Why The Elimination Phase of The AIP Is So Important

When I’m explaining to people how to start the AIP elimination phase, I always get asked the same question, “Do I really have to give up ___________ (fill that in with whatever food the person does not want to give up)? And, I always answer the same way, “If you want to experience the most amount of healing you do”.

Without the elimination phase of the AIP, I would have never figured out that foods like soy, black pepper, and potatoes were contributing to my symptoms flaring. In fact, I wrongly thought potatoes were a successful reintroduction until I learned how to do reintroductions the right way. It’s very easy to start doing reintroductions too early because you miss certain foods so much. The first time I did reintroductions, I started them before my rash symptoms had completely disappeared. It wasn’t until I did the elimination phase again, until my symptoms were totally gone, that I was able to truly see which foods were causing my flares.

That is why the elimination phase of the AIP is so important. It removes all of the major allergens and intolerances from your diet. Sometimes, you may have to go even further and explore low-FODMAP, GAPS, or low-Histamine protocols as well. But, let’s take one thing at a time. I hate to see people removing too many healthy foods from their diets, especially if they don’t have to. On a personal note, I don’t particularly trust food allergy testing. I’ve heard too many stories of false positives and negatives. Although it might be easier to go and get a blood test, I prefer my body tell me what it likes and what it doesn’t. Sometimes the list of foods people tell me they’re allergic to, after taking one of these tests, sounds a bit absurd to me. I mean, I’ve seen people existing on chicken and artichokes, simply because some test told them they were allergic to everything else. That just can’t be right. So suck it up, Buttercup! The elimination phase of the AIP is a very necessary part of healing. Besides, it’s not so bad. Let me ask you something, “Are you enjoying feeling like poop every day?” I’m guessing your answer is “NO”. I’m offering you an alternative. Whether or not you take it, is entirely up to you. Be sure to print out my downloadable list of foods to eat and avoid here. And, check out all of my AIP recipes here. I’ll be writing a post next week for those of you who don’t like cooking. It’s all about batch cooking and food prepping for non-cooks. You’re welcome! As always, I wish you good health…….and, good food! Don’t forget about all of these great resources to help you get started: *This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive compensation. Thank you for helping to support my blogging efforts here at Paleo Cajun Lady.- Tara Perillo