The Paleo diet and the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet are both popular diets that focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods. The Paleo diet is based on the idea that our ancestors ate a certain way during the Paleolithic era, and that by eating the same way today, we can improve our health and well-being. The diet consists of whole, nutrient-dense foods that were available to our ancestors, such as meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy products are avoided on the Paleo diet.
On the other hand, the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is a more restrictive version of the Paleo diet, specifically designed for people with autoimmune diseases. The AIP diet aims to reduce inflammation in the body and heal the gut, which is thought to be a key factor in the development of autoimmune diseases. The AIP diet eliminates many foods that are considered healthy on the Paleo diet such as nuts, seeds, nightshades and eggs, as well as grains, legumes, and dairy products. The goal of the AIP diet is to identify and eliminate the foods that trigger autoimmune symptoms and then gradually reintroduce them back in.
It’s worth noting that both diets focus on nutrient-dense foods and eliminating processed foods and added sugars. But the AIP diet is more restrictive and eliminates more foods that might cause inflammation. Both diets are considered to be healthy and can be beneficial for people with autoimmune diseases, however, it’s important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before starting any restrictive diet, especially if you have specific health conditions.