Is Ham AIP Compliant? How to Make This Meat Work With Autoimmune Protocol

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) diet is an increasingly popular approach for managing autoimmune conditions This restrictive regimen eliminates foods thought to encourage inflammation or gut permeability,

With such tight constraints, those on AIP know the challenge of finding quick, tasty, compliant recipes A common question is is ham AIP approved?

Keep reading to learn if ham can fit into an autoimmune-friendly lifestyle. We’ll also explore modified preparation methods and include an AIP-compliant crockpot ham recipe for your next holiday meal.

What is the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) Diet?

The Autoimmune Protocol diet aims to calm systemic inflammation and heal gut lining integrity. It targets acheiving these goals by removing foods considered immune reactive.

People with autoimmune diseases like lupus, Hashimoto’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and more use this diet to ease symptoms and potentially induce disease remission.

The AIP elimination phase avoids:

• Grains
• Legumes
• Dairy
• Eggs
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Nightshades
• Alcohol
• Refined sugars
• Food additives

Additionally, AIP minimizes toxin exposure and integrates gut-healing foods like bone broth.

This short-term phase lasts 30-90 days. After, AIP dieters systematically reintroduce eliminated foods while monitoring reactions. This guides long-term dietary choices tailored to the individual.

Is Ham Allowed on AIP?

The AIP diet restricts nearly all processed foods, especially cured or smoked meats like ham. Unfortunately, standard ham contains multiple compounds prohibited on AIP:

Nightshades – Most ham is cured with paprika for color. Paprika comes from peppers, a nightshade vegetable.

Sugars – Ham is sweetened with honey, maple syrup, brown sugar, or other unapproved sugars.

Preservatives – Curing salt, sodium nitrite, and other preservatives enhance shelf life but are avoided on AIP.

Thickeners – Binders like corn starch stabilize processed ham but don’t align with AIP guidelines.

Smoke flavoring – Many hams use artificial smoke flavors derived from yeast or vegetables rather than real wood smoke.

Gluten – Ham glazes and broths may contain glutenous ingredients.

For these reasons, typical store-bought ham is not AIP compliant. However, with strategic modifications, ham can work for those adhering strictly to autoimmune protocols.

How to Make AIP-Friendly Ham

With careful sourcing and preparation, ham can become an AIP-approved option:

Choose uncured ham – Seek out uncured, no-nitrate-added ham to avoid these preservatives. Nitrate-free is key for autoimmune diets.

Verify ingredients – Closely inspect labels to ensure no nightshades, gluten, sugars or other barred items are used. Call manufacturers if unsure.

Use real smoke only – Opt for wood smoked ham cured traditionally without artificial flavors. This has anti-inflammatory benefits.

Omit glazes – Most glazes contain fruit concentrates, honey, or maple syrup. Stick to unglazed ham.

Make your own broth – Use homemade bone broth vs. commercial ham broths with additives.

Trim fat – Limit high saturated fat with leaner cuts like center-cut ham and trim visible fat.

Portion protein – Keep ham servings modest since AIP emphasizes ample produce over meat.

This gives you wiggle room to still enjoy ham’s savory flavor occasionally within a gut-healing protocol. See the recipe below for an AIP-friendly ham that skips typical processing methods.

Slow Cooker AIP Ham Recipe

This easy crockpot preparation results in a tender, flavorful autoimmune-approved ham.

Ingredients:

• 3 lb uncured, preservative-free ham roast
• 1 cup homemade chicken bone broth
• 1 tbsp coconut aminos
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions:

1. Rinse ham and pat dry. Trim off any excess fat.
2. Place ham in slow cooker and add broth, coconut aminos, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf.
3. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours until ham is fork tender.
4. Remove bay leaf before serving. Slice ham and pour cooking juices over top.
5. Serve with roasted autumn squash and steamed greens for a delicious AIP-friendly meal.

The simple combination of herbs, broth, and time creates a tasty uncured ham that aligns with autoimmune protocols. Adjust cooking liquid for more or less moisture.

AIP Ham Alternatives

For those that still wish to avoid ham on AIP, consider these modifications:

• Make AIP corned beef instead using brisket and approved spices
• Swap for autoimmune-friendly pork roasts like pork loin or tenderloin
• Use chicken, turkey, lamb, bison or beef roasts for holiday meals
• Let roasted vegetables like squash or sweet potatoes shine as the entree

With creativity, you can craft satisfying centerpiece dishes without ham this holiday season.

Is Ham AIP Compliant? The Takeaway

Traditional cured ham contains several compounds that make it incompatible with the Autoimmune Protocol’s strict specifications.

However, seeking out uncured ham without these additives provides an avenue for selective enjoyment while adhering to an elimination diet.

Preparing specialty uncured ham at home using clean ingredients allows you to still incorporate this timeless favorite at times into an autoimmune-friendly lifestyle.

Be sure to always monitor your unique response. While occasional clean ham may be tolerated by some on AIP, others find it’s a consistent immune trigger best avoided long-term.

Listen to your body and customize your diet accordingly. With the right tools, you can craft an AIP-aligned nutrition plan that keeps ham’s savory charm on the menu when cravings strike!