Nowadays, scientists emphasised the importance of the relationship between the dysregulation of the gut microbiome and chronic illnesses in the aspect of mental and physical (including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity (ADHD/ADD). Therefore, lots of physicians, nutritionists, dieticians and other medical professionals hypothesised that supporting gut health can help treat any chronic disease due to the connections between the gut and the patient’s physical state and cognitive function. The GAPS (Gut And Psychology Syndrome and Gut And Physiology Syndrome) diet was then developed by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride in 2004 based on the gut-brain axis.
What Is It?
“GAPS” stands for Gut And Psychology Syndrome and Gut And Physiology Syndrome.
Dr Natasha proposed this syndrome because she discovered that patients’ conditions did not fit into any separate diagnostic boxes designed by modern medicine. A lot of patients have overlapping and relating physical and mental disorders.
So on, Dr Natasha proposed the name which is Gut And Psychology Syndrome (GAP Syndrome). She believed that autistic tendencies, asthma, hyperactivity and other underlying conditions originate in the gut and show in those manifestations as any combination of the above conditions.
Children and adults with psychological and physiological conditions due to gastrointestinal disturbance are GAPS patients. From Dr Natasha’s experience, GAPS children and adults are susceptible to asthma, eczema, allergies, dyspraxia, and other behavioural and cognitive disorders. GAPS children and adults also have a high prevalence of digestive problems, and they often present with chief complaints of colic, bloating, and flatulence. These gastrointestinal symptoms and signs may be due to the replacement of breast milk with formula milk for babies and their limited diet. But unfortunately, those symptoms are easily neglected by modern medical practitioners. However, their abdominal X-ray invariably shows “faecal compaction with an over-spill syndrome”, and enteroscopy showed nonspecific enterocolitis.
This condition will result in a fertile environment for parasites, bacteria, fungi and viruses. And it is eventually producing a lot of toxins and waste that will be absorbed into the child’s bloodstream and causes chronic inflammation. And thus contribute to those psychological and physiological conditions or combinations, which is GAPS.
GAPS Diet And Its Nutritional Protocol In Disorders
1. Dairy products
Firstly, stay lactose-free and cut off dairy products except for homemade ghee until the gut is healed. This process lasts for six months. Then, gradually add organic butter, yoghurt and natural organic cheese to the diet. If there are any adverse reactions, such as GI symptoms, please stop immediately.
2. Meat and Fish
Meats and fish contain a digestible form of vitamins, amino acids, nourishing fats, minerals, and other daily nutrients. They include Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Vitamin A and Vitamin D.
3. Vegetables
It contains Vitamin C, folic acid, and Vitamin K. Vegetables that combine with meat and fish help us metabolise food better due to the neutralisation reaction between the alkalinity of vegetables and the acidity of meat.
4. Eggs
It absorbs almost 100% without needing digestion. It contains essential amino acids and many vitamins, including Vitamin B1, B2, B6, B12, A, D, biotin), essential fatty acids, zinc, magnesium, and many other nutrients. Eggs yolk is rich in choline, which can build acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter for brain cognition and learning function.
5. Nuts and Seeds
They are high in nutrients with amino acids, fats, magnesium, selenium, zinc, omega-6 and omega-3 oils. GAPS diets used nuts and seeds extensively.
6. Beans and Pulses
Dried white beans, lima beans (dried and fresh), string beans and lentils and split peas are not that starchy to give to GAPS patients.
7. Honey
In the beginning, limit all sweet things to prevent the growth of Candida Albicans in the gut. Choose cold-expressed honey to consume micro-elements which are fructose and glucose.
8. Beverages
GAPS should include drinking water, freshly pressed juices, and meat/fish stock.
9. Fats and Oils
All-natural fats are acceptable in the GAPS diet because they do not change their chemical structure when heated. Avoid all artificial fats like margarine and butter replacements.
A Suggested Typical Diet For A Person With GAPS
- Start the day with a glass of mineral or filtered water with a slice of lemon.
- Breakfast: Start at 10a.m. Eat some cooked or fresh salad, eggs, avocado with meat, fish or shellfish, pancakes made with ground nuts, and any home-baked goods.
- Lunch: Home-made vegetable soup or stew in a homemade meat stock or any meat/fish dish made with vegetables.
- Dinner: Any meat/fish dish made with vegetables.
Conclusion
Some people may feel their health status improved after trying the GAPS diet. However, this diet is still not supported by strict clinical trials. Anyone who wants to try this diet should seek advice from a doctor and nutritionist to ensure they do not suffer from nutritional deficiency.
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