If you're new here, I'm Claire, the founder of Go Nude. We founded both Go Nude after living with endometriosis and realising how many harmful chemicals in my daily routine triggered my inflammatory response. But today, we’ll dive into how food can also stir up that inflammatory fire in the body.
So, here’s my story: I’ve had endometriosis for as long as I can remember. It took me 16 years to get diagnosed and advocate for myself in the healthcare system. By the time I had surgery, all my organs were attached. I had to get part of my bladder and uterus removed, and they booked me in straight away for a second surgery to remove parts of my colorectal organs.
I sometimes wonder if I could’ve slowed this disease down—if I drank less coffee, cut out alcohol, and went gluten- and dairy-free from birth rather than starting a decade ago. Or if I had switched out all my cleaning products, beauty items, and cookware to non-toxic options like steel from when I left home at 18. But I’m learning to forgive myself. That guilt and stress? It’s just another factor holding my body back.
When it comes to managing endometriosis, I’ve realised I need to try every natural pathway I can to support my health. Surgery can help, but the severity of my condition means I need more tools in my toolbox. That’s where the AIP diet comes in.
AIP Diet for Endometriosis
Let’s be real—the AIP diet is no joke. Forget 75 Hard, this diet is the real challenge. But did it help? Absolutely! Yes, I experienced less pain, my digestive system responded well, and I even shed about 4kg of inflammation from my body. It's like pressing a reset button for your immune system!
You know how I’ve talked about how VOCs in cleaning products affect my body? Well, it turns out that food can do the same. The AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet is all about eliminating foods that might contribute to inflammation in your body, and it’s especially beneficial for autoimmune conditions like endometriosis.
Did I have success with the AIP diet for endometriosis?
I started the AIP diet three months before my surgery, from April to June 2024. And let me tell you, it was a challenge. The biggest struggle? No coffee! I really missed it and probably am addicted to it. So I’ll be honest, I didn’t fully stick the "no coffee rule" 70% of the time. That slowed down the diet’s impact, but I’m learning. This time in 2025 trying the AIP again (properly!) I am reaching for herbal tea over coffee.
I’ve also discovered that eggs, especially non-organic ones, were a huge trigger for me. But after watching a video by Sophie Richards on TikTok (seriously, check her series and recipes out they are life-changing for anyone with endo or exploring the AIP diet), I learned that cage-free eggs might actually cause more inflammation than organic ones.
She explains that Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids both have inflammatory effects, though we need a healthy balance of Omega-6. The ratio of Omega-6 in caged eggs is 19:1 compared to Omega-6 in organic eggs. In contrast, the Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio in pasture-raised eggs is almost 1:1—much more anti-inflammatory and healthier. It was mind-blowing to realise that organic eggs have more reasons than animal welfare (which is good enough for me) with the higher price tag!
Since switching to organic eggs, my reaction has lessened. I’m still figuring out what works best for me, so I plan to reintroduce eggs in four weeks and see how I react.
(Source: Healthline. “Pastured vs. Omega-3 vs. Conventional Eggs.” Healthline).
HS-CRP: The inflammatory marker test (you'll need it)
You might have heard about HS-CRP testing. If you have endometriosis, this is one blood test you definitely need. HS-CRP measures inflammation levels in your body, and if it’s high, you’ve got a fire burning inside that needs attention. I had a doctor ignore my high levels once (they said I must have had a “cold”—I didn’t have one, by the way!) but, seriously, don't let anyone brush off your symptoms.
I’m actually getting my HS-CRP test done this week before I restart the AIP diet. Then, I’ll do it again three months later to see how much my inflammation has changed.
What foods did I find triggered my inflammatory response
Here’s what I’ve learned about myself:
- Onions, tomatoes, eggs (even organic ones, I’m still testing), dairy (goodbye cheese!), and chili are big triggers for me.
- Raw veggies in huge portions? My stomach bloats like a balloon. But small portions? I’m good.
- Surprisingly, I can drink red wine, tequila, and mezcal without too many issues. But I’m still trying to cut back on the alcohol for the sake of my liver. After all, the liver detoxes your body, regulates hormones, and handles inflammation. So, yeah, I’m trying to take it easy on the wine... (but, ugh, it's tough!).
Everyone's response is different. You will need to complete the protocol to understand what does and doesn't work for your diet.
Meal Plan & Grocery list
Here’s what my AIP diet looks like for Week 1. You’ll find plenty of nourishing meals that help reduce inflammation and support your body. Here's my meal plan for the first week:
Day 1
- Breakfast: Sweet potato and turkey breast with sautéed spinach. Herbal tea.
- Snack: Zucchini (cooked) with guacamole.
- Lunch: Grilled salmon salad with steamed greens, asparagus, and olive oil.
- Snack: Bone broth.
- Dinner: Roast chicken thighs, baked sweet potatoes, and garlic sautéed kale.
Day 2
- Breakfast: AIP breakfast bowl (mashed avocado, steamed broccoli, and sautéed turkey breast).
- Snack: Sliced apple with coconut butter.
- Lunch: Ground turkey stir-fry with zucchini noodles, coconut aminos, and carrots.
- Snack: Coconut flakes and blueberries.
- Dinner: Baked cod with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed greens.
Day 3
- Breakfast: Sweet potato, turkey breast, beetroot, and steamed greens.
- Snack: Bone broth.
- Lunch: Grass-fed beef patties, sautéed greens (like spinach or kale) with olive oil, and roasted beets.
- Snack: Sautéed zucchini with guacamole.
- Dinner: Chicken breast with sautéed mushrooms and mashed cauliflower.
And so on...
Grocery List
Here’s an idea of what you need to grab at the shop to kick off the AIP diet:
Proteins
- Chicken thighs
- Chicken breast
- Salmon fillets
- Grass-fed beef
- Turkey breast
- Ground turkey
- Fish
- Lamb
Vegetables
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchini
- Kale
- Spinach
- Cauliflower
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
- Brussel Sprouts
- Pumpkin
- Butternut squash
- Cucumber
Fruits
- Avocados
- Apples
- Pears
- Blueberries
Others
- Bone broth
- Coconut flakes
- Organic Beef Ghee
- Coconut yogurt (unsweetened, AIP-compliant)
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Lemons
- Coconut aminos
This plan eliminates raw veggies and ensures all fruits are prepared by baking or boiling as per AIP guidelines.
For more AIP inspiration and tips, Sophie Richards is a must-follow on TikTok. She shares incredible recipes and tips for managing endometriosis through diet. Also, don’t miss out on Nurse Doza’s video on the HS-CRP test—it explains how inflammation in your blood can indicate issues with your liver and hormones, which is so important when managing endometriosis.
I know this diet isn’t easy, but unfortunately, I feel like this is the only way I can gain control of my body and its response. I will do another blood test in a few months to check how much inflammation I’ve reduced.
Stay strong when it comes to this diet, stay healthy, and always go nude (with your cleaning products!).
By Claire Buick
