🌿 A Guide to the Autoimmune Paleo Diet (AIP Protocol)

🌿 What is the Autoimmune Paleo Diet? A Guide to the AIP Protocol 🌿

❗ Important Medical Advisory: The Autoimmune Paleo Diet (AIP) is a highly restrictive, therapeutic protocol. It is designed to be a short-term elimination diet. You must consult with a doctor or qualified practitioner before starting this plan, especially if you have an autoimmune condition.

The Autoimmune Paleo Diet, or AIP, is a specialized diet. It is designed to help reduce inflammation. It is often used by people with autoimmune diseases. The goal is to calm the immune system and identify food triggers.

This is not a casual diet for weight loss. It is a powerful tool for investigating your health. This guide will explain how it works. We will cover the foods to eat and avoid. Let's explore this healing protocol. 💪

🤔 How is the Autoimmune Paleo Diet Different from Regular Paleo?

The AIP diet starts with a Paleo framework. A standard Paleo diet eliminates grains, legumes, dairy, and processed foods. The Autoimmune Paleo Diet takes this a step further. It is much more restrictive for a specific purpose.

In addition to the regular Paleo restrictions, AIP also eliminates other potential irritants. These include eggs, nuts, and seeds. It also removes nightshade vegetables like tomatoes and peppers. Coffee and alcohol are also excluded.

AIP is a temporary elimination phase. It is stricter than Paleo. The goal is to reintroduce many of these foods later. This helps you find your personal triggers. Paleo, on the other hand, can be a long-term lifestyle.

⚙️ What Are the Phases of the AIP Diet?

The Autoimmune Paleo Diet is a structured process. It is broken down into two main phases. Each phase is critical to the success of the protocol. It is a journey of elimination and discovery.

What is the Elimination Phase?

This is the first and strictest phase. You completely remove all potentially inflammatory foods. This includes the Paleo restrictions plus the extra AIP exclusions. This phase usually lasts for 30 to 90 days.

The goal is to give your body a complete break. By removing potential triggers, your immune system can calm down. Many people notice a significant improvement in their symptoms. This phase continues until you feel consistently better.

What is the Reintroduction Phase?

Once your symptoms have improved, the reintroduction phase begins. This is the diagnostic part of the diet. You will slowly add back the eliminated foods. This is done one at a time, very carefully.

This process allows you to see how your body reacts to each food. It helps you build a personalized diet. The end goal is the broadest, most nutrient-dense diet that you can eat without causing symptoms.

🚫 What Foods Must Be Avoided on the Autoimmune Paleo Diet?

The elimination list is the heart of the protocol. Being 100% compliant during this phase is essential for results. The list of foods to avoid on the Autoimmune Paleo Diet includes:

Grains: Wheat, rice, oats, corn, etc.
Legumes: Beans, lentils, soy, peanuts, etc.
Dairy: Milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, etc.
Eggs
Nuts and Seeds: Including their butters, oils, and spices (like cumin or coriander).
Nightshade Vegetables: Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, and spices like paprika.
Also Avoid: Coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and most processed foods.

✅ What Foods Can You Eat on the Elimination Phase?

While the list of exclusions is long, the diet focuses on nutrient-dense, healing foods. The goal is to nourish your body with the highest quality ingredients. The list of allowed foods is vibrant and healthy.

Quality Proteins: Grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, and poultry are the foundation. Organ meats are highly encouraged.
Most Vegetables: Eat a wide variety of non-nightshade vegetables. Leafy greens, broccoli, squash, and sweet potatoes are great. 🥬
Healthy Fats: Avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil are essential.
Fermented Foods: Sauerkraut, kombucha, and water kefir can support gut health.
Bone Broth: This is a key part of the diet for its gut-healing properties.