Sometimes trying to identify problem foods feels like a roller coaster. Is a reaction from something you ate two minutes or three hours ago? Does your stomach hurt from today’s yogurt or yesterday’s chocolate cake? Just as you think you’ve crested the hill and figured it out, here comes a curve.
It goes without saying that keeping a meticulous food journal can be instructive over time, but no one wants to feel bad in the ensuing interval. So what can you do to minimize adverse symptoms while you’re riding the roller coaster?
The fewer possible irritants your system is exposed to at a giventime, the easier it will be to identify trigger foods. (If you have been prescribed an elimination diet or other specific regimen, you’ll need to follow that and only implement suggestions that are not contrary to the plan you’re following.)
- Avoid foods you know are problematic. When your system is going haywire, a little cheat here or there can cause a huge wave of problems.
- Avoid soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, creams, and lotions that are new or that you have questioned in the past.
- Use cleaning products that are unscented or that you know don’t upset your system.
- Wear a mask when cleaning so that dust or spores won’t trigger a reaction. Gloves are a good idea as well.
- Postpone yard work and avoid any related chemicals if you can. If not, wear a mask, gloves and keep your skin covered. The same applies to gardening and field work.
- Eat only foods that have typically left you feeling well. If after a few meals, symptoms have lessened, slowly increase the range of fresh foods you consume. It may be helpful to minimize processed food.
- Keep adding observations to your food journal as you go.
As a practical matter, you may only be able to eliminate some irritants. That can still be helpful both in reducing symptoms and identifying triggers. It may also help you feel as though you can keep trying to find and eliminate problematic foods.
When you’re suffering from inflammation, fatigue, cramps, itchy rashes, migraines, or diarrhea, it can sometimes be difficult to stay on course. Even minor relief can help you retain a positive outlook amidst understandable frustration.
If you’re comfortable, you can share your experience with certain foods to that of friends or family. They may say something that sparks a memory or association you will want to run by your physician.
No matter how diligent you are when keeping track, it can still feel like a relentless roller coaster at times finding trigger foods. That doesn’t mean you won’t be successful. It just means the ride may not be smooth.