Elimination Diet Reintroduction

What is an Elimination Diet Reintroduction Chart?

The reintroduction phase of the elimination diet can be the most difficult. Determining the steps while maintaining the elimination process can be challenging, as this phase requires strict protocol adherence. Generally, following an elimination diet, the reintroduction phase aims to increase a person's food options, gradually adding "challenge foods" one at a time.  

An Elimination Diet Reintroduction Chart or reintroduction food journal is a resource designed to guide individuals in their reintroduction phase. It identifies food sensitivities and helps establish a list of foods individuals can include. It does this by providing a user-friendly approach that involves individually introducing food groups back to the diet, allowing at least 72 hours between foods used to observe whether symptoms or reactions occur.

Using an Elimination Diet Reintroduction Chart, individuals or clients can document their experiences of challenging foods, devise a list of particular foods they may be intolerant to, and identify the foods they can add to their normal diet. In doing so, individuals can ensure they consume the essential nutrients required for a healthy gut microbiome and overall lifestyle.

How to use our Elimination Diet Reintroduction Chart template?

An Elimination Diet Reintroduction Chart is a dynamic resource that visually demonstrates the process of the reintroduction phase within an elimination diet. Here's how it functions:

Step 1: Obtain a copy of the template

Grab a copy of the Elimination Diet Reintroduction Chart template by clicking the "Use Template" or "Download" button.

Step 2: Identify foods to reintroduce

Have your patient decide which food they will reintroduce. Their decision may vary depending on the individual. However, it can be sorted in several ways. One method may be reintroducing foods based on which item they missed most during the elimination phase.

Step 3: Reintroduce one food item

The patient must write down which food they will reintroduce. Note that individuals should be encouraged to introduce one food at a time and that the food must be consumed in its purest form. They should aim to eat this item in two or three servings a day for three consecutive days alongside foods on their elimination diet.

Step 4: Track symptoms and reactions experienced

Across the three days of reintroduction, participants should note any symptoms or changes they may feel with the food item.

Step 5: Reintroduce another food item

Following the three days (72 hours) of reintroduction, participants may add that food to their food plan if they are without any symptoms. Afterward, they may reintroduce a new food item and reuse the template.

It's best to remember that individuals should stop eating food with persistent or painful digestive symptoms such as bloating, digestive upset, or other physical symptoms such as headaches and fatigue and wait for symptoms to stop before reintroducing fresh food.

Step 6: Retry problem foods

Should the patient finish the list of foods they wish to reintroduce, they may use the template once more to try the food that caused symptoms using the same process as Step 3. If the food causes symptoms again, this may indicate an intolerance or sensitivity to that item, and individuals should immediately stop eating that food.

Step 7: Create a final list

Once all food items have been tested, individuals should have a clear list of foods to include in their diet that they can note down in the space provided.

When to use the Elimination Diet Reintroduction Chart?

Our Elimination Diet Reintroduction Chart can be used by practitioners, such as registered dieticians and general practitioners, to guide their clients in the reintroduction phase of their elimination diet. Clients mustn't have any present, persisting symptoms before beginning the reintroduction phase.

• Following an elimination phase: Following the elimination diet phase, it can be challenging to identify a beginning point when navigating the reintroduction phase. This chart can help you or your clients plan and manage the steps involved. 
• Individuals with food intolerances: Individuals experiencing reactions to food groups, such as gluten or dairy products, may use this chart to clarify which products from these foods cause reactions. Some foods may have more than one component.
• Individuals experiencing inflammation: Individuals may experience bodily inflammation as a low-grade reaction or food-related sensitivity, resulting in a leaky gut. The chart can be used as a resource in the elimination diet to help identify trigger foods, heal the gut lining, and provide a roadmap for dietary management.

Benefits of using the Elimination Reintroduction Chart

When undertaking the reintroduction phase of an elimination diet, it can be helpful to have an Elimination Reintroduction Chart template handy. Here are a few reasons why:

• Individuals receive a roadmap to their intolerances: By reintroducing foods, individuals can identify which foods they may be intolerant or sensitive towards, allowing them to make informed decisions about which foods they consume. 
• Increased awareness of food items: The reintroduction phase of the elimination diet can enhance an individual's understanding of food items and their effect on their body. With the chart, individuals have a greater recognition of the changes in the body when consuming certain foods, especially trigger foods and other foods that aren't usually in their diet.
• Reduced Inflammation: By identifying the allergen or inflammatory foods in the reintroduction phase, individuals can reduce inflammation in the body, allowing it to heal.