The AIP diet is also known as the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet. It is an elimination style eating approach that is useful for managing various kind of autoimmune conditions in both male & female.
This diet is often called the AIP protocol diet or AIP elimination diet because it involves temporarily removing certain food groups and then systematically reintroducing them to understand individual food tolerance.
In this blog post, clinical nutritionist for Autoimmune diseases Dt. Foram Modi explains about what is AIP Diet, how an AIP diet is different from an Anti Inflammatory diet.
We will also give practical examples of Indian meal items or ingredients that you can use to follow an AIP diet plan in India. The blog is written by trusted dietitian & nutritionist in Mumbai – Dt. Foram Modi.
So, let’s get started with a quick introduction on how exactly an Indian AIP diet works.
Disclaimer
At Makes You Eat by Dt. Foram Modi, we follow strict editorial guidelines to write all our health blogs & content. All content is written & reviewed for medical accuracy by our head nutritionist – Dt. Foram Modi. If you in case notice any information misleading or need a change in any statement, you may request for a correction.
How Indian Autoimmune Protocol Diet Really Works ? Dt. Foram Modi Explains
The AIP Protocol Diet is followed in multiple different phases. In AIP diet, the overall approach of your dietitian is to temporarily simplify your food choices, understand how different foods may affect your digestion, symptoms, and individual food tolerance, and then gradually move towards a more personalized and nutritionally balanced long-term diet.
Please note, the exact foods removed, the duration of each phase, and the reintroduction process can vary based on various things. This includes your autoimmune condition, current symptoms, nutritional status, medications, medical history, and lifestyle.
At our autoimmune disease diet clinic in Mumbai, Makes You Eat by Dt. Foram Modi, an AIP diet plan is structured according to your individual nutritional needs. We don’t give the same generic diet plan to everyone.
An AIP diet is taken through 3 different phases at minimum viz. Preparation Phase, Elimination Phase, Reintroduction Phase. Let’s look at them in detail now –
AIP Diet Phase 1 - Preparation Phase
Before starting the AIP diet plan, it is very important to prepare your body well. This is because several commonly consumed foods may be temporarily removed, and suitable food alternatives should be planned in advance.
During this phase, your AIP dietitian or nutritionist may consider your current food habits, autoimmune condition, symptoms, digestion, energy levels, medications, nutritional status, and daily lifestyle before making significant dietary changes.
For example, if your regular breakfast consists of eggs, toast, and milk, suitable alternatives should be planned before starting the elimination phase rather than simply skipping breakfast.
Similarly, someone who regularly depends on dal, wheat-based rotis, or dairy products may need appropriate alternatives to maintain adequate calories and nutrition.
This phase may also include grocery planning, meal preparation, and understanding the AIP diet food list. At Makes You Eat by Dt. Foram Modi, our focus is on to prepare your body well for the elimination phase in a structured manner and reduce the risk of unnecessary calorie, protein, or nutrient deficiencies.
AIP Diet Phase 2 - Elimination Phase
During the AIP elimination phase, your dietitian will start removing specific food groups. The focus is to shift towards adding nutrient-rich and minimally processed foods in your daily diet.
This includes foods such as grains, legumes, dairy products, eggs, nuts, seeds, and highly processed foods may be temporarily eliminated.
For example, someone who regularly eats wheat roti with dal and curd may need a personalized alternative balanced Indian meal containing suitable vegetables, protein sources, and other foods allowed within their AIP diet plan.
Please note, the purpose of removing these foods is not to say that they are permanently harmful or that they directly cause an autoimmune disease.
Instead, the elimination phase is a period where your dietitian will observe individual food tolerance and overall symptoms.
Since this phase can be highly restrictive, it should not be continued unnecessarily for a long period, particularly for individuals who are underweight, have nutritional deficiencies, or are managing other medical conditions.
AIP Diet Phase 3 - Reintroduction Phase
The reintroduction phase is an important part of the AIP Protocol Diet in India. This is because, the goal of AIP type of diet is not to remain on a restrictive diet forever.
In this phase, the Foods that were temporarily removed are gradually reintroduced in a planned and systematic manner to understand individual food tolerance.
For example, if eggs were removed during the elimination phase, they may be reintroduced at an appropriate time while observing whether the individual experiences any changes or symptoms.
Similarly, other food groups can be tested separately instead of introducing multiple foods at the same time, making it easier to understand individual responses.
