Food restricting diets - confirm conditions first

Elimination diets seem to be one of the biggest current nutrition trends. Examples of elimination diets include gluten-free, dairy-free and no sugar diets. Restricting foods items, however, proves challenging and oftentimes less beneficial than intended outcomes. 

The January 2017 issue of Pediatric News noted that, "removing gluten from a child's diet would improve that child's healthy only if that child has been confirmed to have an actual condition (i.e., the child has Celiac disease)." The point here is that gluten is not always at fault for the symptoms that associate with Celiac disease, which means other causes should be explored to truly make a positive difference in health outcomes. Other things that cause symptoms similar to those from Celiac disease include: 

• lactose intolerance
• fructans sensitivity 
• gut bacteria imbalances
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 

It's best to eat a variety of healthy, nutrient dense foods in moderation. It is also important to identify actual allergies and intolerances. 

Food allergies cause actual immune system reactions.  
Food intolerances are usually digestive in nature and are less severe. 

Your physician can help you confirm or rule out any actual disease or allergy diagnosis. Once allergies are ruled out, then possible intolerances can be addressed. A registered dietitian can help you manage your conditions with individualized plans that coincide with your physician's findings and recommendations. 

references

1. Food allergy vs. food intolerance. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/expert-answers/food-allergy/FAQ-20058538?p=1 
2. Food allergy. https://medlineplus.gov/foodallergy.html
3. Haelle, Tara. Pediatric News. Clinical Rounds. January 2017. Restrict gluten if necessary, but confirm condition first. Expert Analysis from AAP 16.