Key Principles of the GAPS (Gut & Psychology Syndrome) Diet

The Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) Diet is designed to heal the gut and restore the balance of beneficial organisms in the microbiome, or collection of good bacteria and fungi that reside in the gut. Developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, a neurologist and nutritionist, the GAPS Diet recognizes the profound connection between the gut and overall health, particularly in relation to mental well-being.

The GAPS Diet was instrumental in my gut-healing journey from Lyme disease, which you can learn more about my story here.

Below are a few key principles of the GAPS Diet that might help determine if this diet is right for you:

Principles of the GAPS Diet:

Elimination of Certain Foods:

The initial phase of the GAPS Diet involves eliminating certain types of foods that can potentially aggravate gut issues, like processed foods, grains, starchy vegetables, sugar, and most dairy products.

Incorporate Nutrient Dense Foods:

The diet emphasizes a whole, nutrient-dense foods. This includes organic meats, fish, eggs, non-starchy vegetables, fermented foods, and healthy fats like coconut oil, animal fats, and ghee to name a few. This also means eliminating any processed foods, oils, and sugar as these not only damage the microbiome but feed the pathogens in the gut.

Consume Bone Broth & Ferments:

check out my classic chicken bone broth recipe here

Bone broths are a large part of the GAPS Diet as they are rich in proteins that help support a healthy gut lining. You can read more about the health benefits of bone broth in my article here. Fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi as well as homemade yogurt are also an important part of the diet as these can help populate the G.I. tract with beneficial bacteria. Think of it as a food-as-medicine approach to a probiotic!

Gradually Introduce Certain Foods:

As the gut begins to heal, you can slowly reintroduce specific foods as your body allows. This is done in a carefully staged manner to monitor for any potential reactions.

Incorporate Supplements:

The GAPS Diet recommends the use of supplements, such as probiotics and digestive enzymes, that aid in gut healing.

Lifestyle Considerations:

Stress, sleep, and other factors are taken into consideration during the GAPS protocol as lifestyle plays an important role in overall well-being and the health of the gut.

It's important to note that while the GAPS Diet can be beneficial for some individuals, it may not be suitable for everyone so it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if this is right for you.