AIP Diet: What It Is, How It Works, and What the Research Says

When you hear AIP diet, a structured elimination diet designed to reduce inflammation and support autoimmune conditions. Also known as Autoimmune Protocol, it's not just another food plan—it's a tool many people turn to when conventional medicine hasn't given them relief. Unlike generic anti-inflammatory diets, the AIP diet removes common triggers like grains, dairy, eggs, nightshades, nuts, seeds, and processed additives. The goal? Give your gut and immune system a chance to reset by stripping away potential irritants, then slowly reintroducing foods to see what your body tolerates.

This approach doesn’t just target symptoms—it tries to address the root cause: chronic inflammation. People with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Crohn’s disease, or lupus often report fewer flare-ups after following AIP for several months. It’s not magic, but it’s backed by real-world reports and growing clinical interest. The diet also connects closely with gut health, the balance of microbes in your digestive tract that influence immune function. When your gut lining is damaged, particles can leak into your bloodstream, triggering immune responses that worsen autoimmune conditions. AIP helps heal that lining by removing irritants and encouraging nutrient-dense foods like organ meats, fermented vegetables, and bone broth.

What you’ll find in this collection are real stories and practical advice from people who’ve walked this path. You’ll read about how elimination diets, structured plans that remove specific foods to identify triggers work in practice, what mistakes people make when starting out, and how to avoid falling into the trap of thinking AIP is a lifelong sentence. Some posts dive into how inflammation, the body’s natural response to injury or infection that becomes harmful when chronic links to fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog—and how food can either fuel it or calm it down. Others break down what to eat on day one, how to handle social situations, and why supplements aren’t a shortcut.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about finding what works for your body. If you’ve been told your symptoms are "all in your head" or that nothing can help, the AIP diet offers a structured, science-informed way to take control. Below, you’ll find honest experiences, clear guides, and no-fluff advice—everything you need to decide if this path is right for you.