
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is a regimen that seeks to reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as inflammation and pain. The AIP diet helps manage autoimmune disease symptoms by figuring out which foods cause problems for individuals and their unique bodies. The AIP diet is an elimination diet, and eggs are on the list of foods to eliminate in the first phase of the diet because they are a common allergen. However, eggs are also an important source of vitamins and protein, and have been shown to help alleviate inflammation in people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is the AIP diet? | AIP stands for Autoimmune Protocol Diet, a branch of the Paleo Diet. It is designed to help people who are on the autoimmune spectrum. |
| How does the AIP diet work? | It is a three-phase process: eliminating foods known for being common inflammation triggers, reintroducing foods one at a time and tracking the body's reaction, and maintaining a diet that avoids triggers and includes nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory choices. |
| What are the types of foods eliminated in the AIP diet? | Dairy, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, nightshade vegetables, eggs, certain spices, processed foods, refined sugar, alcohol, and coffee. |
| Why are eggs eliminated in the AIP diet? | Eggs are a common allergen and can cause issues for people with autoimmune diseases. The enzyme or protein in egg whites, called lysozyme, can cross the gut barrier and carry other proteins that the body will respond to as foreign. |
| Can eggs be added back into the diet? | It depends on your overall health and the results of eliminating them. Some sources say that egg yolks are more likely to be tolerated and can be added back in. |
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What You'll Learn

Eggs are eliminated in the first phase of the AIP diet
The AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet is a regimen that seeks to reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as inflammation and pain. The protocol has been used in the treatment of Crohn's, IBS, celiac disease, and other autoimmune conditions. The AIP diet helps manage autoimmune disease symptoms by figuring out which foods cause problems for individuals and their unique bodies. It is a three-phase process of eliminating foods known for being common inflammation triggers, reintroducing foods one at a time, and tracking the body's reaction.
The first phase of the AIP diet is the elimination phase. This phase can last from four to six weeks and up to a few months. During this phase, foods like grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, nightshade vegetables, dairy, and eggs are eliminated. Eggs are a common allergen and are eliminated in the first phase of the AIP diet. The enzyme, or protein, in egg whites called lysozyme can cross the gut barrier, carrying with it other proteins that the body will respond to as foreign. Individuals with an autoimmune disease are more sensitive and will have a larger inflammatory response to these foreign proteins attached to lysozyme.
While eggs are eliminated in the first phase of the AIP diet, it is important to note that not everyone with an autoimmune disease needs to eliminate eggs from their diet. Some people may find that they can tolerate egg yolks, while others may need to avoid the whole egg. Working with a certified nutritionist and registered dietitian can provide hands-on guidance during the elimination phase of the diet and help with the strategic reintroduction of eggs and other foods.
It is also worth noting that the AIP diet is more restrictive than the paleo diet, eliminating additional food groups beyond paleo restrictions. The hope is that by giving the body enough time to heal, individuals will eventually be able to tolerate some or all of the foods that were initially eliminated. However, because each body is unique, the reintroduction of foods can vary from person to person.
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Egg whites contain lysozyme, which can cause inflammation
The autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet is a regimen that seeks to reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as inflammation and pain. The AIP diet helps manage autoimmune disease symptoms by figuring out which foods cause problems for individuals and their unique biology. The AIP diet is more restrictive than the paleo diet, eliminating additional food groups that might be problematic for those who suffer from autoimmune issues.
Eggs are eliminated in the first phase of the AIP diet because they are a common allergen. However, eggs are also an important source of vitamins and protein and have been shown to help alleviate inflammation in folks with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Whether or not you need to leave eggs behind entirely depends on your overall health and what kind of results eliminating them yields.
However, it is important to note that egg white proteins should not be consumed raw. Gentle heat (poaching, low heat during hard boiling, or scrambling of eggs) is preferable.
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Egg yolks are less likely to cause issues and may be tolerated
The AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet is a regimen that seeks to reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as inflammation and pain. The protocol has been used in the treatment of Crohn's, IBS, celiac disease, and other autoimmune conditions. The AIP diet helps manage autoimmune disease symptoms by figuring out which foods cause problems for individuals and their unique bodies. It is a three-phase process of eliminating foods known to be common inflammation triggers, reintroducing foods one at a time, and tracking the body's reaction.
The AIP diet is an extension of the paleo diet, with some additional restrictions. For example, nightshade vegetables, eggs, certain spices, etc., are restricted in the AIP diet but allowed in the paleo diet. Eggs are eliminated in the first phase of the AIP diet because they are a common allergen. However, egg yolks are less likely to cause issues and may be tolerated. Egg whites contain a protein called lysozyme, which can cross the gut barrier and carry other proteins that the body will respond to as foreign. Individuals with an autoimmune disease are more sensitive and will have a larger inflammatory response to these foreign proteins attached to lysozyme.
