Should You Do the GAPS Diet?
The GAPS acronym stands for two things:
Gut and Psychology Syndrome
Gut and Physiology Syndrome
As you read through this article you will learn how inextricably intertwined each of these often are.
The underlying premise behind GAPS is that
“All Disease Begins in the Gut” –Hippocrates
Symptoms in our bodies whether psychological or physiological will have their roots, their beginnings, in a compromised gut that has imbalanced gut flora. When the microbiota becomes imbalanced and there are more pathogenic bacteria and opportunistic bacteria outnumbering our beneficial flora our intestinal walls begin to break down and lose their protective mechanisms.
Once this happens, toxins are allowed free travel into our bloodstreams and the rest of our bodies. These toxins can come in many forms:
undigested food,
food intolerances and allergies,
pathogenic bacteria,
viruses,
fungi,
parasites,
metals,
and toxic substances produced by pathogenic bacteria.
Once entrance into the blood is accomplished these toxins can end up anywhere, particularly if it is an individual’s weakest link that is targeted first.
Not only is the digestive system in a GAPS individual compromised, but so is the detoxification system.
With the onslaught of toxic material traveling into the bloodstream through the unprotected gut lining, the individual’s detox abilities become overburdened. Specifically, the liver, which is the king in our detoxification systems, cannot keep up and the toxic material infiltrates the body settling commonly in the brain, joints, connective tissues, nervous system, organs, and artery walls.
The Gaps person suffers from intense nutritional deficiencies, toxic load, inflammation, and most often digestive distress.
Common symptoms of GAPS fall into two categories and are not limited to the following:
Physiological
Autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid, diabetes type 1, MS, lupus, celiac, Crohns disease, colitis, and skin disorders), eczema, rashes, acne, asthma, food intolerances, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, arthritis, joint pain, multiple chemical sensitivity, PMS, hypothyroid, adrenal problems, and digestive distress (reflux, belching, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, cramps, pain, IBS, and gastritis)
Psychological
Anxiety, Autism, ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, addictions, cognitive and memory problems, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, eating disorders, involuntary movements, tic and fits, behavior problems, social problems, and Autoimmunity
The GAPS Protocol works diligently to heal and seal the gut through dietary intervention, repopulation of beneficial bacteria, detoxification, and specific supplement support, to address the symptoms of each GAPS individual.
The diet has several stages and where you start is dependent on the severity of individual symptoms. The length of time spent in each stage is completely individual and dependent upon healing time.
GAPS individuals need to
Avoid all packaged and processed foods,
Avoid all grains and grain flours not just gluten-free,
Avoid all starchy vegetables including potatoes, cassava, arrowroot, yams, sweet potatoes, parsnips, and taro.
Avoid all sugar and anything containing it,
Avoid most legumes and beans except for properly prepared navy beans, lentils, split peas, and green beans when ready,
Avoid lactose. Only fermented dairy products such as homemade yogurt, kefir, sour cream, and cultured butter are allowed
GAPS is an extremely effective method for healing and has been used by thousands of people all over the world. Currently, there are around 300 GAPS Practitioners.
As a certified GAPS Practitioner and Nutritional Therapist, I am qualified to support and guide you and your family through this process while specifically addressing your concerns. I have the experience to confidently help move you or your family through the GAPS Protocols.
If you have questions please contact me to set up a consultation here.