What's an elimination diet? About two weeks ago I was scouring the web, entering different phrases into google search and trying to find some answers for our little girl. One thing I haven't explained in detail is the amount of skin issues our allergy-sufferer endures. There's lots of eczema, scratching, sensitivities to fabrics, discomfort in our hot, southern climate, and infection. Ohhhh, the infection. Trust me, I could go on and on with this topic alone but that's for another day. I know I'm not alone and there are others dealing with these same problems. Anyway, back on topic. I stumbled across a PDF of interest with specifics on an elimination diet and what all it entails. I love the theory behind it; ultimately starting all over at square one with foods, much like when you introduce foods to a baby. Jane was having random itchy fits from day to day and six years in to this and with hundreds of foods in her daily diet, we were scratching our heads (but not in the eczema-ish way) as to what she was reacting to. Most of her discomfort and reactions take place around her mouth and neck. So, enough was enough and we have now cleaned up her diet and she is currently eating nothing but rice, pears, apples, boiled chicken/beef, and broccoli. You can find the elimination diet information here. We have a good amount of autoimmune disease in my family and in addition to Jane's food allergies and severe skin issues, I find Dr. Berger's theory quite intriguing. I love that there are doctors out there trying different approaches to things, looking for the root issues.
We are slowly adding things back to Jane's diet but it will be a long process. And we're okay with that, because if it gives us clearer answers as to what things bother her, it's worth it. If you think it's easy, it's not. It has been really hard. I love to cook and bake and especially this time of year, all I want to do is cook pumpkin bread and yummy soups. So it hardly seems fair to make delicious dinners for the rest of the family and then put a hot, bland bowl of rice and apples in front of Jane. On the other hand, I realize there are many people and civilizations who eat this "elimination diet" every single day of their lives not by choice but because that's what they have and they're grateful for it. And we would all be better off if we ate how Jane is eating right now. So, there's that.
But it's not fair. And for a child who has already had to adjust to so many things not being fair, taking away her "special" foods that kind of lessened the unfairness (GF oreos/GF ice cream cones/GF pizza), it's pretty much lame to the 10th degree. You better believe I'm already dreading halloween and the school celebrations and all the candy she is going to want and the frustration she is going to feel! I have some ideas and plans though, and I'll be back with those. Stay tuned.