Restrictive/elimination diet

[Anonymous]

DH signed me up for sessions with a functional medicine doctor and health coach. I have a history of IBS but also was anorexic as a teen. I've recovered from both and am basically in remission from IBS (with occasional bouts of stomach pain, gas or diarrhea) but nothing so horrible as to disrupt my life. I also have what I consider a healthy relationship with food now, in that I love it, I eat pretty much everything in moderation, and I'm happy. I probably do like sweets too much but I eat healthy foods most of the time and have what I think most people would consider an excellent omnivore diet.

The doctor wants me to try cutting out gluten, dairy and sugar (as well as caffeine and alcohol, but I'm not a big consumer of either). She also wanted me to do all kinds of other things -eggs, nightshades, etc - but then we agreed that was too extreme. I already avoid soy, and the only dairy I consume is cheese/yogurt/sour cream, and she said a bit of that is ok. I'm willing to try it to see if I a) lose some weight (I'm probably 5-10 lbs above my "just right weight") b) feel great more of the time, without the bloating issues, etc. and c) make sure my body is in optimum shape, especially wrt hormone balance and gut health.

However, I'm also worried doing this will trigger disordered eating, and I'm also wary of "dieting" in front of my kids, especially my 11yo dd.

I'd love to hear feedback from anyone who has done a similar elimination diet to find out how it went and what you gained from it.

[Anonymous]

I have a similar history, OP. Had an eating disorder at 13, got over it, was healthy for many years. Eventually developed IBS symptoms and have major addiction to bread/sweets. My integrative dr. also suggested an elimination diet that was very strict. I told her give me the top 2 things that I need to eliminate because 5 is way too much. I knew I would fail. She said sugar and gluten will make the largest overall impact and she's right. I'd say start small and eventually build your way up to more elimination if need be. As far as the kids go, just tell them the dr put you on a diet so that you would feel better. It's not about being skinny, it's about your health.

[Anonymous]

I did eliminate sugar and wheat for about a year and felt fabulous. I eventually eliminated dairy. Then it was to difficult to maintain as I'm social and go out alot and although I felt great I couldn't stick with complete elimination. Lifes to short.

I think it also depends on how old you are. I'm 54 and post menopausal and my body is processing food so differently than it did in my 40's. In my 30's I could eat and digest anything. I would eliminate in stages I'd never be able to do 5 at once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I did eliminate sugar and wheat for about a year and felt fabulous. I eventually eliminated dairy. Then it was to difficult to maintain as I'm social and go out alot and although I felt great I couldn't stick with complete elimination. Lifes to short.

I think it also depends on how old you are. I'm 54 and post menopausal and my body is processing food so differently than it did in my 40's. In my 30's I could eat and digest anything. I would eliminate in stages I'd never be able to do 5 at once.

Was it hard to eliminate them? I really like bread and occasionally dessert. I don’t eat them every day but I enjoy them when I do. I like having an ice cream with the kids on the weekend, for example. A really good baguette and butter or cheese is my weakness.

I’m almost 38 and don’t really have major health or hormonal issues but the doctor says my thyroid levels are a little out of whack and she wants me to try eliminating gluten to see if they improve.

[Anonymous]

I have similar IBS issues and am trying the low FODMAP elimination diet. It is so hard to follow. I have eliminated gluten for the last three years but still have bloating etc and wanted to see what might be the cause. I am failing at the elimination phase as it is so strict. Anyone else have experience with this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have similar IBS issues and am trying the low FODMAP elimination diet. It is so hard to follow. I have eliminated gluten for the last three years but still have bloating etc and wanted to see what might be the cause. I am failing at the elimination phase as it is so strict. Anyone else have experience with this?

I have IBS and have been trying the low FODMAP diet with a dietitions help. Even with help, it's so hard because of how strict it is. I am having trouble figuring out what is impacting me because I could eat a certain food one day and be totally fine but eat it another day and get a reaction. I am trying to strickly elimintat diary (which I already know impacts me) and gluten.

[Anonymous]

If it is not broken don’t fix it.

[Anonymous]

Check out the cook book “Against All Grains”. I have the book. She had ulcerative colitis. She was hospitalized multiple times. Her dietary changes are what shifted the progression of her illness. I find her recipes uncomplicated and tasty. She omits grains, gluten, eggs and dairy.