Autoimmune Protocol (AIP): What Does It Involve?

The AIP diet, also known as the autoimmune protocol, is a food model that has gained considerable popularity in recent years. It consists of avoiding the consumption of certain foods for several weeks in order to observe the changes in the state of health.

As mentioned in an article published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases , its goal is to help control inflammation, pain and other symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, among others.

What should you know about the autoimmune protocol? We will tell you everything in this article!

What is the autoimmune protocol or the AIP diet?

The autoimmune protocol (AIP) is a restrictive diet that involves eliminating certain types of food for several weeks to observe the effects that the change has on health. It is particularly relevant for autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease, among others.

These diseases have symptoms ranging from joint pain to fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nerve damage and mental confusion. Their origin is multifactorial and includes genetic and environmental factors. However, one of the hypotheses associates them with the impairment of the intestinal barrier. This, in turn, is related to the consumption of certain foods.

In essence, the AIP diet proposes the elimination and replacement of these foods with nutrient-rich variants that help “repair” the intestine and promote the balance of the microbiota. The autoimmune protocol also suggests eliminating products that contain gluten or lactose, as they often cause abnormal immune responses in sensitive people.

Phases of the AIP diet

E.g:

• Cereals
• Legume
• NUTS
• seed
• Solanaceous vegetables
• Eggs
• Dairy products
• Vegetable oils
• Food Additives
• Refined sugars
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Processed products
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac and high-dose aspirin

The duration of this phase may be extended until you notice an improvement in your symptoms. This can often take between 30 and 90 days. However, some people feel the effects after the third week of the diet.

This step is intended to recognize foods that can trigger the symptoms of the disorder. It also aims to reintroduce those who do not cause any symptoms, to ensure a more varied and complete diet.

The introduction of each food is done little by little, with an interval of 5 to 7 days between one product and the next. This period is sufficient to determine if any of the symptoms recur after consumption. Foods that are well tolerated can continue to be included in the diet. The rest should be set aside.

If possible, you should first choose foods that have lower concentrations of substance that can trigger discomfort. For example, in the case of dairy products, it is best to start with fermented options, such as yogurt.

The steps are as follows:

For the AIP diet to be successful, it is necessary to follow the recommendations regarding the allowed and forbidden foods. In this regard, you should keep in mind that there are many restrictions. Therefore, it is best to seek the advice of a nutritionist to avoid deficiencies.

Foods allowed in the autoimmune protocol

in the autoimmune protocol

• Eggs

Does the AIP diet work?

Let’s take a closer look at the situation.

In this sense, the AIP diet, contributing to the relief of permeable bowel syndrome, decreases the degree of inflammation and its associated symptoms. However, more studies are needed in the field.

What are the disadvantages of the AIP autoimmune protocol?

In addition, the person may be experiencing episodes of anxiety or social isolation due to dietary restrictions. Without proper planning, the AIP diet can also lead to nutritional deficiencies.

There is also no guarantee that this protocol will reduce inflammation and the symptoms of autoimmune diseases. However, many end up experiencing its positive effects.

Consulting a nutritionist is the best option

Therefore, it is essential to consult a nutritionist or doctor to get all the necessary information about this diet. The professional will help you determine if this diet is right for you and will teach you how to plan it properly to avoid negative health effects.