
The GAPS diet, or Gut and Psychology Syndrome, is a diet created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to help people with gut-related health issues such as IBS, ASD, and ADHD. The diet includes bone broth, which is considered a staple food in the GAPS diet and is often used as a base for soups. Bone broth is also used in fasting, which can help pinpoint which foods might trigger symptoms like bloating, low energy, or diarrhea. A bone broth fast typically lasts between 24 hours and 3 days, during which 5 to 8 cups of bone broth are consumed, along with herbal tea and water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 20 minutes – 48 hours, depending on the meat used |
| Ingredients | Bones, may or may not include meat |
| Preparation | "Set and forget" |
| Histamine & glutamate levels | Higher than meat stock |
| Amino acid levels | 2-4x higher than meat stock |
| Primary healing components | Gelatin, amino acids, absorbable minerals, healing fats, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other glycosaminoglycans |
| Duration | 24 hours – 3 days |
| Consumption | 5-8 cups during the fasting period |
| Continuation beyond 24 hours | 4-6 cups of bone broth per day, with one Paleo-friendly meal |
| Continuation beyond 48 hours | Include one meal with protein and veggies |
| Add-ons | Ghee, grass-fed butter, raw vegetables, ginger, turmeric, and cayenne |
| Frequency | Once per week, consistently |
| Precautions | Not suitable for underweight individuals, those recovering from serious illnesses, or those with diabetes |
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What You'll Learn
- The GAPS diet eliminates processed foods, most dairy, legumes and certain meats
- Bone broth is a staple of the GAPS diet, providing numerous health benefits
- A bone broth fast can help identify food triggers, but is not a long-term solution
- Bone broth fasts can last from 24 hours to 3-4 days, depending on individual needs
- Bone broth is easy to add to your diet and can improve overall health

The GAPS diet eliminates processed foods, most dairy, legumes and certain meats
The GAPS diet, short for Gut and Psychology Syndrome, is an elimination diet designed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride. It is based on the theory that a "leaky gut" causes many conditions that affect the brain. The diet involves eliminating foods that are thought to contribute to a leaky gut, such as processed foods, most dairy products, legumes, and certain meats.
The GAPS diet recommends eliminating all processed and packaged foods, as well as refined carbs and preservatives. This includes avoiding canned foods and commercially available pasteurized dairy products. Instead, the diet emphasizes the consumption of whole, nutrient-dense foods that are easy to digest and promote gut healing.
Regarding dairy, the GAPS diet suggests eliminating pasteurized dairy products due to their potential to cause sensitivity or intolerance. However, for those who are not dairy intolerant, the diet allows for the consumption of unpasteurized, homemade dairy products such as yogurt or kefir. It is important to note that homemade fermented dairy from raw, organic sources is generally better tolerated than pasteurized dairy.
Legumes, including soy, are also eliminated on the GAPS diet. This is because they are considered difficult to digest and may damage the gut flora or gut lining. Instead, the diet recommends focusing on easily digestible nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
When it comes to meat, the GAPS diet does not eliminate it entirely but recommends avoiding certain types. Specifically, the diet suggests not eating meat and fruit together and choosing grilled or roasted meats over processed meat products. Bone broth, which can be made with or without meat, is considered a fundamental part of the GAPS diet and is consumed daily.
The GAPS diet is a restrictive protocol that may take up to 2 years to complete. It is important to note that the diet has not been extensively researched, and there are some concerns around its premise. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially one as restrictive as the GAPS diet.
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Bone broth is a staple of the GAPS diet, providing numerous health benefits
Bone broth is a staple food in the GAPS diet, which was created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to help people with gut-related health issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The diet is broken into three phases, which last over several years, with the length of each phase depending on the severity of gut problems.
Bone broth is often used as a base for soups, stews, and other dishes, and it is recommended to consume it daily to support gut healing. It is rich in nutrients like collagen, amino acids, gelatin, absorbable minerals, and healing fats. These nutrients help to heal the digestive system, reduce fermentation in the gut, lower gas accumulation, and prevent gut permeability and inflammation.
The GAPS diet differentiates between bone broth and meat stock, using them at different times for different situations. Bone broth is generally cooked for longer periods than meat stock, typically between 4 and 48 hours, depending on the type of meat used.
Bone broth can also be incorporated into fasting protocols, such as the GAPS diet. A bone broth fast typically involves consuming only bone broth, water, and herbal teas for a period of 24 hours to 3 or 4 days. During this time, the body can burn fat, boost metabolism, and heal conditions like leaky gut due to the restoration of good bacteria in the digestive tract. However, it is important to note that fasting is not suitable for everyone, and individuals should consult with their healthcare provider before undertaking any type of fast.
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A bone broth fast can help identify food triggers, but is not a long-term solution
Bone broth is considered a staple food in the GAPS diet, which was created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to help people with gut-related health issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), autism spectrum disorders, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The diet is broken into three phases, which last over several years, depending on the severity of gut problems.
Bone broth can be included in any healing dietary program as an effective way to help heal the digestive system, reduce fermentation in the gut, lower gas accumulation, and prevent gut permeability and inflammation. A bone broth fast can also act like an elimination diet, helping to identify food triggers for symptoms like bloating, low energy, or diarrhea.
