Autoimmune diseases affect millions of people worldwide, often leading to chronic inflammation, fatigue, digestive issues, and pain. The Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Diet is a targeted elimination diet designed to help reduce inflammation, repair the gut lining, and regulate the immune system.
If you're looking for a structured, step-by-step guide to implementing AIP, we’ve got you covered! Download our free AIP diet PDF, which includes:
The AIP diet is an extension of the Paleo diet, but it eliminates additional food groups that are known to trigger immune reactions, gut damage, and systemic inflammation. It focuses on nutrient-dense whole foods that support gut healing, immune regulation, and overall well-being.
This diet is especially beneficial for individuals with autoimmune diseases, such as:
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation, pain, and dysfunction. These conditions, including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis, are often triggered or worsened by gut permeability, food sensitivities, and chronic immune activation.
The Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Diet is specifically designed to remove inflammatory triggers, heal the gut lining, regulate the immune system, and support overall health. Here’s how AIP works to manage autoimmune diseases and promote healing:
The AIP diet follows a strict elimination phase where you remove all potentially inflammatory foods and focus on nutrient-dense options.
| Food Group | AIP-Friendly Options |
| Meats & Seafood | Grass-fed beef, pastured chicken, wild-caught fish, turkey, lamb, duck, organ meats |
| Vegetables | Leafy greens, carrots, beets, cauliflower, zucchini, sweet potatoes, asparagus, cucumber |
| Fruits | In moderation: berries, apples, pears, peaches, bananas, avocado, coconut |
| Healthy Fats | Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado oil, duck fat, beef tallow |
| Herbs & Spices | Basil, oregano, turmeric, garlic, ginger, thyme, rosemary (avoid seed-based spices) |
| Fermented Foods | Sauerkraut, kimchi (without nightshades), coconut yogurt, kombucha |
| Bone Broth | Homemade or high-quality store-bought options |
| Food Group | Avoid These |
| Grains & Gluten | Wheat, oats, barley, corn, quinoa, rice |
| Dairy | Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt |
| Legumes | Beans, lentils, soy, peanuts |
| Nightshades | Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, chili, paprika |
| Nuts & Seeds | Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, sunflower seeds, chia, flax |
| Eggs | All types, including pasture-raised and organic eggs |
| Processed Foods & Additives | Sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, food dyes |
| Caffeine & Alcohol | Coffee, black/green tea, beer, wine, liquor |
Starting the Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Diet can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes the transition much easier. Here’s a simple roadmap to help you get started:
| Reintroduction Guide | Foods to Test |
| Stage 1 (Least reactive) | Egg yolks, ghee, seed-based spices |
| Stage 2 (Moderate) | Nuts, legumes (soaked), nightshades |
| Stage 3 (Most reactive) | Dairy, grains, coffee, alcohol |
Here’s a sample 3-day meal plan to help you get started.
| Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Snack |
| Day 1 | Coconut Porridge with Blueberries | Grilled Salmon with Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Slow-Cooked Beef Stew | Bone Broth & Avocado |
| Day 2 | AIP Banana Pancakes | Turkey & Avocado Lettuce Wraps | Herb-Crusted Chicken with Sautéed Greens | Coconut Yogurt & Berries |
| Day 3 | Sweet Potato Hash with Beef | Shrimp & Zucchini Noodles | Braised Lamb with Carrots & Cauliflower | Olives & Plantain Chips |
Our free AIP PDF includes a 7-day meal plan with easy-to-follow recipes!
The elimination phase lasts at least 30 days, but for best results, it is recommended to follow it for 60-90 days. The reintroduction phase can take several months as foods are gradually tested to determine how the body reacts.
Yes, the AIP diet is not meant to be permanent—it is designed to help identify food triggers. Once the reintroduction phase is complete, non-inflammatory foods that do not cause symptoms can be incorporated back into the diet.
No, coffee is eliminated during the elimination phase because it can irritate the gut and stimulate the immune system. Alternatives such as herbal teas, chicory root coffee, or dandelion tea may be used instead.
Yes, nightshades—including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes—are removed because they contain alkaloids that may contribute to inflammation and gut irritation. These foods can be reintroduced later to assess individual tolerance.
The primary goal of AIP is healing, not weight loss. However, many people experience natural weight loss due to the elimination of processed foods and the inclusion of nutrient-dense meals.
No, AIP is a temporary elimination diet meant to identify which foods work best for the body. After food triggers are identified, individuals can transition to a personalized, long-term diet that supports overall health while avoiding problematic foods.
The Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) Diet is more than just an elimination plan—it’s a proactive approach to healing. By removing inflammatory triggers and prioritizing nutrient-dense, gut-supporting foods, you can help reduce symptoms, restore balance, and regain energy. This diet empowers you to take control of your health and create a long-term eating plan tailored to your body’s needs.
If you're ready to start your journey toward better health and symptom relief, download our free AIP guide today and take the first step toward lasting wellness.
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