What do we think?
Curious about the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place! The AIP diet is all about cutting out certain foods to see how your body reacts, with the goal of feeling better and reducing symptoms from autoimmune conditions.
What is the AIP Diet?
Think of AIP as an upgraded version of the Paleo diet. It’s designed to calm your immune system by avoiding foods that might make inflammation worse.
Here’s how it works, step by step:
- Elimination Phase
First, you’ll stop eating foods that are often linked to inflammation or gut issues. These include:
-
- Grains (bread, pasta, rice)
- Dairy (milk, cheese, yoghurt)
- Legumes (beans, lentils)
- Eggs
- Nuts and seeds
- Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers)
- Alcohol, certain spices, and any processed sugars
Instead, you’ll eat things like meat, seafood, most vegetables (except nightshades), coconut products, and fermented foods. The idea is to give your body a break and notice any improvements.
- Maintenance Phase
Stick with the restricted eating plan. This stage helps you find out how your body feels without those foods. It takes patience! Some people notice changes in a few weeks; for others, it’s a few months.
- Reintroduction Phase
One by one, you slowly add foods back into your diet. Watch out for reactions like tiredness, pain, or tummy troubles. This helps you learn which foods work for you and which ones don’t.
Why Try the AIP Diet?
The AIP diet can be a game-changer for folks with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s, lupus, or Crohn’s disease. Wondering what makes it worth the effort? Here’s what people love:
- You Might Feel Better!
Many people see a boost in energy, less pain, and better digestion. Studies say AIP may lower inflammation in the body.
- Good for Your Gut
The diet focuses on foods that support gut health, like bone broth and fermented veggies.
- Personalised For You
You get to design your own eating plan by listening to your body’s reactions in the reintroduction phase.
- Loaded with Nutrients
By focusing on whole, unprocessed foods, you give your body the vitamins and minerals it needs to feel its best.
Challenges to Watch Out For
No diet is perfect! The AIP diet has some challenges, especially at the start.
- It’s Very Restrictive
Saying “no” to so many foods can feel overwhelming and can make eating out tricky.
- Takes Time and Planning
You’ll need to cook most meals at home and plan ahead, which can take effort.
- Watch for Missing Nutrients
You’ll need to be careful not to miss important nutrients like calcium or vitamin D. Talk to a dietitian if you’re unsure.
- Reintroducing Foods is Slow
The process of adding foods back in takes patience, but sticking with it can pay off.
Who Should Consider the AIP Diet?
The AIP diet is best for people dealing with autoimmune problems who haven’t found relief elsewhere. If you’re interested in using food to manage inflammation, it could be worth a try. But if you don’t have food sensitivities or autoimmune issues, you may not need such a strict plan. Always consult your doctor or a dietitian before starting.
The Bottom Line
The Autoimmune Protocol diet is a powerful tool for anyone wrestling with autoimmune symptoms or ongoing inflammation. Yes, it’s a big commitment and not the easiest road—but it might help you feel like yourself again. If you’re willing to put in the time (and get support from a health professional), the AIP diet can help you discover which foods help you thrive.
Struggling with autoimmune symptoms or curious about what foods work for you? The AIP diet gives you a clear, step-by-step way to take control of your health and feel better.
