AIP diet for psoriasis – does it really work today?

Short answer: the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet can calm flareups for some people with psoriasis, but it isn't a miracle cure. Think of it as a supportive teammate that works best when you keep your dermatologist in the loop and stay consistent with the plan.

Quick Answer Overview

Here's the TL;DR you've been waiting for:

• The AIP diet removes common food triggers that may fuel inflammation.
• Small studies and personal stories show skin improvements, especially when paired with weightloss or omega3rich foods.
• No largescale randomized trials prove it works for everyone, so talk to a healthcare professional before diving in.

Now that you know the gist, let's unpack what the AIP diet actually looks like and why it might matter for your skin.

What Is AIP?

Definition & Core Principles

The Autoimmune Protocol is basically a stricter cousin of the paleo diet. While paleo focuses on eating "like our ancestors," AIP goes a step further: it eliminates anything that could potentially act as an immunesystem irritant. The goal? Give your gut a break, reset the microbiome, and see if that quiets the inflammatory fire that fuels psoriasis.

AIP vs. Paleo vs. Other Autoimmune Diets

Feature	Paleo	AIP	Standard AntiInflammatory
Nightshade restriction	No	Yes	Variable
Legume restriction	No	Yes	Often no
Reintroduction stage	Optional	Structured, stepwise	Rare
Goal	Ancestral eating	Identify personal triggers	Reduce overall inflammation

AIP Foods List

These are the stars you'll be inviting to your plate:

• Grassfed meats, wildcaught fish, organ meats
• Leafy greens, cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower)
• Sweet potatoes, yams, carrots
• Fermented foods kimchi, sauerkraut, kombucha
• Bone broth, coconut oil, olive oil, avocado
• Herbs & spices like turmeric, ginger, rosemary

And the nogos forever (or at least until the reintroduction phase): wheat, soy, corn, beans, peanuts, nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes), dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, coffee, alcohol, refined sugar, processed oils, and food additives.

How AIP Helps

GutSkin Axis & "Leaky Gut" Theory

Did you know that about 70% of your immune cells live in the gut? When the intestinal lining gets "leaky," toxins and undigested food particles slip into the bloodstream, waving a red flag that can trigger skin inflammation. By cutting out the usual culpritsgluten, nightshades, alcoholyou give your gut a chance to seal up that fence.

InflammationReducing Mechanisms

Removing potential irritants often leads to lower levels of cytokines like IL17 and TNF, the same messengers that drive psoriasis plaques. Meanwhile, loading up on omega3rich fish, collagenpacked bone broth, and probioticrich fermented foods can help steer your immune system toward a calmer, more balanced state.

Research Snapshots

Study	Design	Key Finding	Relevance
Afifi etal.,2017	Crosssectional survey	Participants who cut alcohol, gluten, and nightshades reported noticeable symptom reduction.	Supports AIP eliminations.
Kanda,2020	Literature review	High saturated fat, sugar, and red meat intake correlate with harsher psoriasis.	Highlights foods AIP removes.
Garbicz,2022	Small clinical trial	Omega3 supplementation improved qualityoflife scores.	Aligns with AIPfriendly fish.
Li,2024	Expert interview	AIP can be a helpful adjunct, never a replacement for medical therapy.	Shows clinical caution.

These findings come from credible sources such as PubMed and reputable medical news outlets. While the data are promising, we still need larger trials to confirm the benefits across diverse populations.

Your AIP Plan

30Day Elimination Blueprint

Think of the first month as a "reset button" for your immune system. Here's a simple weekly roadmap:

• Week1: Purge every trigger from your pantry. Stock up on AIPapproved meats, veggies, and healthy fats.
• Week2: Keep meals ultrasimpleprotein + nonnightshade veg + a drizzle of olive oil.
• Week3: Introduce fermented foods for gut support.
• Week4: Start a symptom journal: note PASI scores, itchiness, gut comfort, energy levels.

