What Can You Eat on the AIP Diet? 6 Foods to Include

If you have an autoimmune disease, the AIP diet (autoimmune paleo protocol diet) may help reduce inflammation and avoid potential allergens

If you have an autoimmune disease, the AIP diet (autoimmune paleo protocol diet) may help fulfill your dietary needs. Reducing cellular inflammation is touted as the most effective treatment for autoimmune diseases. The AIP diet consists primarily of:

Healthy fats and oils
Fruits
Vegetables
Grass-fed or organic meat
Fish
Coconut products
Grain or nut-free starches and flours

The AIP diet is not intended to be a long-term diet. Rather, it is an elimination diet that allows you to identify what is contributing to your inflammation by removing any potential allergens and inflammatory foods and then gradually reintroducing them.

6 types of foods included in the AIP diet

1. Healthy fats

Help regulate the inflammatory process in the body. Examples:

Olive oil (extra virgin)
Coconut oil
Avocado and avocado oil

2. Fruits

Low in sugar and high in antioxidants. No more than 2 servings per day. Examples:

Apples
Bananas
Berries, such as blueberries or raspberries
Figs
Pears

3. Vegetables

Root vegetables and leafy greens, which can be baked, roasted, or boiled. Examples:

Beets
Brussels
Cabbage
Carrots
Celeriac
Chard
Kale
Onion
Parsnip
Spinach
Squash
Sweet potato

4. Proteins

High-quality meats, such as grass-fed, pasture-raised, and wild-caught, with no added growth hormones or antibiotics. Examples:

Beef
Bone broth made using chicken feet or beef bones
Chicken
Duck
Fish
Lamb
Shellfish (shrimp, clams, mussels)
Organ meats liver, tongue, heart)
Pork
Turkey
Venison
Cod
Halibut
Trout
Haddock
Salmon

5. Fermented foods

Fermented foods with probiotics or good bacteria. Examples:

Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Pickled fruits
Pickled ginger
Apple cider vinegar

6. Spices and herbs

Fresh herbs. Examples:

Basil
Cilantro
Dill
Ginger
Garlic
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Turmeric
Parsley
Tarragon
Chives
Chervil
Marjoram
Oregano
Lavender
Mint

QUESTION

Lupus is an infection.
See Answer

20 foods to avoid while on the AIP diet

The AIP diet aims to eliminate any potentially inflammatory foods, such as:

Nightshades (tomatoes, bell and hot peppers, eggplant, and white potatoes)
Nuts and nut butter
Seeds and seed-derived spices
Alcohol
Eggs
Cane sugar
Cacao
Most forms of caffeine
Gums or emulsifiers
Dairy
Grains
Gluten
All grains (including gluten-free grains)
Legumes, such as beans, peas, and peanuts
Foods with added sugar
Eggs
Processed vegetable oils
Artificial sweeteners
Preservatives and additives
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs

What are the potential benefits of the AIP diet?

The AIP diet eliminates potential autoimmune food triggers, allowing the immune system to settle down. After 30 days, people may begin to reintroduce foods one at a time to see how their bodies react and discard the foods that cause negative reactions.

Benefits may include:

Identifying food intolerances. The AIP diet aims to help identify food intolerances. This gives the body time to heal and flush out any troublesome foods.
Reduces inflammation. Because of the nature of the diet, nearly all potentially inflammatory foods are avoided. Many people notice changes after just a few weeks on the protocol.
Gut healing. By eliminating foods that consistently irritate the gut, the gut will begin to heal and restore its integrity over time.
People who follow such diet have noticed:
- Increased energy
- Mental clarity and focus
- Decreased chronic pain
- Improved immune function
- Better sleep

Latest Nutrition, Food & Recipes News

Trending on MedicineNet

What are the challenges involved in the AIP diet?

Because autoimmune disorders are complicated and the AIP diet is highly restrictive, it can be difficult to sustain. People occasionally report increased symptoms or sensitivity. There is also insufficient scientific evidence to suggest that this is the diet that everyone with an autoimmune condition can follow and experience improved symptoms.

Although genetics play a role in the development of autoimmune illness, diet and lifestyle are likely to play a role as well. Choosing foods wisely is one of the most efficient strategies to reduce chronic inflammation in the body.

However, the American Gastroenterological Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists do not endorse the AIP diet. Talk to your doctor before starting any new diet plan to understand what’s right for you.