Anyone else following autoimmune protocol paleo?

illyich wrote: »

I've never heard of that. Do you have food allergies that you're trying to work around? How does it exactly tackle autoimmunity with nutrition?

It's basically a diet that's (typically) very low in carbs, very high in fats, and moderate in protein. No grains/legumes/added sugars (except for honey, which I think is okay). High emphasis on coconut oil (for the anti fungal properties, as well as the MCT's, which are supposed to digest easier and be a more direct source of energy than other kinds of fats), rendered fat from pastured animals, and grassfed butter. Fermented foods and bone broth are also AIP staples, as are soft-cooked, non-starchy vegetables. Sweet potatoes and plantains are considered to be "safe" starches, although I don't remember why. No nightshades are allowed, either.

The logic behind AIP is that most food allergies and autoimmune diseases are caused by an autoimmune reaction triggered by Leaky Gut Syndome, and that by eating the foods allowed on AIP, you can "heal and seal" your gut lining, which can cause you to overcome your food allergies/intolerances and recover from autoimmune diseases without having to take drugs for them.

It works for some people, but most people find it too restictive to follow for any great length of time. I take some of the principles from it, and have had great improvements with my own digestive health. For example, I drink bone broth, take really potent probiotics, eat lots of fermented foods, and eat gluten-free. But I do eat grains/legumes, and I do eat added sugars. It's like everything else -- you have to pick and choose which parts really improve your health and quality of life, and which parts are too restrictive to be actually practical.

I've been on the AIP for 6 months. I have inflammatory arthritis, and I found that it alleviated my symptoms. I have no joint pain and little weakness at this point. My blood pressure also normalized. The Whole30 version of AIP does not require a low carb diet. In fact, I eat high carbs, as I consume a lot of fruit. Healthy fats like avocado are encouraged. I also switched to a pescatarian diet, so I eat seafood, allowed veggies and fruit, and coconut. I recently reintroduced a little chocolate on rare occasions as well as cashews. I've lost quite a bit of weight, though the diet is not designed for weight loss. One's weight normalizes with clean eating. It has not been a difficult journey. After about a week of sugar detox, it has been pretty smooth sailing. Eating out can be a challenge. I end up relying on plantain chips and fruit salads on the road. I'd be happy to connect with you for support.

I have a close friend who was able to go off most of her RA medications following the AIP closely. No more steroid injections! If you struggle with autoimmune diseases, I would certainly give it a shot. I've seen the progress and results with my own eyes.

You do realize that "leaky gut" is a made up thing promoted by those who embrace pseudoscience & woo....

I have recently started AIP and am feeling better. I have a long way to go but I prefer trying this as opposed to another new expensive drug, with side effects that are intolerable and sometimes permanent. Whether "leaky gut" is pseudoscience or not I am willing to try eating differently to feel better. I don't think anyone can understand unless they have struggled with an illness/disease that doesn't improve with any of the medications given to help it. I do think diet is just one aspect of any chronic - autoimmune illness, possibly even one of the things that triggered it in the first place. Good luck to all of you who are trying to improve yourselves or your illness with diet changes.