There is currently no cure for autoimmune conditions. Nevertheless, you don’t have to endure constant pain. Like many autoimmune patients, you can still lead a normal life. The autoimmune diet can help manage your symptoms. There are four ways autoimmune diets work to improve your quality of life. Indeed, “In food, excellent medicine can be found,” as Hippocrates put it. What you eat can either ease or aggravate autoimmune diseases. So, take full advantage of what the autoimmune diet can do for you. Let’s dive deeper into the basics, including the foods that are and are not allowed on this protocol. 

What is the autoimmune diet?

The autoimmune diet or autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet is an elimination and reduction regimen. It is designed for those with autoimmune diseases to reduce inflammation and allow their bodies to heal. It removes trigger foods and gut irritants for at least 30 days. 

After the elimination period, foods are gradually reintroduced one at a time to see if the body has healed and can tolerate them again. AIP is meant to be a temporary healing therapy, not a long-term solution.

Despite the name, not every person with an autoimmune condition needs to follow the AIP. Everyone has a unique immune system, genetic makeup, and environment. The diet plan must be customized as a result. Also, don’t try the AIP diet if you are:

• Underweight
• Malnourished
• Pregnant

The autoimmune diet can be quite overwhelming. To get the best results for your particular symptoms, work with a functional nutritionist who can customize a food plan for you, considering your food sensitivities, if any. The AIP diet is certainly worth a try if this diet has been particularly recommended for your healing.

4 Ways AIP Can Help Improve Your Quality of Life 

If you have an autoimmune issue, you most likely have a poorly functioning digestive tract. Because your gut is not in the best shape, toxins and undigested food particles leak through your gut barrier into your bloodstream, causing your immune system to respond. 

AIP diet to the rescue! The AIP diet works by reducing inflammation and healing gut dysfunction, restoring your body’s optimal functioning through the following: 

1. AIP provides nutrient density.

One major risk factor for autoimmune illness is a diet lacking in nutrients. Many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and essential fatty acids are among the dietary deficiencies associated with autoimmune conditions. 

The most efficient approach to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs is a nutrient-dense diet, such as AIP. It includes quality meats, seafood, fruits, and veggies. Raising nutrient density can help correct deficiencies and imbalances, regulating your hormones and neurotransmitters.

2. AIP promotes gut health.

Leaky gut and gut dysbiosis (imbalances) are two other major factors in the emergence of autoimmune illness. They contribute to poor nutrition absorption and systemic inflammation that fuels autoimmune responses. 

Thankfully, AIP-approved foods promote the development of healthy levels and a variety of gut bacteria. Foods that harm the gut lining are avoided, while those that restore gut barrier function and encourage healing are promoted. 

3. AIP helps balance blood sugar levels

Eating too much sugar dysregulates your hormones. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to many health issues, such as systemic inflammation, immune system flare-ups, hormone imbalances, and impaired cognitive function. 

Keeping your blood sugar levels in check is essential for recovering from any inflammatory illness. The AIP diet can help you maintain a healthy blood sugar level due by consuming fiber-rich foods.

4. AIP aids in immune system regulation.

The immune system requires a lot of nutrients to work optimally. However, some nutrients most likely low in autoimmune patients are critical for immune system function, including vitamins A and D and zinc.

AIP is the best way to supply your immune system with essential nutrients if you have autoimmune disorders. By strengthening your body’s defense system with healthy eating, it performs better, and you can quickly recover from illnesses. 

Autoimmune Conditions the AIP Diet Can Help With 

The AIP plays a significant role in easing symptoms of many autoimmune disorders. The more common ones are the following:

• Adrenal fatigue
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Celiac disease
• Chron’s disease
• Hashimoto’s disease
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Lupus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Thyroiditis
• Ulcerative colitis

Foods To Include:

The AIP diet allows you to focus on consuming whole or minimally processed foods to improve and restore your health. You can choose from the widest variety of foods that you can tolerate. Of course, you shouldn’t eat something just because it’s on this list if you have a sensitivity to it.

Vegetables

• Arugula
• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Celery
• Fennel
• Kale
• Leek
• Lettuce
• Mustard
• Parsnip
• Radish
• Spinach
• Squash
• Sweet potato
• Watercress
• Zucchini

Herbs

• Basil
• Bay leaf
• Chives
• Cilantro
• Cinnamon
• Dill
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Mint
• Oregano
• Parsley
• Peppermint
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Turmeric

Fruits (1-2 per day only)

• Apple
• Avocado
• Banana
• Berries
• Cherry
• Citrus
• Coconut
• Date
• Fig
• Grapes
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Melons
• Peach
• Pear
• Persimmon
• Plum
• Pineapple
• Pomegranate
• Watermelon

High-quality Animal Proteins

• Beef
• Bison
• Boar
• Chicken
• Duck
• Fish
• Lamb
• Seafood
• Turkey
• Venison

Healthy Fats & Oils

• Avocado oil
• Beef tallow
• Coconut oil
• Olive Oil
• Palm Oil

Pantry Staples

• Apple cider vinegar
• Arrowroot starch
• Cassava flour
• Coconut flour
• Tapioca starch
• Tigernut flour

Fermented Foods

• Coconut kefir
• Kimchi 
• Kombucha
• Pickles 
• Sauerkraut

Foods to Exclude:

The following food groups are best avoided while allowing your body to heal. They promote a leaky gut and can further damage your gut lining and trigger inflammation. 

Gluten & Grains

• Amaranth
• Barley
• Buckwheat
• Breading
• Corn
• Millet
• Oat
• Quinoa
• Rice
• Rye
• Salad dressings
• Sorghum
• Soy sauce
• Spelt
• Wheat

Dairy Products

• Butter
• Cheese
• Cream
• Ghee
• Milk
• Yogurt

Eggs

• Egg whites
• Egg yolks
• Whole eggs
• Products with egg as an ingredient

Legumes

• Black beans
• Chickpeas
• Garbanzo beans
• Kidney beans
• Lentils
• Lima beans
• Peanuts
• Soybeans
• White beans

Nightshades

• Eggplant
• Goji Berries
• Ground cherries
• Peppers 
• Potato
• Red Spices
• Tomato
• Tomatillo

Nuts & Seeds

• Almond
• Brazil nut
• Canola
• Cashew
• Chia
• Cocoa
• Flax
• Hazelnut
• Hemp
• Pecan
• Pistachio
• Pumpkin
• Safflower
• Sesame
• Sunflower
• Walnut

Additives & Sugar

• Aspartame
• Candy
• Chocolate
• Emulsifiers
• Food dyes
• Frozen desserts
• Gums
• Soda
• Thickeners

Processed Foods

• Bread
• Breakfast cereals
• Cured meats
• Fast foods
• Frozen meals
• Pasta

Beverages

• Beer
• Coffee
• Liquor

Final Thoughts on the Autoimmune Diet

Though restrictive, the autoimmune diet makes sure you obtain adequate amounts of allowed foods to meet your energy and nutrient needs. Ensure you receive your needed guidance from a qualified professional. Improving your quality of life is within your power, and we want to support you in your journey. You deserve to heal and enjoy life to the fullest!