Milly Gaines
The GAPS diet, an acronym for Gut and Psychology Syndrome, is a three-stage restrictive diet that aims to prevent toxins from damaging the body by restoring the intestinal flora. The diet focuses on improving gut health and correcting imbalances by eliminating certain foods such as grains, sugars, dairy products, and processed foods. The GAPS diet also recommends various supplements, including probiotic supplements, cod liver oil, essential fatty acids, and digestive enzymes, to support digestion and restore beneficial bacteria in the gut. While the diet has been promoted as a way to treat several health conditions, including autism and ADHD, there is limited research to support these claims.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Supplements allowed on GAPS diet | Probiotics, cod liver oil, essential fatty acids, and digestive enzymes |
| GAPS diet aim | To prevent toxins from damaging the body by restoring the intestinal flora |
| GAPS diet type | Restrictive diet that focuses on improving gut health and correcting imbalances |
| GAPS diet duration | Varies depending on the individual's condition, from a few months to several years |
| GAPS diet allowed foods | Organic meat, fish, eggs, natural fats, fermented vegetables, probiotic yogurt, bone broth, non-starchy vegetables, fruits |
| GAPS diet prohibited foods | Grains containing gluten, dairy products, sugar, starch-containing foods, legumes, alcohol, processed foods |
| GAPS diet guidelines | May not account for all nutritional needs, so ensure adequate vitamins and minerals are consumed |
| GAPS diet risks | Malnutrition, especially in children who need a lot of nutrients |
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What You'll Learn
Probiotics are recommended
Probiotics are "beneficial" bacteria found in both fermented foods and nutritional supplements. They can be used to treat a range of digestive disorders, allergies, viral infections, and auto-immune conditions. Dr Campbell-McBride recommends consuming both forms of probiotics to get as many beneficial bacteria as possible to populate the GI tract and balance the bacterial ecosystem. She suggests choosing a therapeutic-strength, broad-spectrum probiotic with as many different species of beneficial bacteria and the least amount of added ingredients.
For those on the GAPS diet, it is recommended to build up your dose of probiotics gradually. Start with a very small amount (for example, 1/4 capsule or less for 3-5 days) and see how your body responds. It may take a few weeks to a few months to reach an individual's therapeutic dose. It is important to listen to your body and adjust your commercial probiotic and fermented food intake accordingly to control "die-off". If you take the probiotic powder out of its capsule, remember that hot food or drink may destroy the bacteria.
Probiotic supplements, probiotic yogurt, and fermented vegetables are recommended as part of the GAPS diet. The diet also suggests taking supplements of essential fats and digestive enzymes.
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Cod liver oil is encouraged
The GAPS diet, an acronym for "Gut and Psychology Syndrome", was developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. It is based on the idea that many health problems linked to the digestive system are caused by imbalances in the gut microbiota. The diet focuses on improving gut health and correcting imbalances by eliminating certain foods and replacing them with nutrient-rich foods that aid in gut healing.
The GAPS diet consists of a three-stage process, with each stage having certain principles. The first stage involves eating light and easily digestible foods to repair the intestinal wall. The second stage involves gradually adding some of the foods banned in the first stage, such as organic meat, fish, eggs, natural fats, natural oils, and a variety of vegetables. The third stage is the Full GAPS Diet, which includes all the nutrient-dense, healing foods from the previous stages but expands food choices according to the allowed and non-allowed foods list.
Supplements are encouraged on the GAPS diet, and one of the recommended supplements is cod liver oil. Cod liver oil is a rich source of essential fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, which are important for maintaining a healthy body. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and support heart, brain, and joint health. They also help to improve mood and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
In addition to cod liver oil, Dr. N. Campbell-McBride recommends probiotics, essential fatty acids, and digestive enzymes as supplements. Probiotics help to restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and it is recommended to choose a product containing a range of bacteria, including Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Bacillus subtilis. Digestive enzymes help to support digestion, and some people may benefit from taking additional enzymes to break down and digest proteins.
It is important to note that the GAPS diet is very restrictive and may be challenging to follow. It eliminates many nutritious foods, and there is a risk of malnutrition if the diet is not carefully planned. Before starting any new diet, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional.
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Essential fatty acids are allowed
The GAPS diet, an acronym for Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome, was developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. The diet emphasizes the link between gut health and mental and physical health. It is based on the principle that many health issues linked to the digestive system are caused by imbalances in the gut microbiota.
The GAPS diet recommends various supplements, including probiotic supplements, fish oil, and cod liver oil. The diet also suggests taking supplements of essential fats and digestive enzymes. Essential fatty acids play a significant role in the GAPS Supplementation Protocol.
The following group of essential oils meets the GAPS supplementation protocol:
- A good seed/nut oil blend with a 2:1 ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids: This blend needs to supply both parent essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6. The dosage for children is a few drops added to food (not hot), gradually increasing to 1-3 tablespoons a day (5-15ml). For adults, start with one teaspoon a day and slowly increase to 4-5 tablespoons. Due to the severe fatty acid deficiency in GAPS patients, introduce these oils slowly to avoid reactions.
