Fast Tract Diet vs Elimination Diet
When it comes to tackling digestive issues, there are many different diets and approaches to consider. Two popular options are the Fast Tract Diet and the Elimination Diet. While both diets aim to help alleviate digestive discomfort, they go about it in different ways. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at both diets, how they work, and which one might be right for you.
Understanding the Fast Tract Diet
The Fast Tract Diet was developed by Dr. Norm Robillard as a way to address Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO). This diet is designed to limit the types of carbohydrates that can feed the bacteria in your gut that are responsible for symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea. The diet is based on a point system, with each food assigned a point value based on its potential to cause digestive discomfort.
One of the key benefits of the Fast Tract Diet is that it can help to reduce inflammation in the gut. By limiting the types of carbohydrates that can feed harmful bacteria, the diet can help to rebalance the gut microbiome and reduce inflammation. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms like abdominal pain and discomfort.
It's important to note that the Fast Tract Diet is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your individual needs and health concerns, you may need to modify the diet to suit your needs. Additionally, it's important to work with a healthcare professional to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients your body needs while following the diet.
Understanding the Elimination Diet
The Elimination Diet is often used to uncover food sensitivities and allergies. This diet involves removing common food allergens from your diet for a period of time, typically two to six weeks. After this elimination period, foods are reintroduced slowly, one at a time, to see if any allergenic reactions occur.
It is important to note that the Elimination Diet should only be done 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 appropriate for your individual needs. Additionally, it is important to keep a food diary during the elimination and reintroduction phases to track any symptoms or reactions that may occur.
What is the difference between the Fast Tract and Elimination Diet?
While both diets aim to alleviate digestive discomfort, they go about it in different ways. The Fast Tract Diet targets the types of carbohydrates that can feed bacteria in the gut, while the Elimination Diet addresses potential food allergens. The Fast Tract Diet also allows for a wider range of foods, while the Elimination Diet is much more restrictive during the elimination phase.
It is important to note that the Fast Tract Diet is based on the concept of fermentation potential, which measures the amount of gas produced by different types of carbohydrates. By limiting the intake of high fermentation potential foods, the diet aims to reduce the amount of gas produced in the gut, which can lead to bloating, flatulence, and other digestive symptoms. On the other hand, the Elimination Diet is designed to identify and eliminate specific foods that may be triggering digestive issues, such as gluten, dairy, or soy. This approach requires strict adherence to the elimination phase, followed by a gradual reintroduction of foods to identify triggers. Ultimately, the choice between the two diets depends on the individual's specific digestive issues and goals.
Pros and cons of the Fast Tract Diet
Pros of the Fast Tract Diet include being less restrictive than the Elimination Diet, allowing for a wider variety of foods, and potentially being more sustainable long-term. One major con is that it requires counting points and may be difficult to follow for some individuals.
Another potential con of the Fast Tract Diet is that it may not work for everyone. While it has been shown to be effective for some individuals with digestive issues, others may not see any improvement in their symptoms. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or making significant changes to your current diet.
Pros and cons of the Elimination Diet
Pros of the Elimination Diet include being effective at uncovering food sensitivities and allergies, and potentially offering long-term relief from digestive discomfort. One major con is that it can be extremely restrictive and difficult to follow, making it unsustainable for some individuals.
Another potential pro of the Elimination Diet is that it can help individuals identify triggers for other health issues, such as skin conditions or joint pain. By eliminating certain foods and then reintroducing them one at a time, individuals may be able to pinpoint which foods are exacerbating their symptoms.
However, it's important to note that the Elimination Diet should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. It's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.
Which diet is better for you - Fast Tract or Elimination?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on your personal needs and goals. If you suspect you have SIBO, the Fast Tract Diet may be a good option. If you are experiencing a range of digestive symptoms and suspect a food allergy or sensitivity, the Elimination Diet may be a better option for you.
It is important to note that both diets require careful planning and monitoring to ensure you are getting all the necessary nutrients. It is recommended to work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian when embarking on either of these diets to ensure they are safe and effective for you.
