The Elimination Cleanse (aka Elimination Diet)

At Tendwell, our integrative practitioners use the methods of functional medicine to address root causes of dysfunction. One of the key tools in the functional medicine toolkit is the elimination cleanse (sometimes known as an “elimination diet” or a “healthy reset”), which involves temporarily removing certain foods from a person's diet to identify potential food triggers that may be contributing to their symptoms. In this essay, we explore the reasons why an elimination cleanse is an important part of a functional medicine assessment.

First and foremost, an elimination cleanse can help identify food sensitivities and intolerances that may be causing symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, skin rashes, headaches, fatigue, and constipation. Food allergies are a well-known trigger for a range of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, while food intolerances can cause less severe but still debilitating symptoms. And food sensitivities can be a very important contributor to long-term dysfunction. By eliminating potential triggers and then gradually reintroducing them, a functional medicine practitioner can help patients identify which foods are causing their symptoms.

In addition to identifying food intolerances and sensitivities, an elimination cleanse can help identify foods that may be contributing to chronic inflammation. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury or infection, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. By eliminating foods that are known to be pro-inflammatory, such as sugar, processed foods, and common food sensitivities, a functional medicine doctor can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.

Another benefit of an elimination cleanse is that it can help identify foods that may be contributing to gut dysbiosis. Gut dysbiosis is an imbalance of the microbiome in the gut, which can cause a range of digestive symptoms, including bloating, heartburn, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. By eliminating potential triggers and then gradually reintroducing them, a holistic provider can help patients identify which foods are contributing to gut dysbiosis and develop a personalized plan to restore gut health.

An elimination cleanse can also help identify foods that may be contributing to autoimmune disorders. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system mistakenly reacts to healthy cells in the body, causing inflammation and damage. Certain foods, such as gluten, have been shown to contribute to autoimmune disorders by causing leaky gut, which allows undigested food particles and toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response. By eliminating these potential triggers, a functional medicine practitioner can help reduce inflammation and improve autoimmune symptoms.

In addition to identifying specific food triggers, an elimination cleanse can also help patients develop a better understanding of their relationship with food. By eliminating processed foods and focusing on whole foods, patients can learn how to eat for optimal health and develop healthier eating habits that they can sustain long-term. Many patients are afraid that eating in a way that maximizes health will not be pleasurable, but the experience of an elimination cleanse can help demonstrate that this is not true—you can enjoy delicious food and optimize health at the same time.  At Tendwell, we are experts in running personalized elimination cleanses and health resets.  We can help you through telehealth visits or in person in Denver, Colorado.