Autoimmune disorders are still on the rise in the US. Both in terms of number of those struggling, and in numbers of diseases that are added to the umbrella of “autoimmune disorders”. Because there are so many different varieties of autoimmune disorders and because they occur ANYWHERE in the body, the symptoms can include almost anything. Some autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, IBD, type 1 diabetes, and psoriasis. We know that there are many factors in the occurrence of autoimmunity, but gut balance, environment, diet, and genetic vulnerabilities play a role in this disease and all other autoimmune disorders.
Research on autoimmunity is searching for the BEST diet for autoimmunity. The autoimmune protocol (AIP)diet is one that was put to a test. AIP is a diet that limits pro-inflammatory foods and emphasizes anti-inflammatory foods. Researchers found that AIP improves symptoms and promotes IBD remission which may help with overall gut function and balance. The AIP diet is similar to the paleo diet, and it has 2 separate phases.
- Phase 1 includes elimination of foods that are pro-inflammatory. All grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, nightshade vegetables, eggs, dairy, tobacco, alcohol, coffee, oils, food additives, refined and processed sugars, and NSAIDs medications are strictly avoided. Basically consumption is based on nutrient-dense foods such as minimally processed meat, fermented foods, and bone broth. It also focuses on improvement of other lifestyle factors (sleep, stress, and physical activity).
- Phase 2 consists of the reintroduction phase. Once the gut has begun healing and the immune system calms down, avoided foods may be gradually reintroduced back into the diet one at a time based on a person’s tolerance. Whatever is well tolerated can be added back into the diet!
Because I believe in the power of anti-inflammatory foods, AND because I believe in plant-based proteins over animal-based proteins; I wrote a book about a fusion of a vegan diet and the AIP. It has worked for me and a group of people I helped with it. So if you have been searching for a plant-based AIP, look no futher! RIGHT Diet for Autoimmunity will have some answers for you as well as a list of recipes free of meat, gluten, dairy, and refined sugars, primarily rehabbed Indian recipes full of flavor and nutrition – they’re Nutri-Licious! It does include some nightshade vegetables, fruits, oils, and natural sweeteners. The rate of gut healing may be longer doing a plant-based protocol, but I’m honored to say that it IS possible. Varying rasams (lentil and vegetable broths) are swapped in for bone broths. The key to my diet is nutrition-density, minimal processing, delicious inclusion of more than the standard AIP, and healing of leaky gut. If you know of someone suffering from autoimmunity, send them my book and ask them to contact me for a free consult.
