Elimination diets can work wonders if you’re feeling off, foggy, or unwell because it gives your system a break from potentially problematic foods.
The reasons for starting an elimination diet are vast but there is generally some type of irritation in the gut.
That irritation could be:
- bloating
- gas
- constipation
- diarrhea
- acne
- brain fog
- headaches
- nutritional deficiencies, etc.
Cutting out problematic foods for a period of time can reap some serious benefits, but you must be dedicated to this short-term eating style in order to see a long-term change.
How You Can Benefit From an Elimination Diet
1. Clear Up Your Skin
Do you struggle with acne or eczema? By taking out inflammatory foods, your skin will clear up once your gut has time to heal. The cause of skin problems is often a reflection of what’s going on inside your gut.
The important thing to note is that these things take time. It took time to build up the inflammation, so it’ll take time to get rid of it. Don’t expect to have clear skin overnight.
2. Consistent Energy Levels
Do you feel energized after eating, only to crash not long after? This is especially helpful for those who experience the afternoon energy slump around 2 pm.
You’ll be able to get off the blood sugar roller coaster and have consistent energy throughout the day.
3. Pinpoint Food Sensitivities/Intolerances
If you feel nauseous or bloated after you finish eating, this is your body’s way of giving you clues that something is off.
By participating in an elimination diet, you’ll have a clearer idea of how you should really feel after eating meals.
After reintroducing the foods you took out, you’ll be able to narrow it down to which food(s) you can and cannot tolerate, at least for now.
4. Boost Your Immune System
You may find yourself constantly sick or catching every bug that’s going around.
By reducing inflammation, your immune system will get stronger. You will also find that you get sick less often and are not as susceptible to every illness like you were before.
Related: Natural Remedies to Boost Immunity
5. Self-care
You might be wondering what self-care has to do with an elimination diet. However, the elimination diet isn’t a diet at all. It’s a protocol to help you better care for yourself and your body’s needs.
The focus is on healing your body, not punishing yourself.
If you need more self-care ideas, check out 5 luxurious forms of self-care on a budget, healthy habits to start adopting right now, and 5 ways cooking can greatly improve your life.
6. Elevated Mood
By removing processed foods, you are removing chemicals and other harmful ingredients.
These work against your brain chemistry and leave you feeling blue, depressed, or anxious, often without you even realizing their effects.
Is an elimination diet right for you?
Keep in mind that the best way to get results is with the guidance of a nutritionist or qualified health professional to give you support and hold you accountable.
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