Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Diet
Autoimmune paleo diet is designed to support the immune system. Although, it is one of the most challenging and restrictive diets, its benefits are proportionately measurable. This diet becomes specially challenging for vegans. Therefore, it is recommended to supplement with proper nutrients and monitor lab markers and symptoms when and if this diet is followed.
the AIP diet is a stricter version of the whole-foods-centric paleo diet, currently one of the most popular diets in the U.S.
The AIP diet focuses on an initial elimination of foods that include grains, legumes, nightshades, dairy, eggs, coffee, alcohol, nuts, seeds, refined and processed sugars, oils and food additives, the study says.
A maintenance phase follows the elimination phase. This phase is designed to measure a person’s symptoms and overall well-being, the study says. Then, various foods are reintroduced into the diet to identify which ones might be causing symptoms tied to autoimmune diseases. In the end, the diet aims to cut out foods that trigger autoimmune-induced inflammation within the gut.
For people with debilitating or life-threatening autoimmune conditions, the autoimmune protocol reduces their symptoms and in some cases puts their disease into remission.
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Who should consider AIP or Autoimmune Paleo Diet?
Anyone diagnosed with an autoimmune disease or immune dysfunction may benefit from autoimmune paleo diet.
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What foods can be eaten on autoimmune paleo diet?
1. vegetables outside of nightshade family.
2. Fruits outside of nightshade family.
3. Plant based protein sources (plant based milk, plant based yogurt etc)
4. Sea food/ fish such as merckel, salmon, halibut,tuna etc.
5. Healthy fats such as avocado, coconuts, olives.
6. Meat such as poultry, beef, chicken (all meat from organic sources).
7. Substitute meat by plant based protein sources if you are vegan.
8. Fermented foods such as kombucha, kefir and fermented fruits.
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What foods must absolutely be avoided on AIP diet?
1. Dairy and all derivatives
2. Gluten and grains
3. Legumes
3. Nightshade vegetables and fruits
4. Eggs
5. Soy
6. Nuts
7. Sugar
8. Processed foods
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How long the AIP should be followed?
AIP should be followed for at least 3-6 months to see any results. Some people may need to continue it for longer time periods or during periods of their disease flare ups.
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What is the science behind AIP diet?
AIP has been studied and has consistently produced beneficial results. The reason why this diet works is because it helps eliminate several immunogenic foods. Immunogenic foods are typically foods which trigger body;s immune system and the protein molecules in these foods initiate a phenomenon in the body called molecular mimicry. This occurs when the immune system gets tricked into thinking that the food derived proteins are offenders and the body is to be guarded against them. The immune system reacts, makes antibodies and in the process of doing so, mistakes body's own tissue proteins as offending agents as well. As a results, the immune system starts to build antibodies against body's natural tissues. Some such examples of these antibodies are antinuclear antibody (ANA), lupus antibodies, thyroid antibodies (TPO) etc. Because it is theorized that certain foods have high immunogenic activity (those listed on AIP diet), if these foods are avoided, immune system will calm down and will not attack the self. Several studies have shown this methodology to work in conjunction with additional supportive measures such as exercise, stress reduction and avoidance of environmental triggers.
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