Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an inflammation of the esophagus that is caused by a white blood cell called an eosinophil. The disease has mostly been recorded in Caucasian males and can lead to esophageal narrowing over time. The treatment for EoE is generally supported by changes in one’s food intake as well. Doctors generally recommend eliminating certain foods to discover the underlying triggers for every individual. Some common foods to avoid for those suffering from EOE include:

Soy
Soy is a common allergen for many people and may trigger immune system responses as severe as an anaphylactic shock. Common soy-based foods include edamame, tofu, tempeh, soy butter, soy sauce, soy milk, and miso. It is also a common ingredient in many plant-based meats. Doctors may recommend going off of this high-allergen food group for six weeks, to check if reports improve.

Dairy products
Lactose is notoriously known as an allergen for many people. It is the main protein in most dairy products and can be difficult to digest, thus triggering different allergic responses. Depending on the person’s sensitivity levels, some may be able to continue enjoying baked goods with cow’s milk, while others may have to steer clear of any dairy products entirely. One should also avoid other milk proteins such as casein, rennet casein, diacetyl, lactalbumin, lactulose, recaldent, tagatose, and whey.

Wheat
Wheat contains gluten, which acts as an irritant for many people. It is commonly found in bread, cereal, and baked goods. It is also an ingredient in hot dogs, and ice creams, as it helps in the binding process. Cutting out these foods can help one manage their EoE better.

Nuts
Doctors may recommend cutting out all kinds of nuts, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and peanuts, for a short while to check for any underlying allergies or triggers.

Shellfish
Some people may be allergic to fish and shellfish, which may trigger symptoms of EoE. They are commonly added to Caesar dressings, Worcestershire sauce, and other fish sauces, so doctors may recommend avoiding these for a short while.

Eggs
Allergies to eggs are more common in children than in adults. While some people may be able to tolerate eggs in baked goods, others may not be able to handle them at all. When avoiding eggs, remember to steer clear of other products like mayonnaise, hollandaise sauce, and marshmallows, and ingredients like albumin, lysozyme, ovalbumin, lecithin, globulin, and ovovitellin.

This approach is also known as the “six-food elimination” technique and is commonly prescribed by doctors to point out allergens that may be triggering EoE in patients. However, there is another, more effective way of managing EoE, called the elemental approach, which consists of removing all forms of protein from one’s food. Instead, it requires a feeding tube that passes on only the building blocks of protein, or amino acids, to be hooked to the patient. This is the only source of nourishment and has been deemed the most effective strategy for managing EoE.

With any doctor-recommended trial food plans, foods are slowly re-introduced to discover the underlying triggers for the allergies. Throughout this process, one is required to undergo multiple biopsies and endoscopic examinations to rule out potentially triggering foods, to make way for a healthier life.