Protocole AIP
What is the autoimmune protocol? (Autoimmune protocol/AIP)
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) is a scientific elimination and reintroduction diet and lifestyle protocol. It focuses on repairing gut health, balancing hormones, and regulating the immune system. The dietary component includes removing foods that cause inflammation and replenishing nutrient density, while the lifestyle component includes approaches to sleep, stress management, movement, and connection (with humans and nature), to help better control autoimmune disease. The autoimmune protocol has been used successfully alone or in combination with conventional treatments, depending on a person's needs, and has also been the focus of medical research.
The dietary component of the autoimmune protocol consists of two phases: elimination and reintroduction. It is not always appropriate for people to start with a complete elimination diet, so a transition phase is used to bridge this gap. AIP certified coaches will understand how to assess individuals for ideal transition methods as well as the length and process for food eliminations and reintroductions.
The transition phase is the process of changing one's diet toward the elimination phase, with an emphasis on nutrient density. This can be a gradual or rapid process. We'll cover assessment and implementation later in the course, but our observation is that most people are best suited for a gradual transition.
The elimination phase is what we call the period where a person is fully compliant with eliminations after the dietary transition. There are two options for the elimination phase: Basic AIP and Modified AIP. Regardless of the protocol used, elimination lasts at least 30 days. The goal is to maintain food eliminations while focusing on nutrient-rich additions, with the goal of maximizing healing.
The reintroduction phase is reached when an individual has spent 30-90 days fully compliant with baseline or modified AIP elimination and has had measurable improvements in their symptoms compared to their baseline, as evidenced by monitoring and logging (and/or laboratory testing). Ideally, there will be relief of symptoms. The reintroduction phase leads to a diet that is individualized, sustainable (practically and socially), and rich in nutrients. It should be the least restrictive and healthiest diet.