Elimination Diet vs Fast Tract Diet
Eliminating dietary irritants and allergens is known to be an effective way to manage gastrointestinal issues for many people. However, there are different approaches to eliminating foods from your diet, with the traditional elimination diet and the fast tract diet being two popular options. Both diets aim to reduce the symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and acid reflux, but with some key differences. In this article, we will explore what these diets entail, their benefits, who should consider them, and how to choose which one is right for you.
What is an Elimination Diet?
An elimination diet is a process of removing specific foods or food groups that may trigger an allergic or inflammatory reaction from your diet for a period of time. The typical approach involves removing common allergens such as dairy, gluten, soy, nuts, and eggs from the diet for a minimum of two weeks. After this period, foods are gradually reintroduced one at a time to identify which specific foods are causing the problem leading to inflammation or digestive issues for the individual.
Elimination diets are often recommended by healthcare professionals to help identify food sensitivities or allergies. These diets can be especially helpful for individuals with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, or chronic migraines.
It is important to note that elimination diets should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as they can be difficult to follow and may result in nutrient deficiencies if not done properly. Additionally, elimination diets are not a long-term solution and should only be used as a tool to identify problematic foods and develop a personalized dietary plan.
How Does the Fast Tract Diet Work?
The fast tract diet is another dietary approach to manage digestive issues that focuses on restricting fermentable carbohydrates to reduce their concentration in the small intestine, which can then lead to a change in gut microbiota and lower inflammation. Fermentable carbohydrates can cause overgrowth of gas-producing bacteria in the small intestine, leading to bloating, flatulence, pain, and other digestive issues. Cutting down on these carbohydrates can improve symptoms for people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux. However, unlike the elimination diet, there’s no testing phase, and you don’t need to remove foods permanently from your diet. It’s more about keeping track of your symptoms and adjusting your diet accordingly.
Key Differences Between Elimination and Fast Tract Diets
The key difference between the two diets is that the elimination diet aims to eliminate all potentially problematic foods, with the potential for more long-term changes to your diet, while the fast tract diet is more about carefully regulating the quantity of fermentable carbohydrates. The elimination diet has a more specified period for elimination and a reintroduction phase deviating from solid research in some cases. On the other hand, fast tract is founded on solid clinical research and a sound theoretical basis with a focus on keeping the microbiome healthy rather than cutting out food groups. There is no permanent elimination of foods as in the case of the elimination diet in fast tract, meaning that long-term sustainability is easier.
Another key difference between the two diets is the level of restriction. The elimination diet can be very restrictive, as it involves cutting out entire food groups for a period of time. This can be difficult for some people to adhere to, and may lead to feelings of deprivation and frustration. The fast tract diet, on the other hand, allows for more flexibility in food choices, as long as the overall intake of fermentable carbohydrates is carefully regulated. This can make it a more sustainable option for some individuals.
Benefits of an Elimination Diet
The elimination diet can help identify potential food allergens that cause inflammation and digestive issues. It has been effective in managing conditions like food allergies, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease, among others. In addition, many patients have successfully managed to reduce their pain, inflammation and bloating before gradually going back to their normal diet with fewer health issues
Another benefit of an elimination diet is that it can help improve skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Certain foods can trigger inflammation in the body, which can manifest as skin issues. By eliminating these trigger foods, individuals may see an improvement in their skin health.
Furthermore, an elimination diet can also help individuals become more aware of their eating habits and make healthier choices in the long run. By eliminating processed and unhealthy foods, individuals may discover new, healthier foods that they enjoy and can incorporate into their regular diet.
Pros and Cons of the Fast Tract Diet
The fast tract diet can improve digestion and alleviate symptoms for people with certain types of digestive problems like IBS, acid reflux, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. By reducing fermentable carbohydrate intake, the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) could be reduced. However, the diet may be challenging to maintain, as it requires careful monitoring and tracking of the amounts, and limit intake of certain carbohydrates, putting you at risk of deficiencies.
Another potential benefit of the fast tract diet is weight loss. By reducing the intake of fermentable carbohydrates, the body may be able to better regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for sugary and starchy foods. Additionally, the diet emphasizes the consumption of whole, nutrient-dense foods, which can lead to overall improved health and well-being.
