HealthNotes

For people with food allergies, the only way to get relief from symptoms is by avoiding the offending foods altogether. However, many people simply have sensitivities or intolerances to certain foods. These people can benefit from avoiding certain foods for a period of time, and by then following a “rotation” diet, where they eat the problem foods every few days instead of every day.

The diet has several phases:

• Take a break—Once dieters know what foods they may be sensitive to, they avoid eating them for a prescribed period of time.

• Try a rotation plan—Offending foods are reintroduced on a rotation plan where they are eaten anywhere from once every few days to once a week. This gives the body a chance to clear the problem food before it is eaten again.

• Quit cold turkey—Sufferers of fixed food allergies, where the problem food causes a reaction every time it is eaten, must avoid the food altogether.

Avoiding allergies? Talk to a physician or health care professional trained in recognizing food allergies. Learn how often to rotate in your problem foods. Research alternatives or substitutes for these foods so you don’t feel deprived and can stick to the diet. See best bets list below for suggestions.