the last 4 years adeptly avoiding the ‘Oz’ of naturopathic medicine: the Elim Diet.
A term familiar to all naturopathic students and a concept repelling to patients, the ‘elim diet’ (a.k.a. the hypoallergenic or elimination diet) is used by NDs to identify food sensitivities.
While food allergies are more easily identified (eat a peanut, throat closes) food sensitivities are less obvious because of the delayed and more subtle symptoms that follow (eat toast, stomach bloats 30 minutes later).
Allergies are mediated by IgE antibodies resulting in immediate and acute reactions (ex. anaphylactic shock, rashes, or tongue swelling). Sensitivities on the other hand are triggered by IgG antibodies causing delayed and/or low grade reactions (ex. bloating, acne, headaches, fatigue, poor concentration, and possibly even joint pain) that are harder to pinpoint.
As a tool, the elimination diet is used to…
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