The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is designed to help reduce inflammation and the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.

While it can be difficult to adhere to, leaving out certain foods like dairy and nightshade vegetables, the potential benefits make it worth considering.

Though some may initially feel worse on the AIP diet due to changes in their food intake, many people report feeling better after a few weeks of following the protocol.

This is likely because the removal of certain inflammatory foods and reintroduction of nutrient-dense foods helps regulate hormones, balance blood sugar levels, and improve digestion.

In general, an AIP diet should leave you feeling energetic and healthier after a period of adjustment.

What is an autoimmune disease?

Immune systems in the body protect you from disease and infections. The immune system can assist in destroying viruses and bacteria. In people battling autoimmune conditions, their immune system is not functioning correctly.

It instead attacks its cellular and tissue health by mistake. The causes of autoimmunity are unknown, although things such as genetic factors, infection, and trauma can trigger it.

How Diet Can Help Autoimmune Conditions

Inflammation can cause autoimmune diseases. Increasing your calorie intake can help with this condition. Using food containing ingredients that can cause inflammatory symptoms can relieve symptoms. Identifying trigger foods is one way to maintain an immune function. Generally speaking functional medicine usually requires lighter intervention first.

Who Should Not Try An Autoimmune Paleo Diet?

People suffering from orthorexia may be unable to take elimination diets, including paleo-autoimmune diets. In general, eating a diet with no whole foods may potentially raise the risk for vitamin deficiencies. Eating meat increases your chances of heart attack.

The Top Eight Reasons You May Feel Bad On An Autoimmune Protocol Diet

Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar can occur on an autoimmune protocol diet due to its lack of carbohydrates, which are the body's main source of energy. The diet eliminates grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables, which are typically high in carbohydrates.

This can lead to a sudden decrease in blood sugar levels throughout the day as the body has difficulty finding another source of energy. In addition, those on this type of diet may become deficient in essential vitamins and minerals that help regulate metabolism and glucose levels in the blood.

As a result, individuals who follow an autoimmune protocol diet may be more prone to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar episodes. To combat this risk, it is important for individuals on this type of diet to monitor their blood sugar levels closely and ensure they are consuming enough healthy fats and proteins to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.

New Food Sensitivities

When starting an AIP diet you eliminate foods that are known to be inflammatory and potential triggers of autoimmune diseases. Some of the foods you will be eating on the AIP diet may not be foods you commonly eat. By introducing these new foods on the AIP diet, you may actually start consuming foods that cause immune reactions.

This is usually not an issue, but in some cases, it's possible, though a remote chance that some people may react to some of the new, anti-inflammatory foods they are eating on the autoimmune paleo diet.

Opioid Withdrawal Reaction Due to Casomorphin and Gluteomorphin

Opioid withdrawal reactions are commonly associated with the abrupt cessation or reduction of long-term opioid use. The withdrawal symptoms can be a result of the body adapting to the presence of opioids and the disruption of normal physiological processes when opioids are no longer present.

Casomorphins and gluteomorphins are peptides derived from the breakdown of casein (found in dairy products) and gluten (found in wheat, barley, and rye), respectively, that have been shown to have opiate-like effects on the brain and nervous system. While some studies suggest that these peptides may contribute to opioid withdrawal symptoms, more research is needed to fully understand their role and impact.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance Due to Low Blood Sugar

Neurotransmitter imbalance can occur due to low blood sugar levels as a result of reduced production and/or release of neurotransmitters. When blood glucose levels are low, the body is unable to produce sufficient amounts of serotonin, which can cause depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Low blood sugar also reduces dopamine levels, which can lead to difficulty concentrating and fatigue. Low levels of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) can affect motor coordination and impair ability to think clearly. Therefore, maintaining proper glucose levels is essential for proper neurotransmitter balance and overall mental health.

Insomnia and Anxiety Due to Low Blood Sugar

When blood sugar levels become too low, it can cause a number of symptoms such as insomnia and anxiety.

Low blood sugar can lead to difficulty sleeping due to increased alertness, irritability, and restlessness. Anxiety can also be triggered by low blood sugar levels because the body is in a state of alarm due to the lack of energy it needs.

Additionally, people may experience appetite changes and cravings that further contribute to insomnia or feelings of anxiousness. Symptoms like these can make it difficult for individuals to function normally, leading to fatigue and other problems if not addressed quickly.

Therefore, it is important to monitor blood sugar levels carefully if dealing with insomnia or anxiety so that any underlying causes are addressed accordingly.

Digestive Symptoms From Increased Fiber

Fiber is an important part of the autoimmune paleo diet, and can help to keep digestion healthy. However, increasing fiber too quickly or eating too much fiber can cause digestive symptoms in some people.

If someone is following an autoimmune paleo diet and increases their fiber intake, it is important for them to do so slowly and listen to their body for signs of distress. If they suddenly develop abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea after increasing their fiber intake, it may be a sign that they need to reduce their fiber consumption. Additionally, they should make sure to drink enough water throughout the day as this will help to keep digestion regular when consuming more fiber.

