Elimination Diet: Final Results

Not having ever considered food sensitivities until recently, I had no preconceived notions about what the Elimination Diet would reveal. Much of my information came from reading. Other information came from friends who have struggled through food allergies. It is beneficial to realize that each person's body is entirely unique in they way that they process and respond to food. It's not a simple equation, but rather a complicated balance that we've only begun to uncover.

At the end of it all, I believe we have found the main culprits to the symptoms that were bothersome. I'm fairly certain of this because after having completely detoxed the digestive system, these food in a small amount brought about uncomfortable and obvious reactions. They were immediately taken out and the symptoms haven't returned.

So here it is:

Gluten: Lydia, Miriam and possibly Joseph.
Refined sugar: Me and Miriam
Eggs: Elizabeth

I was suspicious of dairy, but everyone handled it fine as far as digestion goes. There was some stuffy noses and ears after its trial, but I'm uncertain if this was just the cold that was going around.

Where do we go from here?

1. Apart from sliced bread for sandwiches and flour tortillas, we will be gluten free in our house. This will make it so much easier to cook and serve the same foods to everyone. I have prebaked some gluten free goodies to keep in the freezer for those occasions when we will be going out and others will be enjoying deserts so that Miriam and Lydia can participate, too.

2. Refined sugars are a thing of the past. We'll be sticking with maple syrup, agave nectar, Truvia and possibly raw honey.

3. Elizabeth seems to tolerate eggs that are baked, but she will have to stay away from other forms of eggs. This should be easy enough.

4. Processed foods won't be brought it. I really think our overall health has improved significantly because the chemicals, preservatives and dyes are gone. Not as convenient, but we'll find our way.

And there you have it.