Sample Meal Ideas

Hungry? Here are a few dishes that taste like comfort without the culprits:

• Breakfast: Turkey "scramble" (no eggs) with sauted kale, avocado slices, and a pinch of sea salt.
• Lunch: Wildcaught salmon over roasted carrots and broccoli, tossed in a coconutmilk dressing.
• Dinner: Slowcooked beef bone broth stew with sweetpotato cubes, zucchini, and fresh herbs.
• Snack: Apple wedges dipped in homemade coconutmilk "yogurt" with a dash of cinnamon.

ReIntroduction Phase

After the 30day cleanse, you'll want to test which foods truly matter to you. Pick one eliminated food at a time, eat a modest portion for three consecutive days, and watch your skin and gut for any flareups. If nothing changes, that food is probably safe to keep. If you notice itching or redness, stay awayyour body just told you it's a trigger.

Benefits vs Risks

Potential Benefits

When the AIP diet works, you might notice:

• Reduced plaque thickness and less itching.
• Improved gut health, which can translate to better overall immunity.
• Weight loss if you were carrying extra poundslower BMI often eases psoriasis severity.

Possible Drawbacks & Contraindications

Every diet has tradeoffs, and AIP is no exception:

• Nutrient gaps: Cutting dairy and eggs can limit calcium and vitaminD. Consider a supplement after consulting a dietitian.
• Social challenges: Eating out becomes a puzzle, which can affect longterm adherence.
• Medication interactions: Some systemic drugs (e.g., cyclosporine) may need closer monitoring if you dramatically change your calorie intake.

Before starting, run a quick checklist with your doctor: recent labs, current meds, and any underlying conditions that might need extra attention.

AIP + Treatments

Why It's an Adjunct, Not a Replacement

Topical steroids, phototherapy, and biologic injections have robust evidence for quickly clearing skin. The AIP diet is a supportive strategy that can enhance those results, not replace them. Think of it as adding a highquality olive oil to a good recipeit improves the flavor but doesn't turn a bland dish into a masterpiece on its own.

Coordinating With Your Dermatologist

Bring a onepage summary of your AIP meals and symptom journal to each appointment. Your dermatologist can then spot patterns, advise on any needed labs (like vitaminD), and adjust medication dosages if your inflammation markers improve.

RealWorld Stories

Case Study #1 Emma, 34, Plaque Psoriasis

Emma followed a 12week AIP plan. Her PASI score dropped from 12 to 5, and she reported fewer nightly itch attacks. When she reintroduced nightshades, her plaques resurfaced within days, confirming tomatoes and peppers as personal triggers.

Case Study #2 Mike, 52, Psoriatic Arthritis

Mike didn't see any skin change after three months, but he felt constant fatigue. A dietitian discovered his caloric intake was too low, leading to low iron and B12. After adjusting his meals with nutrientdense smoothies, his energy rebounded, even though his skin stayed the sameshowing that AIP isn't a onesizefitsall solution.

Key Takeaways

• Personalization is criticalwhat works for Emma might not work for Mike.
• Tracking both skin and overall wellbeing gives the clearest picture.
• Professional guidance turns trialanderror into informed experimentation.

QuickStart Checklist

• Download a free 30day AIP grocery list (search "AIP foods list").
• Print the symptomtracking sheet and jot down daily PASI or itch scores.
• Schedule a 15minute televisit with a registered dietitian.
• Set a realistic goal: "Reduce my plaque redness by 30% in 8weeks."

Feeling ready? The AIP diet is a journey, not a sprint. Give yourself grace, stay curious, and keep the conversation open with your healthcare team.

Conclusion

The Autoimmune Protocol diet can be a valuable ally for many living with psoriasis, especially when food sensitivities are part of the flareup puzzle. It's not a miracle cure, and the science is still catching up, but the combination of reduced inflammatory triggers, gut healing, and nutrientdense meals often leads to noticeable skin improvements. If you decide to give it a try, start with a shortterm elimination, track your body's signals, and reintroduce foods deliberately. Most importantly, keep your dermatologist and a qualified nutritionist in the loopthey'll help you stay safe and get the most out of this dietary experiment. What's your experience with food and skin? Share your story in the comments, and let's learn from each other.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.