What is the Autoimmune Protocol?
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is a process of eliminating inflammatory foods from your diet. These include any type of food that can have a negative impact on your immune system and gut health, such as:
- Eggs
- Dairy
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Sugar
- Grains
- Beans
- Peppers
- Nuts
While that list may seem to include everything a person can possibly eat, there are still many other foods available to enjoy, such as:
- Meats
- Most vegetables (with the exception of nightshades)
- Fish
- Seafood
- Root vegetables
- Chicken
The autoimmune protocol is not just about diet though, experts such as Dr. Sarah Ballentyne encourage having a healthy lifestyle, which includes reducing stress, developing better sleep habits and being active.
If you’re new to AIP, I would highly recommend reading Dr. Sarah Ballentyne’s book The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body. This book provides detailed explanations of the causes of autoimmune conditions as well as how to take a holistic approach (including diet, sleep, lifestyle changes) that can help resolve them.
Your next step? Check out this handy food search to help you easily check if your favorite foods are safe to consume.