On March 15, 2016, a group of researchers and community health advocates released the results of a survey that had collected detailed responses from 1,167 individuals who had been following the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) for at least three months. The survey, known internally as “1167,” was not a formal clinical trial, but it remains one of the largest self-reported datasets on the practical realities of an elimination diet in an autoimmune context. Its findings continue to inform how many practitioners and coaches structure reintroduction phases and troubleshoot digestive discomfort.
The sample was self-selected through online AIP communities, blogs, and support groups. Participants came from 14 countries, with the majority from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The survey captured data on symptom severity before and after starting AIP, the order in which foods were reintroduced, the most common triggers, and the strategies people used to manage bloating, fatigue, and food anxiety.
Key Demographic and Baseline Findings
The average age of respondents was 38.7 years, and 82% identified as female. This aligns with the known higher prevalence of autoimmune conditions among women. The most commonly reported diagnoses were Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (44%), rheumatoid arthritis (21%), and inflammatory bowel disease (13%). A smaller group (9%) reported multiple autoimmune conditions. Before starting AIP, 71% of participants had tried at least one other dietary approach, such as gluten-free, low-FODMAP, or standard paleo.
One striking data point: 68% of respondents said they had experienced moderate to severe bloating at least three times per week before starting AIP. After 12 weeks on the protocol, that number dropped to 22%. While self-reported data must be interpreted cautiously, the magnitude of the change suggests that for many, eliminating common inflammatory foods—grains, legumes, dairy, eggs, nightshades, nuts, seeds, and refined sugars—provided measurable relief.
Reintroduction Patterns and Success Rates
The survey asked participants to list the first food they tried to reintroduce after the initial elimination phase (typically 30–90 days). The most popular first reintroduction was egg yolks (34%), followed by ghee (18%) and seed-based spices (12%). Only 8% tried reintroducing nuts first. The researchers noted that egg yolks were chosen because they are nutrient-dense and often tolerated even when egg whites are not.
Success rates varied. Among those who reintroduced egg yolks first, 61% reported no reaction. For ghee, the success rate was 73%. For seed spices, it was 47%. Interestingly, participants who reintroduced foods in a structured order—keeping a symptom diary and waiting at least 72 hours between each new food—had a 22% higher success rate than those who reintroduced multiple foods simultaneously. This reinforces the principle that patience and systematic tracking are critical for identifying personal triggers.
The survey also asked about the most common symptoms that signaled a failed reintroduction. Bloating was the top indicator (53%), followed by brain fog (27%) and joint pain (12%). A smaller group (8%) reported skin eruptions or changes in bowel frequency. These findings align with what many practitioners see in clinical settings: the gut and nervous system are often the first to react.
Common Trigger Foods Across the Cohort
When participants were asked which foods most frequently caused symptoms during reintroduction, the top five were:
- Egg whites – reported by 41% of those who tried them
- Dairy (especially casein-rich products) – 38%
- Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes) – 34%
- Nuts (especially almonds and walnuts) – 29%
- Legumes (particularly soy and peanuts) – 27%
These numbers do not mean that everyone will react to these foods; rather, they highlight which items are statistically more likely to be problematic in an autoimmune population. For someone planning a reintroduction schedule, it may be wise to leave these foods until later in the process, after more gentle options (e.g., egg yolks, ghee, certain vegetables) have been tested.
Practical Strategies for Managing Bloating During Reintroduction
The survey included open-ended responses where participants described their “go-to” strategies when a reintroduction caused bloating or discomfort. The most frequently mentioned approaches were:
- Ginger or peppermint tea – 44% of respondents used warm herbal teas to soothe the digestive tract.
- Abdominal massage – 27% reported gentle clockwise massage helped move gas and reduce distension.
- Temporary reduction in fiber – 21% found that reducing high-fiber vegetables for a day or two helped calm the gut.
- Walking or light movement – 19% said a short walk after meals aided digestion.
- Sleep and stress reduction – 15% emphasized that a good night’s sleep and avoiding stressful conversations during a reaction made a noticeable difference.
None of these strategies replace the need to identify and remove the offending food, but they can provide temporary comfort. The survey also noted that 12% of participants mistakenly used digestive enzymes or probiotics without consulting a healthcare provider, and some reported worsened symptoms. This underscores the importance of discussing any supplement use with a doctor or dietitian, especially during an elimination phase.
The Role of Nutritional Density in Long-Term Adherence
One of the more surprising findings from the 1167 survey was the correlation between nutrient density of the diet and the likelihood of sticking with AIP beyond six months. Participants who reported consuming organ meats at least once per week, along with a variety of colorful vegetables and fermented vegetables, had a 34% lower dropout rate compared to those who relied heavily on muscle meats and starchy roots.
This aligns with the concept that a nutrient-dense diet supports not only physical health but also mental resilience. When the body receives adequate zinc, vitamin A, B vitamins, and omega-3s, energy levels and mood tend to stabilize, making it easier to navigate the social and logistical challenges of an elimination diet. The survey did not prove causation, but the association is strong enough to warrant attention.
For readers interested in practical ways to boost nutrient density without overwhelming the digestive system, the earlier post How Poor Nutrition Fuels Chronic Illness: A Paleo Perspective (2015) offers a deeper look at the mechanisms behind this connection. Additionally, the 2015 Autoimmune Bundle: A Retrospective on Content and Community Impact includes several resources that address meal planning for nutritional adequacy during elimination.
Limitations and What the Survey Cannot Tell Us
It is important to frame these results appropriately. The 1167 survey was not peer-reviewed, and the sample was not representative of all people with autoimmune conditions. Participants were largely white, female, and had access to the internet and the financial resources to purchase whole foods. The data are retrospective and rely on memory, which can introduce recall bias. Moreover, the survey did not control for concurrent medications, supplements, or lifestyle changes such as sleep or stress management.
Despite these limitations, the survey provides a valuable snapshot of real-world experiences. It highlights patterns that clinicians and coaches see regularly, and it offers a starting point for individuals who are considering or currently navigating an elimination diet. The most important takeaway is that individual variation is enormous. A food that triggers bloating in 41% of people still means that 59% tolerated it. The only way to know what works for you is to follow a structured reintroduction protocol with careful record-keeping.
A Final Practical Note on Tracking
One concrete action you can take today, if you are in the middle of an elimination or reintroduction phase, is to start a symptom diary that includes not just what you ate but also your stress level, sleep quality, and meal timing. In the 1167 survey, participants who tracked at least three variables (food, symptom, and context) had a 40% higher success rate in identifying their triggers within two months, compared to those who tracked only food and symptom. That small addition—noting whether you ate under time pressure, after a poor night’s sleep, or during a stressful work call—can reveal patterns that food alone does not explain.
The data from March 15, 2016, remind us that elimination diets are not a one-size-fits-all prescription. They are a tool for discovery, and the more systematically you use that tool, the more useful the information you gather will be. If you experience persistent digestive symptoms or suspect a food sensitivity, discuss your findings with a healthcare professional who can help you interpret them in the context of your overall health.
