The Difference Between the Paleo Diet & the AIP Diet
The Paleo diet and the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet are two popular diets that have gained increasing attention in recent years. Both diets are focused on improving health and reducing inflammation in the body. In this blog post, I will explain what the Paleo diet and the AIP diet are and what the difference between the two diets is.
What is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo diet, also known as the "caveman" diet, is based on the eating habits of our ancestors from the Paleolithic era, also known as the hunter-gatherer era. The Paleo diet food list includes foods that were available to early humans, such as meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. The diet prohibits the consumption of processed foods, grains, dairy products, legumes, and sugar. The Paleo diet is based on the idea that humans function best on a diet similar to that of our ancestors. The diet is believed to improve health and reduce inflammation in the body.
What is the AIP Diet?
The AIP diet, also known as the Autoimmune Protocol diet, is a diet that focuses on supporting the immune system. The AIP diet has its roots in the Paleo diet but goes even further than that. The AIP diet is based on the fact that in our consumer society certain foods may have a negative impact on our immune system due to artificial processing. The AIP diet not only eliminates grains, dairy products, legumes, and sugar but also removes foods that may have a negative impact on the immune system, such as eggs, nuts, seeds, nightshades (such as potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers), and coffee. Food items that, unfortunately, we find too little in our current consumer society's diet. Read more about these adverse effects of the consumer society on our nutrition here.
These so-called anti-nutrients are completely avoided. The diet is intended to reduce complaints/symptoms by not eating processed foods. (instead high-quality foods and grass-fed meat should be eaten). Often people with these complaints/symptoms have an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto's disease, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or people who are labeled with so called "vague symptoms" that could fit well with an autoimmune disease such as fatigue, headaches, or digestive issues. For more information about the AIP diet take a look at this page. Read more about AIP here. There is also a difference between the FODMAP diet and the AIP diet. Read here to learn what the differences are.
What is the Difference Between the Paleo and AIP Diets?
The main difference between the Paleo diet and the AIP diet is that the AIP diet is specifically designed to support the immune system. The Paleo diet is based on the idea that humans function best on a diet similar to that of our ancestors, for it is better for our overall health. One key reason why people might choose the AIP diet over the Paleo diet is if they have autoimmune diseases or experience symptoms that may be indicative of autoimmune conditions. Learn more about who the AIP diet is suitable for.
Food is only one part of the AIP Circle
It is important to remember, however, that the AIP diet revolves around a circle. This means that nutrition is just one aspect of a healthy lifestyle, and exercise, sleep, and stress management are also important for managing autoimmune diseases. Step into the circle of the AIP lifestyle and let food be the medicine it once was. Your disease is not your identity; it is only the bothersome symptoms that remind you that you're ill. Start AIP on your own or visit our website for recipes, tips, and support.
