How the AIP Diet can help alleviate symptoms of specific autoimmune diseases

As someone who’s battled an autoimmune disease since 2007 — specifically Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis — I understand what it’s like to struggle with pain, fatigue, brain fog, and many other common autoimmune symptoms. However, I’ve also witnessed the power of nutrition and lifestyle medicine firsthand, which is why I’m so passionate about sharing this information with my clients and anyone battling an autoimmune condition or thyroid disease. I wrote about the connection between diet and autoimmune disease in last month’s blog post, so be sure to check that out if you haven’t already!

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all diet for autoimmune diseases, the Autoimmune Protocol Diet (or AIP diet) is one such style of eating that can be hugely beneficial for those with one or more autoimmune conditions. There are numerous research papers that support its effectiveness and I frequently see improvements in my clients with autoimmune disorders and other chronic health concerns. 

Let’s take a closer look at how the Autoimmune Protocol can help to alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others! 

The AIP Diet & autoimmune disease: what research tells us

There’s a good reason why so many Nutritional Therapy Practitioners and functional medicine providers recommend the Autoimmune Protocol Diet when clients present with autoimmune disease symptoms and other complex chronic health conditions: it’s because the Autoimmune Protocol reduces inflammation in the body. And since inflammation is at the root of many chronic conditions — autoimmune diseases included — the AIP diet helps to reduce inflammation in the body and alleviate symptoms associated with chronic inflammation. 

Here’s how the Autoimmune Protocol Diet can help alleviate symptoms of certain autoimmune diseases, according to published research and several of my own client case studies. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) & Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are two autoimmune diseases causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and occasionally, deformity. Those with PsA also experience skin symptoms such as scaly lesions (psoriasis). 

Even with conventional treatments for RA and PsA, many patients continue to experience pain, fatigue, mental health concerns, and physical disability. This is where the Autoimmune Protocol Diet can help: one study found that eight weeks of following the AIP diet resulted in reduced pain, less fatigue, and improved sleep among patients with RA. 

Client Case Studies

In my nutrition practice, one client with RA experienced a 69% improvement in their symptoms after following the Autoimmune Protocol for five months. Another client with PsA experienced a 79% improvement in symptoms after following the AIP diet for six months! And while I can’t guarantee that the Autoimmune Protocol Diet will benefit every person who follows it, it’s an excellent starting point for many. 

Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Thyroiditis

I’ve personally experienced the benefits of the Autoimmune Protocol during my Hashimoto’s journey, and I know I’m not the only one. For instance, a study published in Cureus found that 10 weeks of following the AIP diet could significantly improve health-related quality of life with Hashimoto’s disease and decrease clinical symptom burden. By the end of the 10-week programme, Medical Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ) points decreased from an average of 92 to 29! Learn more about choosing the best diet for Hashimoto’s in this blog post. 

Client Case Studies

Dietary and lifestyle approaches have benefited many of my Hashimoto’s clients over the years. One client with Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis and coeliac disease experienced a 65% symptom improvement during our five months of working together. Another client with Hashimoto’s and long COVID experienced a 92% symptom improvement in just four months! Check out this video to learn how I track clients’ improvements in my nutrition practice. 

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

As a complex gastrointestinal disorder, it makes sense that patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis could benefit from dietary and lifestyle modifications. And while the AIP diet may not benefit every person with IBD, research suggests that dietary elimination can help to improve endoscopic inflammation, decrease faecal calprotectin (FC), reduce symptoms such as rectal bleeding, and achieve clinical remission. 

Of course, it’s always best to work with an autoimmune disease nutritionist to ensure you’re eating balanced meals throughout the elimination and maintenance phases of the Autoimmune Protocol. As a certified AIP Coach, I can make personalised dietary and lifestyle recommendations that best fit your unique situation. 

Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS)

Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) is another type of autoimmune disease that can often be managed with dietary and lifestyle changes. One randomised controlled trial found that following a modified version of the AIP Diet (such as the Wahls Protocol) could help to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life, mental health, motor function, and sleep among those with RRMS. 

Similarly, another study found that fatigue and quality of life improved with a multimodal intervention that consisted of a modified Palaeolithic diet, stretching and strengthening exercises, self-massage, meditation, and nutritional supplementation. 

Client Case Study

After a client of mine followed the Wahls Protocol for six months, they experienced a 67% improvement in their multiple sclerosis symptoms. During our six months of working together, their symptom score decreased from 89 to 29! 

Lupus

While there isn’t published research to support the effectiveness of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet for lupus, specifically, research does suggest that diet can be used to manage symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As such, the AIP diet can be a great place to start when incorporating nutritional therapy into one’s lupus treatment plan. 

Client Case Study

A more recent client of mine successfully reduced their lupus symptoms by 82% during our six months of working together. After following the AIP diet with my guidance, their symptom score decreased from 93 to 17!

Next steps

I’ve personally experienced the positive effects of the AIP diet throughout my health journey and I regularly see symptom improvements in my clients as they temporarily remove inflammatory foods from their diets and replace them with immune-regulating foods that heal the gut, address nutrient deficiencies, and balance hormones. 

Ready to learn more about how nutritional therapy can help you improve your symptoms and quality of life? Book a free 20-minute inquiry call with me to get started!