Eating to Support Autoimmune

First, let’s begin with a quick introduction to Autoimmune.

This condition, often referred to as Autoimmune Disease, is when the body can’t tell the difference between healthy tissue and foreign invaders. A hypersensitive reaction will occur-the body, then attacks itself. This can happen over months or years, and the tissue continues to attack itself, until it is a full blown autoimmune disease. Autoimmune is seen in more than 80 different disease’s, with the common factor being self-attacking the tissue.

If you have determined that you have an autoimmune disease, or you’re in the process of a prognosis, you hopefully have been introduced to an AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet. This specific diet works to help reduce triggers in the body, that cause inflammation in the intestines. By reducing certain food groups, the body is able to heal itself. AIP works to calm the inflammation in the gut/body, and help put autoimmune in remission.

Now let’s dive in a little deeper as to which food groups are beneficial to remove from your diet, and which foods are beneficial to increase in your diet, to ultimately help your gut heal!

The Yes Foods:

1. Lean Meats, Fish, Seafood
2. Vegetables, and some Fruits
3. Healthy Fats and Oils- Avocado, Coconut, Olive
4. Safe herbs and spices

The No foods:

1. Grains or Gluten
2. Legumes-including soy and peanuts
3. Dairy products
4. Processed foods
5. Refined sugars
6. Refined oils
7. Eggs
8. Nuts and seeds
9. Nightshades
10. Spices derived from night shades and seeds
11. Alcohol, caffeine and chocolate

The foods that are recommended for an AIP diet help in multiple ways. They may reduce the inflammation in the gut and whole body. They can work to heal the lining of the intestines. They are shown to calm down the immune system. And they help promote the healing process. Remember, the AIP diet is temporary until your body has healed and you are able to reintroduce the food you once had to exclude in the elimination phase. The lifestyle that promotes self-healing also includes sleep & practice of stress management, regular exercise, and good nutrition.

Here is an amazing smoothie bowl recipe that is AIP friendly!

Green Breakfast Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups fresh spinach
2. ½ cup kale
3. ¼ cup avocado, peeled and diced
4. ½ cup fresh strawberries
5. Juice of an orange
6. ½ cup blueberries
7. ¼ kiwi, sliced
8. 1 scoop vital proteins collagen peptides
9. Toasted coconut

Instructions:

1. Combine spinach, kale, avocado, strawberries, orange juice, blueberries, and vital proteins collagen in a high-speed blender.
2. Mix on high until smooth, about 20-30 seconds
3. Transfer immediately to a bowl and garnish with blueberries, kiwi’s and toasted coconut.