The Autoimmune Paleo diet, also known as the Autoimmune Protocol diet (AIP), is increasing in popularity as a source of relief from a variety of autoimmune and digestive issues. Over the last 50 years, there has been a dramatic rise in the number of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes and Crohns disease. This alarming statistic has patients desperate for answers. Here, we will explore a unique approach to wellness.
What Causes Autoimmune Diseases?
While the causes of autoimmune diseases are not 100 percent known, researchers have nailed down a variety of contributing factors. Lifestyle, diet and genetic predispositions all can have on an effect on your likeliness to have autoimmune issues. However, further research is now leaning more toward the fact that diet is seemingly playing a major role.
That said, a change in diet may be the key to reversing an autoimmune disease. Did you know there are over 100 different types of autoimmune disorders? Since that’s the case, it’s incredible to know that a change in diet, albeit a possible drastic one, could make all the difference.
Autoimmune Paleo Diet Plan (AIP)
How does the autoimmune paleo diet plan aim to relieve or eliminate autoimmune diseases? By eliminating common trigger foods that tend to cause gut inflammation. These types of foods include:
- Grains and pseudograins
- Dairy and eggs
- Nightshades
- Alcohol and coffee
- Nuts and seeds
- Legumes
- Refined sugars or oils
- Sugar substitutes
- Processed foods
While this list may seem harsh, it’s the only way to begin alleviating inflammation. Although some foods on this list may have some great nutrients, they also have more inflammatory compounds.
Instead, AIP promotes an elimination strategy that implements nutrient-rich foods like lean meats, seafood and veggies.
Reintroducing Foods
The good news is that the AIP doesn’t have to be forever. Once you begin to feel your body achieving optimum health and have a better understanding of how your body reacts to foods, you can potentially begin to reintroduce foods. However, this should be done a bit methodically.
Begin with very small amounts of food. Additionally, only reintroduce one food at a time. These would preferably be foods that typically still have nutritional value, like tomatoes, for example. Wait about a week in order to see if you experience any adverse reactions. If you experience digestive issues or notice that you feel badly in any other way, eliminate that food once again.
Supplemental Resources
If you’d like to continue learning more about this approach, check out The Autoimmune Protocol by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne. In addition to a plethora of information on autoimmune paleo, she offers meal plans, shopping lists and recipes.
And if you’re just in the market for more paleo meal ideas, you can find just what you need on the HealthHearty site!
Paleo on the Go- Meal Delivery Service
If you suffer from food sensitivities and autoimmune issues, you may find Paleo on the Go super convenient and beneficial. This meal delivery service ensures that all food is nutrient-dense and paleo compliant. Furthermore, they offer a variety of tasty entrees and desserts.
In addition, they add to the convenience by offering an “AIP starter pack.” To save you time in the decision-making process, this offering includes some of their most popular meals and desserts for an all-inclusive price. You can even take advantage of their “subscribe and save” option if you want to eliminate one more thing from your to-do list.
To summarize, the autoimmune paleo diet plan can work wonders in relieving symptoms associated with autoimmune disorders. By eliminating trigger foods, you can begin to see your body restored to health. If you suffer from an autoimmune disorder, consider giving this approach a try. After all, it may be the best decision you ever make to restore your health!
