Why I Follow the AIP Diet—and How It’s Helped Me Heal

“Let food be thy medicine.” I used to roll my eyes at that quote—until my own body made me take it seriously.

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is more than a trend or another restrictive plan. It’s a powerful, healing approach to food that helps calm autoimmune flares, reduce inflammation, and support gut health. I didn’t choose this diet because it was easy—I chose it because it works.

What Is the AIP Diet?

The AIP diet is an elimination diet created for those suffering from autoimmune diseases. It removes common food triggers that can irritate the gut lining, disrupt hormones, and cause the immune system to attack the body.

It’s a stricter version of Paleo, cutting out not only grains, dairy, and legumes, but also:

• Eggs
• Nuts and seeds
• Nightshades (like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers)
• Processed foods, refined sugars, and seed oils
• Artificial sweeteners and additives

Instead, the AIP diet focuses on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods like:

• Organ meats and grass-fed meats
• Wild-caught fish
• Bone broth
• Fermented vegetables
• Leafy greens, squashes, and cruciferous veggies
• Herbs and healing spices (without seed-based blends)

Why I Use It

My health journey didn’t come with a roadmap. I dealt with chronic fatigue, skin issues, joint pain, brain fog, and mysterious flare-ups. Doctors gave me diagnoses and prescriptions—but no real solutions.

When I discovered the AIP diet, I was skeptical. But after just a few weeks of sticking to it, I noticed major improvements in my energy, clarity, digestion, and pain levels. It’s not a magic pill, but it has helped me feel like myself again. And that’s priceless.

How to Get Started with AIP

Starting AIP can feel overwhelming, but it’s totally doable with the right mindset and prep. Here’s a simple roadmap:

1. Elimination Phase: Stick strictly to the AIP food list. This usually lasts 30–90 days. Focus on healing and giving your gut a break.
2. Reintroduction Phase: Gradually reintroduce foods one by one to see what triggers symptoms.
3. Maintenance Phase: Create a personalized diet based on what your body tolerates.

Tips for Success

• Meal prep is your best friend—don’t wing it!
• Keep a food and symptom journal
• Stay hydrated and prioritize sleep
• Stick to whole, unprocessed foods
• Find AIP swaps for your favorite comfort meals (they exist!)

Final Thoughts

This lifestyle isn’t about perfection. It’s about listening to your body and giving it what it needs to heal. The AIP diet is just one tool in God’s toolkit—and I’m grateful it’s one I’ve been able to use.

If you're considering AIP, start with prayer and research. It may not be for everyone, but for me, it’s been a breakthrough.