I felt my best when I was eating the most restricted.
And that’s something I’ve had to sit with.
Every few months, I go back to the AIP diet for about a month. Not because I want to be restrictive… but because I remember how different my body feels when I do.
Less bloating.
Less inflammation.
Less pain.
And when you live with endometriosis and adenomyosis, those shifts are not small. They change your entire day.
What is the AIP diet?
AIP stands for Autoimmune Protocol.
It’s an elimination diet designed to reduce inflammation and support gut health by temporarily removing foods that can trigger immune responses.
That includes:
• Gluten and grains
• Dairy
• Refined sugar
• Processed foods
• Eggs
• Nightshades (like tomatoes and peppers)
• Nuts and seeds
For a period of time, you focus on nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods like:
• High-quality meats
• Vegetables (non-nightshade)
• Fruits in moderation
• Healthy fats
Then slowly, foods are reintroduced to understand what your body reacts to.
Why I keep coming back to it
I won’t lie. It’s hard.
It’s restrictive.
It takes planning.
It can feel isolating when you’re out with friends.
But it’s also the only time my body feels… calm.
With endometriosis and adenomyosis, inflammation is a huge driver of symptoms. And while AIP isn’t a cure, it can help:
• Reduce bloating and water retention
• Support hormone balance through better gut health
• Lower overall inflammation
• Help you identify trigger foods
• Improve energy levels
For me, it feels like giving my body a reset.
What I’ve learned
I don’t live on AIP full-time anymore.
I tried that. It wasn’t sustainable for me, especially when I was trying to enjoy life, travel, and actually be present.
So now I approach it differently:
I use it as a tool, not a lifestyle.
A reset.
A way to check back in with my body.
A reminder of what “feeling good” actually feels like.
If you’ve tried AIP before, I’d love to know how you found it.
What worked for you and what didn’t?