The GAPS Diet (Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome)

Over 2000 years ago, Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.” Modern medicine is finding this to be the case. Our gastrointestinal system functions as a protective barrier, a second brain with many neurons, and a home to a rich microbiome of beneficial bacteria. The delicate lining of the gut is the gatekeeper to the inside, selectively allowing or preventing absorption of ingested materials.

However, problems arise when the gut lining is compromised. The lining can be damaged from toxins, food allergens, infections, medications, and a bad diet. In a healthy person, the cells that line the intestinal tract are close together, preventing things to enter uninvited. But when these “tight junctions” between the cells are loosened, a “leaky gut” results, and undigested food particles and other foreign matter can enter the bloodstream. This can set a person up for food allergies/sensitivities, infections, and autoimmune disorders. The body goes into overdrive to try to remove these unwanted invaders, and may inadvertently attack its own tissues.

The GAPS Diet establishes a connection between the state of the intestinal system and the health of the rest of the body. It works to “heal and seal” the gut lining quickly, giving the body the proper macro and micronutrients to heal the intestinal lining. It uses “food as medicine” and focuses on easy to digest foods like bone broths, healthy meats and fats, non- starchy vegetables, probiotic foods and soothing teas.

There are two parts to the diet. The GAPS Introduction Diet is more restrictive and can last a week to a couple of months depending upon the person. The Full GAPS Diet follows the Intro Diet, and is less restrictive. A person may stay on this part of the diet for up to two years, if desired. The GAPS Protocol instructs patients how to safely transition from the Intro, to the Full GAPS, and then to a healthy lifelong eating program. 

Conditions that can be helped by the GAPS Diet

If you or your loved ones suffer from any of the following conditions, the GAPS Diet may help:

Acne                                      ADD/ADHD                    Autism
Allergies                               Anemia                           Asthma
Autoimmune diseases      High Blood Pressure    High cholesterol/triglycerides
Colitis                                   Crohn's Disease            Depression
Diabetes                              Digestive problems      Dyslexia/dyspraxia
Ear infections                      Eating disorders           Fatigue/fibromyalgia
Food intolerances              Heart disease                Infections (Lyme, EBV, Candida)
Migraines                            Reflux disease               PMS
Stroke                                  UTIs                                Weight issues

Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride

The Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome (GAPS) Protocol was developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, a world renowned neurologist, who has made the connection between the digestive system and brain health. She has treated thousands of patients for disorders such as autism, ADHD, depression, dyslexia and schizophrenia, including her own son, who suffered from autism as a young child. 

Dr. McBride has trained over 800 GAPS professionals in 30 countries, and she has put her findings and methodology of ‘healing and sealing’ the gastrointestinal system in her book, Gut and Psychology Syndrome. She has also connected diet with heart disease, atherosclerosis and stroke in a second book, Put your Heart in your Mouth. She is currently working on a new book, Gut and Physiology Syndrome. 

Learn more about Dr. McBride and her protocol at gaps.me or gapsdiet.com. 

I am a Certified GAPS Practitioner. I use GAPS as well as other diet programs in my practice. Give me a call today at 732-440-8859 or email me at katehope@katehopenutrition.com to learn how I can help you and your family