The GAPS Diet theory states that avoiding certain foods, such as grains and sugar, can help treat conditions that affect the brain, such as autism and dyslexia.
The term “SPACES” means “intestinal and psychological syndrome.” The GAPS Diet is based on the premise that gut health is linked to overall physical and mental health.
According to this theory, improving gut health can improve other health conditions as well.
Researchers have not thoroughly studied this diet yet, and there are some concerns about its foundation.
This article will appear at the evidence behind the GAPS Diet, how to follow it, and the potential benefits. We also provide sample meal lists and meal plans.
Who Invented The GAPS Diet?
Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, who invented the GAPS Diet, believes that poor nutrition and leaky gut or leaky gut are responsible for many psychological, neurological, and behavioural problems.
At the heart of the GAPS Diet is avoiding foods that are difficult to digest and that can damage your gut flora or gut lining. They replace them with nutrient-rich foods that help the gut heal.
According to the GAPS theory, a leaky gut releases harmful bacteria and toxins into the bloodstream, entering the brain and interfering with its functioning. The theory claims that avoiding foods that damage the soul may help treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dyslexia.
While current research suggests a link between the brain and the gut, especially in anxiety and depression, research on some aspects of diet is mixed. While there is much evidence for improvement, there is limited published data to suggest that adherence to all components of the GAPS diet is necessary to improve psychological or behavioural conditions.
What Is On The GAPS Diet?
The GAPS Diet is a kind of elimination diet that consists of three phases:
The introduction phase consists of six substages, starting with extreme restrictions and then gradually adding more foods. This phase can last from 4 to 6 months, depending on how digestive symptoms such as diarrhoea develop. Here’s where to start and what to add as you progress through the dating stage:
- Start with homemade fish or meat broth soup.
- Add raw organic egg yolks and unspiced meat and vegetable stews.
- Then add avocados, pancakes, boiled eggs, and fermented vegetables.
- Then you can try meat, olive oil, vegetable juice, and “bread.”
- Add boiled apples, vegetables and methodically introduce more vegetables and fruits in the form of juice.
- Finally, you can add raw fruit, honey, and certain sweet baked goods.
Once you have gone through all six stages and added all approved products, you will proceed to the complete GAPS phase.
This diet phase lasts 1.5 to 2 years before gradually returning to other foods such as potatoes and fermented grains.
What Conditions Does The GAPS Diet Target?
Dr Campbell-McBride originally developed the GAPS diet to treat her son’s autism. Some persons also use the GAPS diet as an alternate therapy for a range of psychological and behavioural conditions, including:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyslexia
- Dyspraxia
- Epilepsy
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Erratic food
- Children’s food intolerances and allergies
Dr Campbell-McBride’s original goal with the GAPS Diet was to help children with behavioural and mood disorders. However, some adults are now using it to improve digestive problems.
Is There A Benefit To The GAPS Diet?
There is no evidence that all of the components of the GAPS diet can help treat the conditions it claims to be. However, following this diet can improve a person’s gut health. It encourages people to eat less processed foods and more fruits, vegetables, and natural fats. These simple dietary changes can improve gut health and overall health.
However, the GAPS nutritional guidelines do not address all dietary needs. When following this diet, people need to get enough vitamins and minerals to avoid nutrient deficiencies.
The following sections discuss the evidence for the possible benefits of the GAPS Diet.
Improving Gut Health
The GAPS diet can improve gut health in three main ways:
1. Avoiding Artificial Sweeteners:
According to some animal studies, artificial sweeteners can cause an imbalance in gut bacteria and increase the risk of metabolic problems.
2. Focusing on Vegetables and Fruits:
A 2016 study of 122 people found that eating fruits and vegetables can prevent the growth of a potentially dangerous strain of bacteria in the gut.
3. Includes Probiotics:
Probiotics contain many beneficial bacteria. One study shows that eating probiotic yoghurt can help lower blood sugar levels in people with metabolic syndrome. Gut and Psychology Syndrome, known as GAPS, states to the knowledge that the health of your digestive system is directly related to how your brain functions. So, it is designed to help people with stomach ailments and a wide range of psychological problems.
Proponents of it claim it cures a long list of diseases, none of which are scientifically proven. Here’s what you want to know about the GAPS diet and why many experts don’t consider it a fair treatment.
Bottom Line
“I would never recommend the GAPS diet to anyone under any circumstances,” says Freiman, especially underweight children and adults, as it could potentially lead to nutritional deficiencies.
For people with digestive issues, a proper elimination diet should stabilize symptoms within a week or two, Fraiman said. But it would help if you didn’t stick to a similar diet for months or years, as the GAPS diet suggests.
Instead, if you suffer from stomach problems, Freiman recommends other diets, such as the low FODMAP diet or the Mediterranean diet, depending on the person’s symptoms and condition. After all, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Also Read: Paleo Diet – Purpose, Meal Plan, Foods to Avoid And Eat on the Paleo Diet
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