Autoimmune Protocol
Elimination-based; small but suggestive evidence for autoimmune symptom relief.
Evidence base
Small RCTs and case series suggest symptom improvement in IBD and Hashimoto's. Evidence base is early-stage. Mechanism likely involves gut barrier and immune modulation.
Mechanisms
- Elimination of common immune triggers
- Gut barrier restoration
- Reduced inflammatory food load
- Reintroduction phase identifies individual triggers
Studied populations
- IBD patients (small RCTs)
- Hashimoto's thyroiditis (case series)
- Self-selected autoimmune community
Likely strengths
- Structured elimination and reintroduction
- Individual trigger identification
- Growing clinical interest
Open questions
- Which eliminations are necessary vs optional
- Long-term adherence and nutrient adequacy
- Comparison to simpler elimination approaches