However, symptoms can have multiple causes, so every symptom should not automatically be linked to a particular food.
At our nutrition clinic near Kandivali, Makes You Eat by Dt. Foram Modi, the focus is on gradually moving away from unnecessary food restrictions and creating practical, nutritionally adequate long-term, personalized diet according to your autoimmune condition, symptoms, lifestyle, and food preferences.
Is AIP Diet a Holy Grail or Just another Fad Diet ? What does research says ?
As per this research titled, Autoimmune protocol diet: A personalized elimination diet for patients with autoimmune diseases, AIP diet is good if done in a personalized diet planning approach. It’s not one size fits all. Below is what the research quotes about personalization in AIP diet programs –
“the AIP has the potential to identify individual immune responses and tailor intake in a personalized approach.”
In addition, the restrictive nature of the AIP diet can sometimes make everyday eating difficult, especially during social gatherings, family meals, travel, festivals and eating outside.
It may also create social problems when you are unable to eat the same foods as others. The above research also studies the social challenges while following an AIP diet plan in India.
Additionally, the restrictive nature of the AIP may lead to feelings of social isolation and limitation, impacting individuals’ social lives.
In addition, the research also warns that AIP is not fit for everyone.
“people with eating disorders or those who are prone to orthorexia may find the nature of the AIP restrictive and potentially triggering for disordered eating behaviors. Those with certain medical conditions and very specific guidelines regarding food intake are also warranted against following the AIP.”
However, the same research also mentions that whether AIP becomes a well-supported approach or simply another fad diet will depend on the quantity and quality of future research, particularly regarding its effectiveness and safety.
That’s why, it’s important that you should always consult a qualified AIP dietitian or clinical nutritionist before starting an AIP diet plan, so the approach can be assessed according to your autoimmune condition, symptoms, medications, nutritional requirements, lifestyle and individual food tolerance
So, to conclude this section, we have seen that, the research suggests that the AIP diet has potential, particularly for identifying individual food tolerance and supporting nutrition. However, current evidence is still limited, and more high-quality studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
So, AIP should not be considered a “holy grail” or a proven cure. It is a structured approach that should be personalised and professionally guided by a qualified AIP dietitian.
Autoimmune Diet Plan vs Anti Inflammatory Diet Plan - Dt. Foram Modi Explains
At first glance, you may find anti-inflammatory diet and the AIP diet quite similar. This is especially true for someone who has just started exploring diet plans for autoimmune conditions.
Both diets generally focus on adding more whole, nutrient-rich, and minimally processed foods while reducing highly processed and unhealthy food choices.
However, there is an important difference between the two approaches. An anti-inflammatory diet is generally broader and more flexible, allowing a wider variety of foods based on your individual health condition. (For trail purpose, you can checkout our 21 days anti inflammatory diet plan for free.)
On the other hand, the AIP diet follows a more structured elimination and reintroduction approach, where several food groups are temporarily removed during the initial phase and later reintroduced systematically to understand individual food tolerance.
Therefore, although the difference may not appear very noticeable to a beginner when simply looking at the food list, the way an anti-inflammatory diet plan and AIP diet are structured and followed is quite different.
| Point | Indian Anti-Inflammatory Diet | Indian AIP Diet Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Main idea | Focuses on eating foods that support a healthy inflammatory balance. | Uses elimination and reintroduction to understand individual food tolerance. |
| Food restriction | It is generally less restrictive. | It is more restrictive, especially during the elimination phase. |
| Indian foods | Can include dal, whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, curd and other suitable Indian foods. | Many commonly eaten Indian foods, such as grains, dals, dairy, eggs, nuts and seeds, may be temporarily removed. |
| Grains | Whole grains such as oats, brown rice and millets can generally be included. | Grains are generally eliminated during the strict elimination phase. |
| Dals & legumes | Dal, rajma, chana and other legumes can be included if suitable. | Legumes and pulses are generally avoided during the elimination phase. |
| Dairy | Dairy may be included if it suits the person. | Dairy is generally removed during the elimination phase. |
| Nuts & seeds | Nuts and seeds are commonly included as sources of healthy fats and nutrients. | Nuts and seeds are generally removed during the elimination phase. |
| Eggs | Eggs can be included based on individual preference and tolerance. | Eggs are generally eliminated initially. |
| Approach | It focuses more on improving the overall quality of your diet. | It focuses on temporary elimination followed by systematic reintroduction. |
| Reintroduction | A formal food reintroduction process is usually not required. | Reintroduction is an important part of the AIP approach. |
| Long-term use | It can often be followed as a long-term healthy eating pattern. | The strict elimination phase is not intended to be a permanent diet. |
| Who may consider it? | People looking for a flexible, healthy and anti-inflammatory eating pattern. | People exploring an elimination approach for individual food tolerance, preferably with professional guidance. |
| Nutritional planning | Usually easier to make nutritionally balanced because more foods are allowed. | Requires more careful planning because several food groups are temporarily restricted. |
| Personalization | Can be adjusted according to health condition, lifestyle and food preferences. | Personalization is particularly important because the diet is more restrictive. |
At our dietitian clinic in Mumbai, we believe that the choice should depend on your health condition, symptoms, medications, nutritional status, lifestyle and food tolerance rather than following a restrictive diet blindly.
