7 Tips for an AIP Pantry from Dr. Axe
If you’ve ever suffered from an autoimmune condition like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or celiac disease, you’re probably all too familiar with the serious toll that it can take on your health. Not only can these conditions cause symptoms like brain fog, joint pain and fatigue, but they can also start to slowly damage the lining of your digestive tract over time, resulting in leaky gut syndrome.
Leaky gut syndrome is characterized by increased intestinal permeability, meaning that substances are able to pass through the walls of your digestive tract more easily. This allows food particles and waste products to enter the bloodstream, leading to increased inflammation and setting off symptoms even more.
Enter the autoimmune protocol diet, also known as the AIP diet. This diet works to heal the gut and provide relief from symptoms by cutting out any foods that cause inflammation. Like the Paleo diet, the AIP diet involves eliminating foods like grains, legumes, dairy and soy, but also goes a step beyond and cuts out other foods including nightshade vegetables, nuts, seeds and eggs.
After strictly following the diet for a few weeks, these foods can be slowly re-introduced and closely monitored to find which ingredients may trigger symptoms for you. While the diet can certainly be restrictive and challenging to follow, it can also make a huge difference in providing symptom relief for those suffering from an autoimmune disorder.
Stocking up on the right ingredients is the best way to get started and ensure success on the AIP diet. Here are a few tips and tricks for building the best AIP pantry possible: