GAPS diet

A healthy and resilient gut microbiome is essential for immune function and overall health. The GAPS diet is designed to reduce inflammation, support the gut lining, and restore microbial diversity through dietary intervention and detoxification.

Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAP Syndrome or GAPS) is a condition establishing a connection between the functions of the digestive system and the  brain. This term was coined by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, MMedSci (neurology), MMedSci (human nutrition) in 2004 after working with hundreds of children and adults with neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD), schizophrenia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, depression, obsessive –compulsive disorder, bi-polar disorder and other neuro-psychological and psychiatric problems. She believes that the link between learning disabilities, the food and drink that we take, and the condition of our digestive system is absolute, and the results of her work have supported her position on this subject.

Gut and Physiology Syndrome includes chronic physical conditions which stem from an unhealthy gut, such as all autoimmune conditions (celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes type one, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune skin problems, Hashimoto disease and other hormonal problems, etc.), asthma, eczema, various allergies, food allergy and intolerance, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, multiple many endocrine disorders (thyroid, adrenal and other), chronic infections, many neurological diseases and all chronic digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, colitis, etc).

The GAPS diet restricts all grains, commercial dairy, starchy vegetables, processed carbohydrates, and refined sugars.  These nutritionally void items are replaced with easily digestible and nutrient dense foods in order to give the cells of the gut lining and bacterial layer a chance to heal and rebuild.  These foods include homemade meat stocks and bone broths, organic meats including chicken, beef, pork, turkey, venison, and duck, non-predator fish, fresh shellfish, organic fruits and vegetables, probiotic foods, nuts, and seeds.

Dr. Campbell-McBride believes juicing with freshly pressed organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs is the best way to naturally restore the detoxification system. Coffee or water enemas and bathing with Epsom salts help detoxification. It is recommended to reduce the general toxic load avoiding chemicals.