- Barlean’s Omega Twin Flax/Borage Oil: This product combines organic flaxseed oil, a rich source of LNA omega-3, with borage oil, a rich source of GLA omega-6. The 2:1 ratio may potentiate their effects. Alternatively, you can take flaxseed oil (10ml) and evening primrose oil (5ml) separately, ensuring they do not aggravate GAPS conditions. This nut or seed blend can be added to juice, smoothies, or drizzled over meals and is best consumed with food.
Supplementing with high levels of EPA has shown remarkable results for GAPS patients. Nordic Naturals Pro EFA, an omega 3 derived from fish oil, and an omega 6 derived from borage oil, provides a greater ratio of EPA to DHA. One teaspoon of this liquid form provides Omega 3 (675mg EPA to 450mg DHA), Omega 6 (165mg GLA), and Omega 9 (400mg OA).
The GAPS protocol is designed to remove processed carbohydrates and sugars that contribute to the reduction of Arachidonic Acid (AA) while promoting food sources rich in AA like meat, dairy, and eggs. GAPS patients have reduced amounts of AA, which is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain, making up 12% of all brain fat. This deficiency disrupts neurotransmitter pathways and immune cells.
Overall, essential fatty acids are allowed and play a crucial role in the GAPS diet, helping to restore intestinal flora and improve overall health.
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Digestive enzymes are suggested
The GAPS diet, an acronym for "Gut and Psychology Syndrome", is an approach that emphasizes the link between gut health and mental and physical health. The basic principle of the GAPS diet is that many health problems linked to the digestive system are caused by imbalances in the gut microbiota. The diet focuses on improving gut health and correcting imbalances.
The two key components of the GAPS dietary protocol are an elimination diet and dietary supplements. The GAPS diet recommends various supplements, including probiotic supplements to help restore the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut. It is recommended that you choose a probiotic containing strains from a range of bacteria, including Lactobacilli, Bifidobacteria, and Bacillus subtilis varieties.
While the GAPS diet has been promoted as an effective way to treat several health conditions, it is important to note that it is extremely restrictive and difficult to follow. It requires the elimination of many nutritious foods, and there is a risk of malnutrition, especially in children. The diet should be tailored to support individual health and lifestyle needs, and it is important to speak with a healthcare practitioner before beginning any new diet.
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Supplements should be kept to a minimum
The GAPS diet, which stands for "Gut and Psychology Syndrome", is a three-stage process that aims to improve the digestive system and prevent toxins from damaging the body by restoring the intestinal flora. The diet focuses on improving gut health and correcting imbalances, eliminating foods that are difficult to digest and replacing them with nutrient-rich foods that help the gut heal.
The GAPS diet is very restrictive and requires the elimination of many nutritious foods for long periods. It advises against consuming grains, dairy products, sugar, starch-containing foods, fruits, honey, sweeteners, legumes, alcoholic beverages, and processed foods. The diet recommends consuming organic meat, fish, eggs, natural fats, fermented vegetables, probiotic yogurt, bone broth, and non-starchy vegetables.
While the GAPS diet does promote the use of supplements, it is important to note that supplements should be kept to a minimum. The diet's founder, Dr. N. Campbell-McBride, recommends only a few specific supplements:
- Probiotics: Probiotic supplements, such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species, help restore beneficial bacteria in the gut. Probiotic yogurt and fermented vegetables are also encouraged.
- Cod Liver Oil: This supplement provides essential fatty acids and ensures that individuals on the diet get sufficient amounts.
- Digestive Enzymes: These supplements support digestion by aiding in the breakdown and digestion of proteins.
It is worth noting that the GAPS diet guidelines do not explicitly account for all nutritional needs. Individuals following this diet should ensure they are getting enough vitamins and minerals to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Additionally, the diet is extremely difficult to follow due to its restrictive nature, requiring individuals to cook all meals from scratch and potentially incurring higher expenses for ingredients.
In conclusion, while the GAPS diet recommends certain supplements, it is important to limit their use and prioritize obtaining nutrients from whole foods. Individuals considering the GAPS diet should consult with their doctor or healthcare practitioner to ensure it aligns with their specific health needs and to monitor their nutritional status.
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Frequently asked questions
GAPS stands for "Gut and Psychology Syndrome". It's a diet that aims to prevent toxins from damaging the body by restoring the intestinal flora and improving the digestive system.
Yes, supplements are allowed and recommended on the GAPS diet. These include probiotic supplements, cod liver oil, essential fatty acids, and digestive enzymes.
The GAPS diet is said to improve gut health and correct imbalances in the gut microbiota. It is also promoted as a way to treat several health conditions, including autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
The GAPS diet includes organic meat, fish, eggs, natural fats, fermented vegetables, probiotic yogurt, bone broth, vegetable soups, and some non-starchy vegetables and fruits.