On the other hand, some people may find the fast tract diet too restrictive and difficult to follow long-term. It may also be challenging to get enough variety in your diet, as many foods are limited or eliminated altogether. Additionally, the diet may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions or dietary restrictions.
Who Should Consider an Elimination Diet?
An elimination diet would be best for individuals dealing with food allergies, sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, or irritable bowel syndrome. People who experience chronic fatigue, unexplained digestive discomfort, and skin issues like eczema or psoriasis may also benefit from this approach.
It is important to note that an elimination diet should only be undertaken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian or doctor. They can help ensure that the diet is nutritionally balanced and that any underlying health conditions are properly addressed. Additionally, it is important to reintroduce eliminated foods one at a time to determine which ones may be causing symptoms, rather than permanently eliminating entire food groups.
Who Should Consider the Fast Tract Diet?
The fast tract diet would suit people with conditions such as acid reflux, bloating or distension after meals, gas, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Moreover, fast tract could help to slow the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
Additionally, the fast tract diet may also benefit individuals who suffer from small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and those who have trouble digesting certain types of carbohydrates, such as lactose or fructose. By reducing the intake of fermentable carbohydrates, the fast tract diet can alleviate symptoms associated with these conditions and improve overall gut health.
Foods to Avoid on an Elimination Diet
Common foods to avoid on an elimination diet include gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, nightshades, alcohol, and caffeine. However, the extent of elimination may depend on the specific individual in question.
Foods to Avoid on the Fast Tract Diet
The fast tract diet focuses on limiting fermentable carbohydrates that can cause issues. It requires limiting the intake of certain fruits, vegetables, legumes, grains, dairy, added sugars, and processed foods that could disrupt gut microbiome health. Consuming certain foods like fatty meat like steak in small quantities would be acceptable.
Sample Meal Plans for Both Diets
On a standard elimination diet, one could opt for breakfast consisting of an egg and spinach mushroom frittata, with a side of turkey sausage and berries. For lunch, a person might choose spinach salad, and cherry tomatoes with grilled salmon or chicken with olive oil dressing. Dinner can be a baked potato with white fish or vegetables with roasted chicken or turkey. Snacks may include an apple with almond butter or celery sticks and hummus. On the other hand, on the fast tract diet, an individual might choose scrambled eggs with spinach and a side of smoked salmon for breakfast. Grilled chicken with a side of broccoli and avocado oil would make for a good lunch while dinner could comprise of grilled shrimp with a side of asparagus and bell pepper. Snacks could include roasted macadamia nuts or a small cup of blueberries and cream.
Success Stories from Both Diets
Many people have reported success after adopting both elimination and fast tract diets. Some have been able to identify food triggers that lead to their digestive problems and eliminate them from their diet successfully. They are now symptom-free and have been able to resume their daily activities fully. On the other hand, some people report that adhering to the fast tract diet has significantly improved various health aspects, such as a marked decrease in symptoms associated with acid reflux and bloating.
Can You Combine Elements of Both Diets?
It is possible to combine elements of both diets with certain modifications, depending on one’s specific needs and the extent to which one is willing to eliminate certain foods. However, one would need to work with a qualified clinical practitioner to determine which foods to reintroduce gradually that could lead to better digestion, healthy weight, and promote a stronger immune system.
The Science Behind Gut Health and Digestive Issues
Over the years, there has been a growing interest in gut health and its effect on the body. Studies on the microbiome have proven that a healthy gut is crucial for better overall health outcomes. The microbiome refers to the collection of microorganisms, microbes, fungi, and bacteria that live in our digestive tract and work together to digest food, fight off infections, and keep the immune system in check. However, disbalances in the microbiome (also known as dysbiosis) can lead to various health conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux, and obesity, among others.
Conclusion: Which Diet is Right for You?
Choosing an elimination diet versus fast tract depends on your individual circumstances. Both diets can help manage health conditions related to digestion, and it largely comes down to personal preference. The elimination diet, despite being helpful in identifying food allergens that can cause inflammation, is often highly restrictive and difficult to maintain. Meanwhile, the fast tract diet, founded on sound clinical research and a focus on gut bacterial health, is potentially easier to stick to and less restrictive. Still, it requires careful tracking to ensure optimal results. Therefore, it is recommended that one should weigh the pros and cons of both diets with a qualified clinical practitioner to determine what works best for their unique needs.
