AIP For Hashimoto’s: The Pioneering Abbott Pilot Study & Case Reports (Ep 061)
AIP For Hashimoto’s: The Pioneering Abbott Pilot Study & Case Reports (Ep 061)  
Podcast: The Autoimmune Wellness Podcast
Published On: Mon Feb 09 2026
Description: Episode 61: AIP for Hashimoto’s — The Pioneering Abbott Pilot Study & Case ReportsHashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune disease in the world—and yet many people continue to struggle with fatigue, brain fog, pain, and mood symptoms even when their thyroid labs look “normal.”In this episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott continues the AIP Medical Research Review series with a deep dive into the very first clinical study ever conducted on the Autoimmune Protocol for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This community-supported pilot study, led by Dr. Rob Abbott and published in 2019, examined whether a structured AIP diet and lifestyle intervention could improve quality of life, inflammation, and symptom burden in adults with Hashimoto’s who were already medically stable.Mickey walks through the full story behind the study—from the chance meeting that sparked the research, to the grassroots crowdfunding effort that made it possible. She breaks down the study design, participant profile, intervention structure, clinical measures, and results, including detailed case reports that offer rare insight into individual experiences.This episode highlights a critical and often overlooked reality in Hashimoto’s care: meaningful improvements in how people feel and function can occur even when thyroid hormones and antibodies remain largely unchanged.In this episode, you’ll learn:How the first AIP study for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis came to beWhy Hashimoto’s patients often struggle despite “normal” thyroid labsWho participated in the Abbott pilot study and why that mattersWhat the AIP intervention looked like in a clinical research settingHow diet, nutrient density, and lifestyle practices were integratedWhich clinical measures were used to assess symptoms, inflammation, and quality of lifeWhat the study revealed about fatigue, pain, mood, and daily functioningWhy improvements occurred even though thyroid hormones stayed stableWhat happened with thyroid antibodies and systemic inflammationWhy some participants required lower doses of thyroid medicationWhat the individual case reports reveal beyond group averagesWhy this study remains a milestone for Hashimoto’s research todayPractical takeaways for using AIP to support Hashimoto’s nowResources:Abbott Pilot Study (2019): Efficacy of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet as a Part of a Multidisciplinary Supported Lifestyle Intervention for Hashimoto’s ThyroiditisAIP Foundation Series – Free 5-day email course with printable food lists, meal plans, and beginner guides.AIP Certified Coach Program & Practitioner Directory – Advanced training for practitioners and a worldwide directory to find AIP-trained support.Pre-Order The New Autoimmune Protocol – Mickey's forthcoming complete guide to the updated Autoimmune Protocol, including both Core and Modified AIP.Episode Timeline:00:00 – The meeting that sparked the Hashimoto’s study02:51 – Overview of the Abbott AIP Hashimoto’s study04:01 – Understanding Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and standard treatment06:27 – Why study AIP for Hashimoto’s08:37 – Study participant profile10:09 – The AIP study intervention13:17 – Clinical measures and assessments16:20 – Results: quality of life improvements18:02 – Results: inflammation (hs-CRP)19:03 – Results: thyroid hormones and antibodies21:09 – Results: thyroid medication use22:36 – Adherence and safety23:29 – Case reports and individual outcomes26:02 – Why this study still matters28:25 – Practical takeaways for listeners32:16 – Recap, resources, and what’s coming next