How to Find Out if You Have Food Allergies

Food allergies are sneaky - they can cause a variety of symptoms, and they can be hard to identify. Gluten (celiac disease and other problems) is among the hardest. An elimination diet can help you to determine which foods are causing problems for you.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Notebook or journal
• Foods that are unlikely to cause allergic reactions: rice, turkey, apples, apricots, grapes, asparagus, and broccoli

1. Talk with your medical practitioner about trying an elimination diet to look for food allergies. Your doctor may want to run some tests, like bloodwork, to be sure you're healthy enough before you begin. Your doctor may also have advice about being sure you're getting enough nutritents while you are on the elimination diet. Follow your doctor's recommendations.

2. Before you begin to eliminate foods, write in your notebook/journal. Make a list of each of the medical symptoms you have, how severe each one is, and how often you suffer from each one.

3. Begin the elimination diet. For at least one week, eat only foods that are unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Examples are apples, apricots, grapes, asparagus, broccoli, turkey and rice. If you notice an improvement in any of your symptoms, make note of it in your notebook.

4. After at least a week, take note of each of your symptoms again. Begin adding foods to your diet, one at a time. Add one food back to your diet every other day (or at the rate your doctor recommends), and watch for any change in how you feel, and any symptoms. Evaluate your symptoms each time you add another food. Continue to avoid highly-allergenic foods such as wheat, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and egg for now. If you know that you are allergic to a particular food, do not eat it at any point in the elimination diet. If any food causes problems, make note of that food, and ask your doctor about it at your next visit.

5. After at least three weeks, add dairy, and remember to watch for any changes. Then start adding the other highly-allergenic foods, one at a time, one new food every few days. Be sure to note any change in symptoms, including how you feel and your moods. Discuss your research with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend medical tests, and if you appear to be allergic, may recommend a special diet for your allergies. A gluten-free, casein-free diet is used for wheat and dairy allergies, as well as food sensitivies and intolerances.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep good records - just remember to make note of your symptoms every day.
• Be prepared in case of an allergic reaction - having antihistamines on hand is a good idea.
• If you take vitamins or supplements, be sure they don't contain gluten or casein, as they are allergens.
• Consult with your doctor - he or she is the only one who can give you medical advice. Elimination diets should be undertaken only under the supervision of a medical professional.
• Be safe - call 911 if needed.

Resources

• Gluten-free, casein-free menu subscription