Is AIP the Same as an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

December 24, 2025 •

4 min read

While the autoimmune protocol (AIP) and a general anti-inflammatory diet both aim to reduce inflammation, they are distinctly different in their approach, rigor, and target population. AIP is a more restrictive, phased elimination diet designed specifically for individuals with autoimmune conditions, whereas an anti-inflammatory diet is a broader, less restrictive eating pattern suitable for general wellness.

Quick Summary

The AIP diet is a rigorous elimination and reintroduction protocol targeting specific autoimmune triggers, while an anti-inflammatory diet focuses on general inflammation reduction through whole foods. AIP is more restrictive and phased, aimed at chronic autoimmune symptoms, whereas the broader anti-inflammatory approach is sustainable long-term for general health.

Key Points

Not the same: AIP is a specialized elimination diet for autoimmune diseases, while an anti-inflammatory diet is a broader approach for general wellness.
Level of restriction: The AIP diet is much more restrictive, eliminating numerous food groups, whereas an anti-inflammatory diet is more flexible.
Phased approach: AIP involves distinct elimination and reintroduction phases to identify specific food triggers, a process not part of a standard anti-inflammatory diet.
Purpose: AIP is therapeutic and targeted toward calming the immune system in autoimmune patients, while the anti-inflammatory diet is a preventive and supportive lifestyle choice.
Professional guidance: Due to its restrictive nature, the AIP diet should ideally be undertaken with the supervision of a healthcare professional to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Long-term vs. short-term: An anti-inflammatory diet is designed for long-term sustainability, whereas the restrictive phase of AIP is temporary.
Dietary emphasis: AIP emphasizes specific gut-healing foods like bone broth, while the anti-inflammatory diet focuses on a wide variety of whole, antioxidant-rich foods.

AIP vs. Anti-Inflammatory: A Detailed Comparison

Many people are turning to dietary changes to manage chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases. This has led to a lot of confusion, particularly around the relationship between the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) and a standard anti-inflammatory diet. While they share the common goal of reducing inflammation, they are not interchangeable. A core difference lies in their purpose and intensity: AIP is a targeted, temporary elimination protocol for identifying food sensitivities in those with autoimmune disorders, while an anti-inflammatory diet is a general, long-term eating pattern. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone considering a dietary intervention for their health.

What is a General Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

An anti-inflammatory diet focuses on incorporating foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants that naturally combat inflammation in the body. It promotes a balanced intake of whole, unprocessed foods and allows for a wider variety of options than the AIP diet. This approach is typically less restrictive and designed for long-term sustainability, making it suitable for general health and wellness or for managing less severe inflammatory conditions.

Foods emphasized in an anti-inflammatory diet:

Fruits and vegetables: A broad range of colorful options, including berries, leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetables, which are high in antioxidants.
Healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids from sources like fatty fish (salmon, sardines), olive oil, avocados, and nuts (walnuts, almonds).
Whole grains: High-fiber grains such as oats, quinoa, and brown rice.
Lean protein: Fish, poultry, and legumes.
Spices: Turmeric, ginger, and garlic, known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Foods to limit: Processed foods, sugary drinks, trans fats, and excessive red meat.

What is the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet?

The AIP diet is far more rigorous, functioning as a therapeutic elimination diet aimed at those with confirmed or suspected autoimmune diseases. It is based on the theory that food intolerances and a 'leaky gut' contribute to autoimmune responses. The diet consists of two main phases:

Elimination Phase: The first, most restrictive phase removes a comprehensive list of foods believed to trigger immune responses. This includes grains, dairy, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, nightshades (like tomatoes and peppers), and processed ingredients. The goal is to calm the immune system and support gut healing.
Reintroduction Phase: After a period of improvement, foods are systematically reintroduced one at a time to identify which ones provoke a reaction. This highly personalized process helps individuals understand their specific food triggers, allowing them to build a more sustainable long-term diet.

AIP vs. Anti-Inflammatory: A Comparison Table


Feature	AIP Diet	Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Purpose	To identify specific food triggers and reduce autoimmune disease symptoms.	To reduce general, systemic inflammation for overall health.
Level of Restriction	Highly restrictive during the elimination phase.	Generally less restrictive and more flexible.
Target Population	Individuals with diagnosed or suspected autoimmune conditions.	The general population seeking improved wellness and reduced inflammation.
Key Phases	Two distinct phases: elimination and reintroduction.	A single, continuous dietary pattern.
Excluded Foods	Grains, dairy, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, nightshades, and processed foods.	Primarily focuses on limiting processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
Included Foods	Nutrient-dense options like organ meats, bone broth, fermented foods, and most vegetables and fruits.	A wide array of whole foods, including all types of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
Primary Focus	Gut health and calming an overactive immune system.	Reducing overall inflammatory markers.

Who is the AIP Diet For?

The AIP diet is not a casual eating plan but a targeted, therapeutic tool for those with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or psoriasis. It is particularly useful for individuals who have found little relief from other methods and are looking to identify specific dietary triggers contributing to their symptoms. The process is best undertaken with the guidance of a healthcare professional to avoid nutritional deficiencies and ensure correct implementation.

Who is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet For?

An anti-inflammatory diet is a healthy eating pattern that can benefit a much broader audience. It is an excellent choice for individuals looking to improve their general health, prevent chronic diseases, or manage mild, non-autoimmune-related inflammation. It is a sustainable, balanced approach that provides a wide range of essential nutrients without the rigorous restrictions of the AIP protocol.

The Takeaway

While AIP functions as a powerful anti-inflammatory tool, it is not the same as a general anti-inflammatory diet. It is an intense, temporary, and highly personalized elimination diet for people with autoimmune conditions. In contrast, an anti-inflammatory diet is a less restrictive, long-term lifestyle for promoting overall wellness. Choosing the right approach depends on your specific health goals and needs. If you suspect an autoimmune issue, AIP with professional guidance might be warranted. For broader health improvement, a balanced anti-inflammatory diet is the more flexible and sustainable option. Consult a doctor or registered dietitian to determine the best path forward for your unique situation. You can find more information about both dietary patterns from reputable sources, such as the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main goal of the AIP diet is to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases by healing the gut and identifying specific food triggers.

Yes, a person on a standard anti-inflammatory diet can typically eat whole grains like quinoa and oats, as this diet is less restrictive than AIP.

No, the AIP diet's elimination phase is temporary. The ultimate goal is to reintroduce foods and create a personalized, long-term maintenance diet based on individual tolerances.

Eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes, and nightshade vegetables (like tomatoes and peppers) are commonly eliminated on AIP but can be included in a standard anti-inflammatory diet.

Yes, a central principle of both the AIP and a general anti-inflammatory diet is the emphasis on whole and unprocessed foods over processed ones.

The AIP diet should be considered by individuals with an autoimmune condition who want to identify specific food sensitivities contributing to their symptoms, preferably under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

The reintroduction phase is the structured process of reintroducing eliminated foods one by one to determine which foods, if any, trigger an inflammatory or autoimmune response.

Yes, if not done correctly, the restrictive nature of the AIP diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies. This is why professional guidance is strongly recommended.