What is the “AIP” or
Autoimmune Protocol?
The AIP is a strict elimination diet that we commit to for a minimum of 30 to 90 days, in conjunction with a number of proactive lifestyle steps, the combined goal of which is to minimize inflammation and favour healing. It is not a “cure” for auto-immune disease, but rather an attempt to “reboot” one’s system by removing any and all food and lifestyle triggers of inflammation, and actively promote healing.
When you’ve been to the doctor, but they keep saying that nothing’s wrong… When you’re just so tired of feeling as unexplicably tired as you do… When you can’t quite think straight in the fog of your mind…
…the AIP is one way in which you can take healing into your own hands and begin to feel better.
The Elimination Phase
All Grains
Grains like wheat, rye, oats, barley, but also the gluten free grains (ie rice, quinoa, buckwheat) are eliminated.
All Dairy Products
All milks, cheeses, yoghurts and butter are all eliminated, whether they come from cow, goat, sheep, or camel.
Eggs
Both the white and the yolk of all eggs (duck and goose) are eliminated.
All Seeds
Seeds have an evolutionary prerogative to survive. They are structured to resist digestion, which can be very inflammatory, and are therefore eliminated.
All Nuts
Nuts contain anti-nutrients that are difficult on sensitive digestive systems. Also, they are often contaminated with fungi. They are eliminated.
Nightshade Vegetables
This family of vegetables can be particularly inflammatory.
It consists of all tomatoes, eggplants, all peppers and chilis. These are eliminated.
The Lifestyle Stuff
Stress
Chronic illness is stressful in and of itself. And, despite our illness, we often try to maintain a ‘normal’ pace of work, play, exercise, children….
Unless you are actively managing your stress
in some way
(yoga, meditation,
tai chi, deep breathing,…),
it is accumulating. This needs to stop.
Sleep
Chronic illness doesn’t make for quality sleep. For some, it’s pain that keeps us awake; for others, it’s blood sugar regulation issues. Whatever the case, developing good sleep hygiene habits is essential. Our bodies rest and repair during our sleep cycles, and without quality sleep… we simply will not heal.
Movement
It’s important to redefine what our bodies are capable of, as well as what is positive movement and what is not. Repetitive stress exercise (ie jogging, running, cross-fit, weight-training, etc) is not always appropriate.
It is essential to know when to give your body a break… and how best to move in order to heal.
Community
Chronic illness can be very isolating. And debilitating. And no man is an island. (!)
We must know how to ask for help.
We must also have a support network around us… whether face to face or,
at the very least, online.
Please ask me to be part of your support network.
I would very much like to help you!
Nature
Humans have come to think of ourselves as different from other animals,
but it’s just not true. We are just one more of the many animal species that live on earth, and our connections to all aspects of
nature are no less important for us than they are for the birds or the bees. Reconnecting regularly and often with mother nature is essential.
A Couple of Other Important Notes
Nutrient Density
It seems obvious that,
if we do nothing but remove a whole bunch of foods from our diets, without replacing them wisely, our health will not improve.
Seeking out those foods that offer the highest numbers of vitamins and minerals for their caloric value is the overarching guiding principle of the AIP.
Healthy Oils
The most commonly used oils today have become so not because of their health benefits, but because of their low production costs. Vegetable oils are highly susceptible to oxidation by light and heat.
They should be avoided on the AIP.
Rather, avocado oil, coconut oil, and olive oil should be your oils of choice.
Spices
Many of our most popular spices are derived from seeds (coriander, cumin, dill, mustard, nutmeg, etc). Similarly, many spices are derived from nightshade vegetables (chili powder, paprika, red pepper flakes).
During the elimination phase, it is important to avoid these spices along their whole-food counterparts.
Meats & Fats
Many people come to their health crisis at least partly as a result of nutritional deficiencies.
Quality meat and animal fats are among the most nutrient-dense foods available to us, and they come from humanely-raised and/or wild-caught animals, fish, and seafood.
Is the AIP perhaps a solution for you?
Let's talk about it...
Optimize your health despite your autoimmune disease
by adopting the AIP. (I will help you do it!).
The Auto-Immune Protocol is a diet and lifestyle intervention that minimizes inflammation in the body
and facilitates healing.