The goal is to create a personalized, nutritionally balanced and sustainable diet plan that supports your health without unnecessary food restrictions. Checkout our free version of combined Anti Inflammatory & Autoimmune Diet Plan for 3 days.
AIP diet for Hashimoto's thyroiditis in India - Dt. Foram Modi Explains
The AIP Indian diet for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is helpful for understanding whether certain food affects digestion, symptom, or individual food tolerance.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis happens when immune system attack your thyroid gland. It will then gradually affect thyroid hormone production. During AIP elimination phase of autoimmune thyroid diet plan, several commonly consumed foods are temporarily removed.
The AIP dietitian will then focuses on adding nutrient-rich, minimally processed food. However, please note AIP diet is not a cure for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but it is helpful in supporting your current thyroid medication or treatment from an endocrinologist.
At our nutritionist clinic in Mumbai, we craft AIP diet for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, ensuring that it is not too much restrictive to ensure you get adequate calories, protein, and essential nutrients.
Below are some of the common foods that are included in AIP diet for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in India, based on each individual’s condition.
- 🥬 Vegetables: Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, lauki, pumpkin, carrots and beetroot.
- 🍠 Root Vegetables: Sweet potato, yam, cassava and other suitable starchy vegetables for energy.
- 🍎 Fruits: Apples, berries, papaya, mango, pomegranate and other fresh fruits in appropriate portions.
- 🍗 Protein Foods: Fresh chicken, meat and other suitable animal-based protein sources based on individual preferences.
- 🐟 Fish: Fresh fish and seafood, where suitable and individually tolerated.
- 🥥 Healthy Fats: Coconut, coconut milk, avocado and olive oil in appropriate quantities.
- 🌿 Herbs & Flavouring Foods: Ginger, garlic, turmeric and fresh herbs such as coriander and mint.
- 🥣 Suitable Homemade Soups: Vegetable, chicken or meat-based soups prepared using AIP-compatible ingredients.
AIP diet for Grave's Disease in India - Dt. Foram Modi Explains
Graves’ disease is a type of another autoimmune condition in which immune system produces antibodies and they overstimulate the thyroid gland.
This causes excessive production of thyroid hormones and leading to a condition called hyperthyroidism. Graves’ disease causes symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite, rapid heartbeat, sweating, anxiety, and fatigue.
AIP diet for Graves’ disease can be taken to understand how several food group affects and help to improve overall quality of this condition. However, please note AIP diet is not a cure to the Graves’ disease, and that is why you need to craft a right diet plan from a clinical nutritionist for thyroid.
Please note hyperthyroidism can affect weight, muscle mass, and hence a restrictive elimination diet should be carefully planned.
At our autoimmune disease diet clinic in Mumbai, India, Makes You Eat by Dt. Foram Modi, we assess whether AIP style approach is appropriate as per your nutritional needs, and then we craft a personalized thyroid reversal diet plan which will help support providing adequate nutrition while working alongside with your Graves’ disease treatment.
AIP diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis in India - Dt. Foram Modi Explains
The AIP diet for rheumatoid arthritis is an elimination-style autoimmune diet plan that can help individuals understand whether certain foods affect their symptoms, digestion, food tolerance, and overall well-being.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints, leading to inflammation and symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
However, please note that the AIP diet is not a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, and it should not replace medicines or treatment prescribed by your rheumatologist. During the AIP elimination phase, several food groups are temporarily removed, but following a highly restrictive diet without proper planning may lead to unnecessary food restrictions and nutritional deficiencies.