However, it is not sustainable to fast on bone broth for long periods, and it is not a replacement for following a beneficial diet. Fasting is not suitable for everyone, and it is important to consult a healthcare provider before starting a bone broth fast. A bone broth fast typically lasts between 24 hours and 3 days, and during this time, 3 to 4 quarts of bone broth are consumed while avoiding solid food and intense exercise.
While bone broth is rich in nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals, it may not address the root causes of gut issues, which include food sensitivities, gut dysbiosis, and inflammation. Therefore, a bone broth fast can be a useful tool to identify food triggers, but it should be followed by a healthy diet that promotes overall gut health in the long term.
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Bone broth fasts can last from 24 hours to 3-4 days, depending on individual needs
The duration of a bone broth fast can vary depending on individual needs and health goals. Generally, bone broth fasts can range from a short duration of 24 hours to a more extended period of up to 3-4 days. It is important to note that fasting is not suitable for everyone, and individuals should consult with a healthcare professional before undertaking any type of fast to ensure it is safe for their specific circumstances.
During a bone broth fast, individuals consume only bone broth, water, and herbal teas. This type of fast can be an effective way to improve gut health, reduce fermentation in the gut, lower gas accumulation, and prevent gut permeability and inflammation. Bone broth is rich in nutrients like collagen, amino acids, and minerals, making it a nourishing addition to any healing diet.
For those new to fasting or consuming a diet high in processed foods, it is recommended to start with a shorter duration of 24 hours. This gives the digestive system time to reset and can be an effective way to kick-start a healthier eating plan. After the initial 24-hour fast, some individuals choose to extend the fast for up to two more days, including one meal with protein and vegetables.
The frequency of bone broth fasts can vary, with some people choosing to do it once a week or several times a year. It is important to note that bone broth fasting should not be done for extended periods, and it should be complemented with a healthy diet that promotes overall gut health. Additionally, those who are underweight, recovering from an illness involving malnourishment, or taking medications should consult a healthcare professional before considering a bone broth fast.
Bone broth is considered a staple food in the GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet, which was created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to address gut-related health issues such as IBS, autism spectrum disorders, and ADHD. In the GAPS diet, bone broth is used as a base for soups and other dishes, and it is recommended to be consumed daily to support gut healing. The GAPS diet is broken into three phases that can last several years, with the duration of each phase depending on the severity of gut problems.
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Bone broth is easy to add to your diet and can improve overall health
Bone broth is a popular addition to many diets, including the GAPS diet, and can be made at home or purchased online. It is made by simmering animal bones, usually chicken or beef, in water for a long time, sometimes with meat, vegetables, herbs, and spices. The cooking time varies depending on the recipe, but it typically ranges from 12 to 24 hours.
Bone broth is easy to add to your diet and can be consumed as a drink, used as a base for soups and stews, or even taken in powder form as a nutritional supplement. It has a rich nutritional profile, including protein, collagen, amino acids, and various minerals, which contribute to its potential health benefits. For example, bone broth may promote gut health, reduce inflammation, and support bone and joint health.
The GAPS diet, or Gut and Psychology Syndrome, was created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to address gut-related health issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Bone broth is considered a staple food in the GAPS diet and is recommended to be consumed daily to support gut healing. The diet is broken into three phases that last several years, and the duration of each phase depends on the severity of gut problems.
Bone broth is also used in fasting protocols, such as the bone broth fast or the GAPS diet, which are elimination diets that can help identify food triggers for symptoms like bloating, low energy, or diarrhea. Fasting with bone broth is not suitable for everyone, and certain individuals, such as those who are underweight or have specific medical conditions, should consult a doctor before attempting a bone broth fast.
Overall, bone broth is a versatile and nutritious addition to a healthy diet. It is easy to include in various recipes or simply enjoyed as a drink, offering potential benefits for gut health, bone and joint health, and overall well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
The GAPS diet, or Gut and Psychology Syndrome diet, was created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride to help people with gut-related health issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The diet focuses on healing the gut with bone broth and meat stock as the "backbone" of the diet.
A bone broth fast is a period of time, typically between 24 hours and 3 days, where you consume only bone broth, water, and herbal teas. During the fast, your body burns fat, boosts its metabolism, and heals conditions such as leaky gut.
It is recommended to start small, especially if you are new to fasting or consuming a diet high in processed food. A bone broth fast can be done once per week, or several times per year to kick-start a healthier eating plan. It is important to consult your healthcare provider when considering a bone broth fast as it is not suitable for everyone.
A bone broth fast can help to heal the digestive system, reduce fermentation in the gut, lower gas accumulation, and prevent gut permeability and inflammation. It can also act as an elimination diet, helping to pinpoint which foods trigger symptoms such as bloating, low energy, or diarrhea. Bone broth is also a rich source of nutrients that are easy to miss out on when eliminating certain things from your diet.











































