Blog · AIP protocol and nutrition
AIP protocol and nutrition
If there is one thing that changed how I managed my Hidradenitis Suppurativa, it was what I put on my plate. Not through magic, but because food, gut health, and inflammation can be connected. In my experience, exploring that connection gave me something practical I could work on every day at home, without simply waiting for my next appointment.
Here you will find the practical side of my journey: the Autoimmune Protocol, or AIP protocol, with its two phases, elimination and reintroduction, as well as the supplements I used to address identified deficiencies. Always speak with a qualified professional before changing your diet, ideally a registered dietitian or nutrition professional familiar with HS and inflammatory conditions. These articles share my experience as a patient, not medical advice, and can help you arrive at that conversation better prepared.
Reading path
- 1 Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa with the AIP Protocol
What the AIP protocol is and why I chose it.
- 2 AIP Protocol: The Elimination Phase
Phase 1: which foods the protocol removes and how to begin.
- 3 AIP Protocol: The Reintroduction Phase
Phase 2: how to reintroduce foods carefully and track your response.
- 4 Hidradenitis Suppurativa and Supplements
The supplements I considered, with supporting sources.
- 5 Vitamin D
The vitamin D chapter: deficiency, dosing, and the Coimbra protocol.
Frequently asked questions
What is the AIP protocol in simple terms?
AIP stands for Autoimmune Protocol. It is a paleo-style dietary approach that temporarily removes foods the protocol considers potentially inflammatory or related to intestinal permeability, including grains, dairy, legumes, nightshades, and refined sugar. Foods are then reintroduced gradually while you observe how your body responds.
Can diet replace medication for HS?
No. Nutrition was very important in my own journey, but it is a complementary approach. Treatment decisions should always be discussed with a dermatologist and a qualified nutrition professional. Be wary of anyone who promises a cure through food alone.
Which foods made my Hidradenitis Suppurativa worse?
For me, the biggest potential triggers were refined sugar, dairy, and histamine-rich foods. I share my experience in the articles alongside supporting sources. Food triggers vary from person to person, and the protocol's reintroduction phase is designed to help you identify your own.