Food and Symptom Journal
Keeping a detailed journal during the reintroduction phase of the elimination diet can be helpful in identifying trigger foods and tracking symptoms. Here is an example of a journal that you can use to track your symptoms during the reintroduction phase:
Date: ____________________
Food Reintroduced: ____________________
Amount Consumed: ____________________
Time of Day: ____________________
Symptoms Experienced:
- Headache
- Digestive upset (nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation)
- Skin rash or hives
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Respiratory symptoms (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath)
- Neurological symptoms (brain fog, dizziness)
- Other ____________________________
- Other 2 __________________________
- Other 3___________________________
- Other 4 __________________________
- Other 5___________________________
Severity of Symptoms:
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
Time of Onset: ____________________
Duration of Symptoms: ____________________
Action Taken:
- Continued to consume the food
- Stopped consuming the food
- Reduced the amount consumed
- Tried the food again at a later time
Comments: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
It’s important to fill out this journal immediately after consuming the food and to record any symptoms experienced within 24-48 hours after consumption. If you experience severe symptoms, such as anaphylaxis, seek medical attention immediately.
Repeat this process with each of the foods that you want to reintroduce, until you have identified all of your trigger foods. It’s recommended to work with a qualified healthcare practitioner or registered dietitian to ensure that the diet is appropriate for your specific needs and health goals. They can help you plan the reintroduction phase, monitor your symptoms, and guide you through the process of identifying your trigger foods.