How to follow the Fast Tract diet step by step
The Fast Tract Diet involves a point system, with each food assigned a certain number of points based on its potential to cause digestive discomfort. Foods that are lower in points are generally considered safe to eat, while those higher in points should be limited or avoided altogether.
Step 1: Determine your personal point limit. This will depend on your individual needs and symptoms.
Step 2: Begin by eliminating high-point foods, such as grains, sugars, and beans.
Step 3: Gradually reintroduce moderate-point foods and monitor your symptoms.
Step 4: Use the Fast Tract Diet app or book to track your progress and determine which foods work for you.
How to follow the Elimination diet step by step
The Elimination Diet involves removing common food allergens from your diet for a period of time, typically two to six weeks.
Step 1: Remove the top eight allergenic foods from your diet - dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
Step 2: Monitor your symptoms and prepare for the reintroduction phase.
Step 3: Slowly reintroduce each food, one at a time, and monitor your symptoms for 48 hours after reintroduction.
Step 4: Keep a food diary to track your progress and discover which foods may be triggering your symptoms.
Foods to avoid on the Fast Tract diet
Foods to avoid on the Fast Tract Diet include refined sugar, grains, beans, high-fat dairy, and certain fruits and vegetables, such as apples, pears, onions, and garlic.
Foods to avoid on the Elimination diet
Foods to avoid during the elimination phase of the Elimination Diet include dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
How long should you follow each diet?
The duration of both diets will depend on your individual needs and goals. The Fast Tract Diet can be followed for as long as necessary, while the Elimination Diet typically lasts for two to six weeks during the elimination phase.
What are the benefits of following each diet?
The benefits of both diets include potentially alleviating digestive discomfort and identifying food triggers that may be causing your symptoms.
Are there any side effects of following each diet?
Possible side effects of following the Fast Tract Diet include constipation or diarrhea, especially during the initial phases. The Elimination Diet may lead to nutrient deficiencies if not followed correctly. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.
Success stories from people who followed the Fast Tract or Elimination diet.
Many people have reported success with both the Fast Tract and Elimination diets. However, success stories should be taken with a grain of salt, as everyone’s experience will be different. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new diet plan.
Expert opinions on which diet is better for different health conditions.
Experts suggest that the Fast Tract Diet may be effective for those suffering from SIBO, while the Elimination Diet may be effective for those with unidentified food sensitivities or allergies.
Tips for making either diet work for you.
Some tips for making either diet work for you include planning ahead, finding supportive communities online or in-person, and seeking the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Comparing weight loss results from both diets.
While weight loss is not the primary goal of either diet, studies have shown that both the Fast Tract and Elimination diets can lead to weight loss in some individuals.
Which diet is more sustainable in the long run?
The answer to this question will depend on your individual needs and preferences. The Fast Tract Diet may be more sustainable for those who find it difficult to stick to restrictive diets, while the Elimination Diet may be more sustainable for those who are highly motivated to uncover food sensitivities and allergies.
How to transition from one diet to another if needed.
If you find that one diet is not working for you, it’s important to make any transitions slowly and with the guidance of a healthcare professional. Always communicate with your healthcare provider throughout the process.
Common mistakes people make when following either diet.
Common mistakes people make when following the Fast Tract Diet include not tracking their progress, not personalizing the diet to their individual point limit, and not seeking the advice of a healthcare professional. Common mistakes people make when following the Elimination Diet include not removing all potential allergens and not reintroducing foods slowly enough.
Frequently asked questions about both diets answered.
Some frequently asked questions about both diets include:
- Q: Can I drink alcohol on either diet?
- A: It is recommended to limit or avoid alcohol on both diets.
- Q: Can I eat out while on either diet?
- A: Yes, with some planning and preparation. Check restaurant menus ahead of time and communicate any needs with your waiter or chef.
- Q: Can I follow either diet as a vegetarian or vegan?
- A: Yes, it is possible with some adaptation and planning.
Final thoughts on choosing between the Fast Tract and Elimination Diet
Ultimately, the decision between the Fast Tract and Elimination Diet will depend on your individual needs, goals, and comfort level with the diets. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, and be sure to track your progress and communicate regularly with your provider throughout the process.
