For those who are unfamiliar with both, autoimmune paleo is often believed to be synonymous — or virtually synonymous — with paleo.  However, these diets (while having certain elements in common) are very notably different.  The content is different and, more importantly, the purpose is different.

The Paleo Diet

The paleo diet is so named because it’s believed to be the diet that “paleolithic man” ate.  Thus it consists of those things which could be “hunted and gathered,” and excludes those things which must be farmed.  Creation/evolution debate aside, that makes for a relatively simple way of remembering what is and is not included.

The paleo diet is heavy on meat, fish, and eggs.  It also includes fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and seeds.  It excludes grains and beans/legumes.  Most people exclude dairy, as well, on a strict paleo diet, although there are variations (sometimes called “primal”) that allow for the inclusion of dairy.  White potatoes are typically excluded, too.  I’m not sure of the “paleolithic” rationale for that, but from a health perspective they’re seen as too low in nutrients for the amount of starch they contain.

The paleo diet is intended to be a long-term diet for adoption as an “everyday” thing by healthy people.

The AutoImmune Paleo Diet (AIP Protocol)

The AIP Diet — AutoImmune Paleo — begins with a “core” that is comprised of the paleo diet.  However, it then removes additional foods.  All nuts and seeds are excluded.  Nightshades are excluded (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatillos, and any other “oddball” vegetables that may fall into that category).  Eggs are excluded.  These exclusions encompass condiments and seasonings (like mustard, ketchup, or cayenne pepper) in addition to those things we typically think of as “foods.”

It is very important to recognize the distinction of purpose between these.  The autoimmune paleo diet was never intended as an across-the-board normal healthy diet.  The AIP protocol is designed to be a temporary healing diet for those with autoimmune or other inflammatory disorders.  (In some extreme instances, it may be maintained by those living with chronic autoimmune illness, who do not represent normal, healthy people from a dietary standpoint.)  The goal of this approach is to remove everything that is likely to increase inflammation, to allow the body to heal so foods may be reintroduced.

I believe some grains are healthful in the average diet; however I believe the paleo diet is a reasonably healthy way to eat, long-term, assuming it’s balanced.  (That is, you can’t eat just the meat and say you’re “paleo.”)  The AIP diet is not a healthy long-term diet for otherwise healthy people, and it was never meant to be.