Therefore, it is important to consider your current symptoms, flare patterns, medications, nutritional status, body weight, food preferences, and lifestyle before making major dietary changes.
At Makes You Eat by Dt. Foram Modi, our arthritis dietitian Dt. Foram Modi crafts the AIP diet or anti-inflammatory nutrition for rheumatoid arthritis according to your individual condition.
The focus is on creating a practical and nutritionally adequate diet plan that supports your overall health while working alongside your rheumatologist’s current medical treatment.
AIP diet for Kidney Disease in India - Dt. Foram Modi Explains
If you have kidney disease, you should not start an AIP diet simply by following a generic AIP diet food list available on the internet.
The AIP elimination diet can significantly change your intake of protein, potassium, phosphorus, calories, and other essential nutrients, whereas people with kidney disease may already require specific dietary modifications depending on their stage of kidney disease, blood reports, medications, and whether they are undergoing dialysis.
For example, certain fruits, vegetables, meat, and coconut-based foods commonly included in an AIP diet may require portion control or modification for some kidney patients. At the same time, unnecessarily removing multiple food groups may increase the risk of inadequate nutrition.
At our clinical nutrition clinic in Mumbai, Makes You Eat by Dt. Foram Modi, our renal expert dietitian – Dt. Foram Modi first assess whether an AIP-style diet approach is appropriate for your kidney condition.
If suitable, we personalize the diet by considering your kidney health, blood reports, nutritional requirements, current medications, and advice from your nephrologist, ensuring that your autoimmune diet does not unnecessarily compromise your kidney nutrition.
Conclusion
The Indian AIP diet, or Autoimmune Protocol Diet is a structured elimination and reintroduction type of diet plan. This helps individuals explore their personal food tolerance and improve the overall quality of their diet.
Please note, AIP diet is not a cure for autoimmune diseases and hence it should not replace your medicine or treatment prescribed by your doctor.
At Makes You Eat by Dt. Foram Modi, one of the top nutrition clinics in Mumbai, we focus on crafting individualized AIP protocol diet plan, considering your medication, current lifestyle, and nutritional status.
References
Following research paper references were used while creating content of this article with thorough review by Dietitian Dt. Foram Modi.
- Indian National Association for Study of the Liver Guidance Document on Difficult to Treat Autoimmune Hepatitis, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, Volume 16, Issue 3,
2026, 103474, ISSN 0973-6883, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jceh.2026.103474.
(https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S097368832600006X) - Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Autoimmune Hepatitis : NIDDK
Medically Reviewed
Page Written & Medically Reviewed by – Dt. Foram Modi (PGDND, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Certified Child Nutritionist)
Page Last Updated On – 10th Sep 2026
Dt. Foram Modi - Autoimmune Disease Dietitian in Mumbai, India
Dt. Foram Modi is a clinical nutritionist and dietitian in Mumbai specializing in providing therapeutic diet planning for Autoimmune diseases for both men and women in Mumbai, India. She also serves people outside Mumbai with her online dietitian consultation program.
She is an expert in crafting customized autoimmune diet program for 1 month to 3 month, depending on level of support you require.
Dt. Foram Modi is one of the autoimmune dietitian in India who support individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, celiac disease, and inflammatory bowel problems.
The approach of Dt. Foram Modi is unique in terms that she works along with your doctor and crafts the diet after looking at your blood report, your current medications, considering food allergies.
Dietitian Foram Modi suggests elimination-style AIP diet plans only when it is medically appropriate. She focuses on maintaining nutritional requirements and avoiding long-term unnecessary restriction that are very common in AIP diet plans.
She is a founder of her medical nutrition clinic in Mumbai, Makes You Eat by Dt.Foram Modi. Dt. Foram Modi modifies the nutrition plan as per the changes in symptom and flare-up with her regular follow-up and full accountability.
Her autoimmune diet program also focuses on practical lifestyle changes, sustainable habits, with full accountability by Dt. Foram Modi. She is a top-rated dietitian in Mumbai with 140+ positive Google reviews of patients.
If you are looking for an AIP dietitian in Mumbai or autoimmune protocol dietitian in Mumbai, then look no further than Dt. Foram Modi.
Visit Our Nutrition Clinic in Borivali, Mumbai, India
Makes You Eat by Dt. Foram Modi, Mumbai
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Mumbai 400092, Maharashtra