Egg yolks, on the other hand, are not likely to cause these issues. However, it is important to exercise caution since egg yolks are a common food sensitivity in those with leaky guts. Leaky gut syndrome is a condition in which bacteria and toxins are able to "leak" through the intestinal wall, which may lead to inflammation and other issues. While there is no definitive link between leaky gut and autoimmune conditions, some experts believe there may be a connection.
Overall, whether or not you need to eliminate eggs from your diet entirely depends on your overall health and how your body responds to them. Working with a certified nutritionist or registered dietitian can provide guidance during the elimination phase of the diet and help you strategically reintroduce eggs and other foods.
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Eggs are a good source of vitamins and protein
Eggs are a nutritious food that can provide a number of health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins and protein and can be a healthy addition to a dietary plan, if consumed in moderation.
Eggs contain a little bit of almost every vitamin and mineral required by the human body. They are a good source of vitamin A, D, E, and many B complex vitamins, such as B12. They also contain small amounts of calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, folate, and many more. In addition, eggs are a good source of choline, a lesser-known nutrient that is essential for human health and is often grouped with the B-complex vitamins. Choline is needed for various processes in the body, including the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and the formation of cell membranes.
Eggs are also a good source of high-quality protein, contributing all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. A single large egg contains around 6 grams of protein. The protein in eggs helps to maintain and repair body tissues, including muscles, and can also help with weight loss and maintenance by keeping people full for longer, reducing the urge to snack, and lowering overall calorie intake.
While eggs are a nutritious food with many health benefits, they are also a common allergen and can be problematic for people with autoimmune diseases. The protein in egg whites, called lysozyme, can cross the gut barrier and trigger an inflammatory response in individuals with autoimmune conditions. For this reason, eggs are often eliminated in the first phase of the AIP (autoimmune protocol) diet, which aims to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
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Alternatives to eggs in AIP-friendly recipes
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is a regimen that seeks to reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as inflammation and pain. The AIP diet is more restrictive than the paleo diet, eliminating additional food groups that might be problematic for those with autoimmune issues.
Eggs are eliminated in the first phase of the AIP diet because they are a common allergen. However, eggs are also an important source of vitamins and protein and have been shown to help alleviate inflammation in people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
There are several AIP-friendly alternatives to eggs for cooking and baking. Here are some suggestions:
- Gelatin egg: 1 tablespoon of gelatin whisked with 3 tablespoons of hot water until frothy. This is considered one of the best AIP egg substitutes.
- Agar egg: A vegan/vegetarian replacement made from seaweed. It is usually made with less water—1 tablespoon of agar agar powder and 1 tablespoon of water. It tends to be lighter and can work well in place of egg whites.
- Mashed banana: 1/4 cup of mashed very ripe banana, which is typically around 1 banana, works well in a lot of baked goods.
- Carbonated water: This works well in light and airy baked goods like pancakes, crepes, dosas, etc. Use 1/4 cup of carbonated water per egg.
- Dairy-free milk: Coconut milk or tigernut milk can be used as a substitute for eggs when coating food for frying.
- Oil: Olive oil or avocado oil can be used as a substitute for eggs when coating food for frying.
- Vinegar and baking soda: Mixing 1 teaspoon (7 grams) of baking soda with 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of apple cider vinegar can replace one egg in most recipes, especially cakes and cupcakes.
- Arrowroot powder: A mixture of 2 tablespoons (about 18 grams) of arrowroot powder and 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of water can be used to replace one egg.
It is important to note that these alternatives may not work as well when replacing more than 1 or 2 eggs in a recipe. The role of eggs in baking includes binding, leavening, providing moisture, and adding flavour and appearance. While these alternatives can help with some of these functions, they may not create the exact same results as using eggs.
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Frequently asked questions
The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is a regimen that seeks to reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as inflammation and pain. The protocol has been used in the treatment of Crohn's, IBS, celiac disease, and other autoimmune conditions.
Eggs are a common allergen and are eliminated in the first phase of the AIP diet because they are a common allergen. The enzyme, or protein, in egg whites called lysozyme can cross the gut barrier, carrying with it other proteins that the body will respond to as foreign. Individuals with an autoimmune disease are more sensitive and will have a larger inflammatory response to these foreign proteins attached to lysozyme.
Whether or not you need to leave eggs behind entirely depends on your overall health and what kind of results eliminating them yields. Working with a Certified Nutritionist and Registered Dietitian can provide hands-on guidance during the elimination phase of the diet, and help you strategically reintroduce eggs and other foods when the time is right.
In addition to eggs, the AIP diet restricts dairy, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, nightshade vegetables, certain spices, processed foods, refined sugar, alcohol, and coffee.















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