Histamine Intolerance

Histamine intolerance can develop as a result of following an autoimmune paleo diet for several reasons. Firstly, the autoimmune paleo diet focuses on eliminating certain food groups, such as dairy, gluten, and fermented foods, which are high in histamine.

This reduction in histamine-rich foods can result in a temporary decrease in the body's ability to break down histamine, leading to a buildup of histamine levels in the body. Additionally, some of the foods allowed on the autoimmune paleo diet, such as nuts and eggs, can also trigger histamine release, further exacerbating histamine intolerance symptoms.

In some cases, underlying gut health issues, such as small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), can also contribute to histamine intolerance and be exacerbated by the autoimmune paleo diet. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially if you have a history of allergies or intolerance.

Yeast and Bacteria Die-Off

When someone begins following a strict Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet, it is important to be aware of potential effects such as yeast and bacteria die-off. Die-off occurs when the body experiences a sudden or rapid influx of exposure to toxins.

This can cause systemic symptoms such as bloating, gas, nausea, fatigue and headaches. A person can develop yeast and bacteria die-off when going on an AIP diet by avoiding certain foods that have been known to contain large quantities of fermentable sugars and complex carbohydrates.

In particular, dairy products, grains, legumes, and potatoes should be avoided on this eating plan as they are high in these sugars and carbohydrates that can cause an overgrowth of fungi or bacteria in the body. Additionally, taking a probiotic supplement may help to balance out the gut bacteria while eliminating any potential sources of candida overgrowth.

AIP for Hashimoto's, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and Other Autoimmune Diseases

AIP treatment for Hashimoto's typically involves an elimination diet that removes common inflammatory foods, such as processed and refined foods, gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, soy and nightshade vegetables.

It also encourages the consumption of nutrient-dense whole foods such as fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats. This dietary change helps to reduce inflammation in the body and regulate thyroid hormones.

Additionally, lifestyle changes such as reducing stress levels and increasing physical activity can help support hormone balance. Supplementation with certain vitamins and minerals may also be beneficial to those with Hashimoto's.

Autoimmune Protocol Diet for Autoimmune Disease

The Autoimmune Protocol Diet is an effective treatment for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder. It focuses on eliminating foods that can irritate the immune system and promoting healthy gut bacteria.

This diet eliminates gluten, dairy, legumes, eggs, nuts and seeds as well as processed foods and vegetable oils. In addition to this elimination diet, it also encourages nourishing lifestyle practices such as adequate rest, stress management, and regular physical activity.

These changes are designed to reduce inflammation in the body and help to regulate the immune system. By following these dietary and lifestyle recommendations, individuals with Hashimoto’s can experience improved energy levels, better sleep quality and better overall health.

Thyroid Function

The Autoimmune Protocol Diet is a specialized eating plan that can significantly improve the quality of life and thyroid function in individuals with autoimmune disorders.

This diet helps to reduce inflammation in the body by eliminating pro-inflammatory foods and focusing on consuming nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory ingredients. Additionally, it encourages the consumption of foods that have been proven to support digestive health, such as bone broth and healthy fats like coconut oil.

By following this diet, individuals can help to reduce their symptoms and improve overall thyroid function. Furthermore, since the Autoimmune Protocol Diet eliminates potential triggers for food allergies or sensitivities, it may help promote an overall improvement in health and well-being.

Thyroid Medication

An AIP diet may potentially reduce the need for thyroid medication by dampening the autoimmune process that is destroying the thyroid gland. This diet is rich in nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats that can help to reduce inflammation and improve gut health.

Additionally, AIP eliminates certain food groups known as triggers, like gluten, dairy, nightshades, eggs, grains and certain types of processed foods. By eliminating these potential triggers it may help to decrease any further destruction caused by autoimmunity.

Proper nutrition combined with optimized thyroid function through regular blood testing can help to reduce any need for medication and provide a healthy balance in overall thyroid health.

Elevated Thyroid Antibodies

An AIP diet (Autoimmune Protocol) is a diet designed to reduce inflammation and autoimmune reactions in the body. It is based on the premise that eating certain foods can trigger an immune response which can lead to thyroid problems.

By avoiding food items such as gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, eggs, and nightshade vegetables, those with autoimmune or thyroid issues may be able to reduce their antibody levels. The elimination of these potential irritants from the diet has been suggested to help lower levels of antibodies which can cause damage to the thyroid gland.

Furthermore, an AIP diet may include various types of healthy fats such as olive oil and coconut oil which have been linked to improved thyroid health. Additionally, an AIP diet generally encourages eating more nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables which can provide essential vitamins and minerals necessary for proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

All in all, an AIP diet could be beneficial for those looking to lower their antibody levels associated with thyroid problems.

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