Why is my joint pain suddenly worse today than it was yesterday? Could it be something I ate? The answer is most likely yes. But what food or ingredient was it that caused my joints to swell and ache? It is difficult to pinpoint exactly what triggered this immune response, and this is where an elimination diet can help.
Since my doctor has already pretty much ordered me to lose weight, I feel that this is the perfect time to try to uncover which foods are not only making me gain weight, but which ones my body just can’t tolerate.
I am excited about this endeavor because, although I generally feel so much better than I did 4 months ago, I still have days where my joints are swollen and red. As you know by now, I am going for the whole hog here. I don’t want to just feel better most days, I want to be cured of rheumatoid arthritis. People are miraculously healed of disease every day, so why not me? I have made my poor body suffer enough. It’s time for a change, because you deserve it my beautiful knees, which carry me through the day. And you, my gorgeous fingers, hands and wrists – how can I earn a living without you? (Always talk nice to your body parts! They believe what you say… and they know what you are thinking.)
Foods to Avoid
I always like to get the bad news out of the way first, so here it is. The following is a list of the foods that should be avoided during the elimination diet. Truly, some of them should be avoided from this point on if you want to live healthier and maintain a healthy weight.
The items on the left column are products that should never be eaten due to the health risks involved in their consumption and should definitely be removed for the elimination diet. The foods in the right column will need to be eliminated for the diet.
The entire food elimination diet should only last about 5-6 weeks. Start by removing all of the suspected foods in your normal diet for 2-3 weeks. After the 2-3 weeks slowly reintroduce the foods one at a time at 2-3 day intervals and take note of any of your symptoms reoccurring. If you experience no symptoms, that food is probably tolerated by your body and you can move on to the next item. If you experience your symptoms returning after reintroducing a food, you have found a trigger and can remove that food item from your diet.
Ahh . . . I knew it! The sweet treat which makes everything taste better. The treat which also increased the risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Sugar is not your friend.
All types of processed meats from luncheon meats to hotdogs can increase your risk for cancer. Enough said.
Refined carbohydrates include mostly sugars and processed grains. Refined grains have the outermost and innermost layers removed. Whats left is starch and only 25% of the protein of the whole grain. The grain is left with no fiber and basically nothing to nourish the body. This leads to quickly rising blood sugar levels and then the levels crash, leaving you craving more increasing your risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The surplus of sugar left in your body tends to be stored as fat.
White bread, white rice and white pasta, pastries, soda and some breakfast cereals are all refined carbohydrates.
Consuming Soybean oil is linked to obesity, fatty liver, heart disease, and metabolic syndrome, and it may be toxic to immune cells. Certain types of polyunsaturated fats such as linoleic acid are highly unstable, easily oxidized, and pro-inflammatory. Soybean oil is about half linoleic acid. I guess that’s all I need to know.
Trans fats increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and type 2 diabetes. I’m seeing a pattern here… Margarine, creamer, baked goods, microwave popcorn, chips, fried foods, refrigerator dough all contain trans fats.
Wheat
Corn
Dairy
Eggs
Citrus Fruit
Nuts
Nightshade Vegetables
Seafood
Gluten
What to Eat During Elimination Diet
This list is really pretty extensive and I look forward to finding and creating new recipes to help change my eating habits. These are the items that I will be eating and drinking during my elimination diet.
Cold Water Fish – Salmon and Sardines
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Oats, Barley and Bran
Brown Rice
Fresh Fruits other than Citrus
Wholegrain Bread
Wholegrain Pasta
Dark Leafy Greens
Blueberries
Blackberries
Cherries
Red Grapes
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Beans and Lentils
Asparagus
Carrots
Onions
Garlic
Celery
Green Onions
Mushrooms
Avocado
Coconut
Olives
Lemons
Honey
Pure Maple Syrup
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Coconut Oil
Water
Green Tea
Herbal Teas
Herbs
Red Wine (in moderation)
Dark Chocolate – 70% or higher
Just typing this list, I already have a few good meal ideas. Wish me luck!
