Gut Feeling Diaries

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in October 2024. Since then, I’ve tried three different medications (Prednisone, Mesalamine, and Inflectra Infusions) and after a full year, I’m still not in remission. So now, I’m trying something new: the AIP Diet.

I’ll be documenting the process to see if this actually helps, or if it turns out to be total BS. Either way, I’m in for a journey!

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🌿 What is the AIP Diet?

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet is a science-backed elimination diet designed to help people with autoimmune diseases reduce inflammation, identify food triggers, and heal the gut.

The goal? To support your immune system, balance hormones, and improve gut health by removing foods that commonly cause irritation or immune reactions, even if they’re considered healthy for most people.

It’s been life-changing for many people living with chronic inflammation, especially those with auto-immune conditions like:

• Psoriatic arthritis
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis
  
• Celiac disease
  
• Type 1 diabetes
  
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis
  
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
  
• Psoriasis
  
• Multiple sclerosis
  

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🥦 Phase 1: Elimination (30 Days)

For 30 days, I’ll be cutting out foods that are known to trigger autoimmune symptoms. It’s intense, but I’m ready.

❌ Foods to Eliminate:

• Grains (wheat, rice, oats, barley, etc.)
  
• Legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts, soy, tofu)
  
• Nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, paprika)
  
• Eggs (yes, even egg whites)
  
• Dairy (milk, cheese, butter, ghee)
  
• Nuts and seeds (including spices like cumin, coriander, mustard, and nutmeg)
  
• Alcohol & coffee
  
• Processed oils (canola, soybean, sunflower, etc.)
  
• Refined sugars and sweeteners (candy, soda, baked goods, chocolate, etc.)
  
• Additives & artificial sweeteners (stevia, xylitol, thickeners, dyes, etc.)
  

✅ Foods I Can Eat:

• Vegetables (except nightshades): zucchini, carrots, broccoli, avocado, etc.
  
• Fruits: bananas, berries, apples, oranges, mango
  
• Tubers: sweet potatoes, yams, taro
  
• Quality meats: grass-fed beef, organic poultry, wild fish, organ meats
  
• Fermented foods: sauerkraut, coconut kefir, kombucha
  
• Healthy fats: olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil
  
• Herbs & spices (non-seed based)
  
• Vinegars: apple cider, balsamic, red wine (no added sugar)
  
• Natural sweeteners: honey and maple syrup (in moderation)
  
• Certain teas: green and black tea (up to 3–4 cups a day)
  
• Bone broth – gut-healing gold
  

🔄 Phase 2: Reintroduction

After the 30-day elimination phase, I’ll start reintroducing foods one at a time, every 3 days, to see how my body reacts.

This is actually the main reason I started this blog. I wanted to can track symptoms and progress as I go. Some people even find they build tolerance over time, which is why slow, mindful reintroduction is key.

Every body is different. The body is more of an art than a science, and I’m just here trying to figure mine out. I’m not a doctor, just a girl doing her best.

🛠 Phase 3: Maintenance

This is where everything I learn from Phases 1 and 2 comes together. I’ll build my personal food list of what works and what doesn’t. Hopefully create a sustainable lifestyle that supports healing and reduces symptoms.

💛 Final Thoughts

I’m honestly really excited to try this, even though I’m a little sad to cut out all my favorite foods (RIP pasta and wine). I know this won’t be easy. But when you’re in chronic pain every day, 30 days feels like a small sacrifice for the chance at a healthier, happier life.

I’ll be logging my progress like a diary and sharing what I learn along the way. If this helps me, maybe it can help someone else too. If not, hey, at least I’ll know I gave it a real shot.

Thanks for being here with me on this journey. Let’s see what happens.