UNDERSTANDING THE Autoimmune Protocol
- The elimination phase is a starting point
- A broad diet is critically important
- Understanding remission and a sustainable approach
Debunking The MYTH
The elimination phase of the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is often misunderstood. It’s tempting to think of it as a permanent dietary change or a temporary detox. However, this phase should be seen as neither. Instead, consider it a starting point for discovering a personalized and least-restrictive diet that will support your wellbeing into the future.
A Starting Point, Not a Destination
The elimination phase is designed to help you identify which foods may be triggering your autoimmune symptoms. While it can be highly effective in reducing inflammation and other symptoms, it should not be viewed as a long-term solution. The goal is to reintroduce foods systematically to determine what works best for you, leading to a more sustainable and nourishing diet.
The Importance of a Broader Diet
A broader diet can actually make remission more likely because it provides more opportunities to eat a nutritionally sufficient diet. While it’s possible to meet all your nutritional needs with the foods allowed in the elimination phase of AIP, expanding your diet to include foods like eggs, nuts, and dairy (provided you’re not reactive to them) can make it easier and more enjoyable to maintain.
Understanding Remission: A Realistic Perspective
It’s important to acknowledge that remission may not be a realistic goal for everyone. Many autoimmune conditions are chronic and can be managed to varying degrees. While some conditions have periods of remission and relapse, most are ongoing. AIP can be a powerful tool in managing these diseases and improving your quality of life in the present.
A Sustainable Approach
So, rather than viewing AIP as a forever plan or a temporary fix, see it as your on-ramp to a personalized diet that supports long-term health and well-being. By broadening your diet, you increase your chances of maintaining a nutritionally sufficient lifestyle, which can contribute to better health outcomes.