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The GAPS Diet

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gaps diet

Did you know between 70 – 85% of your immune system lies within the gut? The gastrointestinal tract plays a vital role in your health including digestion, nutrient absorption, defense against invading pathogens, hormone metabolism, detoxification, elimination and production of energy.

Many search out an unprocessed diet because of health issues. One of the most widely accepted steps towards better health is an elimination diet, which is a way help find the culprit to your health issue, but it usually doesn’t go the next step to heal the body and reverse the damage. If you could reverse the damage and heal, would you give that diet a try?

If you or your loved one is challenged with acne, acid reflux, ADD/ADHD, allergies, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, autism, autoimmune disorders, bladder or urinary tract infections (including chronic cystitis), Candida, Celiac disease, colic, colitis, constipation, Crohn’s, depression, dermatitis, diabetes, ear infections, eczema, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, hormonal imbalance, hypoglycemia, insulin resistance, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), psoriasis, sinus or yeast infections, the Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) Program is something to consider.

gaps diet
The GAPS™ Diet is based on the work of Natasha Campbell-McBride, M.D. In her efforts to effectively heal gut-related disorders, Dr. Campbell-McBride discovered the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), as developed by Sidney Valentine Haas, M.D. and written about in Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health through Diet by Elaine Gottschall. Dr. Campbell-McBride took the Specific Carbohydrate Diet a step further by describing the gut-brain connection in her book Gut and Psychology Syndrome™. She emphasized the importance of detoxifying the intestinal tract, healing the gut through nutrient-dense foods and sealing or protecting the gut by establishing healthy levels of beneficial bacteria, using traditional lacto-fermented foods and beverages.

The GAPS diet slowly heals the gut, strengthens the immune system and can help clear many health issues. This diet is different from a grain-free diet in that it removes all sugars (except a bit of raw honey), most dairy, most legumes and all disaccharides from the diet. It’s a diet rich in bone broths, vegetables, meats, healthy fats and fermented foods. It should also be noted that it’s a therapeutic diet (usually followed for about one year) and not meant for the long-term or for those pregnant or nursing.

gaps diet

I speak of this therapeutic diet in confidence based on personal experience. In November 2011 my daughter (9 years old at the time) was suffering from daily stomach aches and heartburn after every meal. We were eating a grain-free diet rich in traditional foods, and yet she was still experiencing digestion problems. I told her about the GAPS diet and how it could help, but warned her that it was a big commitment—a year to be exact (there is no cheating allowed on this diet). She thought about it for a few weeks and then came to me and said, “Mom, I’m ready to do the GAPS diet. I’m tired of feeling bad every day.” So January 2, 2012, we started the GAPS diet and from day one her stomach aches and heartburn disappeared, and have not returned. It was a challenge, but we were thankful we had the opportunity to heal her gut and make a life-long change for her immune system. We are now in the process of slowly reintroducing foods that she has avoided for the past year. If you’ve been looking for a diet to help possibly heal health issues, I think this might be the diet for you. We found much success in this diet, and while challenging, it’s a gift you can give yourself or your child.

gaps diet

My nutritionist, Kim Schuette, is a certified GAPS nutritionist and has a wealth of information on her website. She also has seasonal GAPS meal plans, which I highly recommend. When we did the GAPS diet  I didn’t have Kim’s meal plans, and even though I regularly create recipes I really wanted help with meals.

gaps diet

The GAPS Full Diet Menu includes:
Five breakfast menus
Five lunch menus
Four weeks of five dinner menus (a total of 20 dinners), recipes and grocery lists for the dinners
Four snack ideas
Each recipe serves 4-6 persons.
All ingredients are GAPS approved, made from real nutrient-dense food.

 

Here are some GAPS diet recipes you might be interested in:

Butternut Squash Soup
Beef Stew
Pumpkin Pie Shake
Chicken Parmesan with Zucchini Noodles
Southwestern Stuffed Bell Peppers
Cottage Pie

Have you given thought to the GAPS diet? If you’ve tried it, please share your story!

 

 

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67 Comments

  1. Would you mind sharing how you handle social gatherings and "well-meaning" family and friends while participating in these types of diets? I recently attempted a short detox program, and received a lot of flack from people when I tried to explain that I wasn't eating wheat or dairy for the month. I can't even imagine lasting a whole year without cheating! Good for your family!
    Reply to this comment

    • That part was a bit tricky. :) Several of my family and friends lean towards the "Have an ailment? Take a pill" so I know many have thought we were a bit nuts. But that's ok. I've seen health issues reverse in my own body so while I may offend or seem a bit strange, I'm willing to do that in order to heal. I told her teacher what we were doing and so she had a little box with stickers, pencils and such that my daughter could choose from when there were foods brought to school. When we visited family, I would explain to them what we were doing and then go grab food at the grocery store. It wasn't the easiest method, but in the end it paid off. For social gatherings, I've learned that as long as you have a cup in your hand (even if it's filled with water) no one seems to know you aren't eating. My daughter and I had many talks about how it was for one year and it would totally be worth it. We also rewarded her at the end - she chose to go to Six Flags. :)
      Reply to this comment

  2. I've really been thinking about doing this for my middle son because he just seems "off" about his food. Very picky eating, not much eating, and I feel like it is his gut. But he's only 3 - it would be a family thing and I struggle with doing it now or waiting until he has some mental capacity (though possibly more damage to his gut) to help him deal with the diet. We eat really well - bone broths, low sugar, and I am learning to ferment foods. But he just still seems off. I'm headed to your nutritionists site now to browse and think some more. Thoughts would be great!
    Reply to this comment

    • I'm sorry to hear of your son's food issues. That can be tough. If I had known about the GAPS diet when my daughter was very young, I would have done it then. It's much easier to control their food and environment when they are young as opposed to school-age. I would give it a go. What do you have to lose?! :) Kim's office can offer support and encouragement. They have been so helpful to me and my family!
      Reply to this comment

  3. Carrie, thank you for this post. As Peter heals from his surgery and a bout with pancreatitis, I am reading as much as I can on what foods he can/cannot eat. It is overwhelming to be honest. There is so much contradictory information out there. Additionally, everyone's body is different and responds to food differently. I feel good about the fact that I already cook/bake from scratch and buy what I can in organic and whole form. Your blog and cookbook were the first places I turned after Peter had his gallbladder removed. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us here!
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  4. I love that you left the choice up to her, and that she was so wise at such a young age, to commit to healing. I'm curious if there's one part of the Gaps Diet over another that you credit with her healing, or if it's the whole package? I'd also love to see a Part 2 to this article, telling us about her reintroduction process. I'm on the Gaps Diet, healing Rheumatoid Arthritis and have seen amazing results, but as I'm 44 (not 9), I expect to be on the diet longer than a year. Still, I'm so grateful to have this avenue to healing.
    Reply to this comment

    • I would say it was the entire diet. As you know, it takes the system quite a while to heal, but we did see her stomach issues go away on the very first day. I'm certain her issues were because when she was born she had a heart issue and was on very strong medications for the first year of her life (her heart healed, so she no longer has a heart problem). Then, at 3 months she developed severe asthma and eczema and was on all sorts of antibiotics and steroids. At the time I didn't know about a traditional, nourishing diet, so we've spent the last several years repairing the damage. I'm thankful there is a way to heal! I'm glad to hear you are having success on the GAPS diet!
      Reply to this comment

  5. Hi, I'm interested for my sisters sake in the diet. She has suffered mildly from depression all her life, but had an acute phase 10 years ago and then again recently following a miscarriage, however she as anxiety too now. I saw these two symptoms on the list of ailments and wondered how successful the diet could b in someone like that? What are the chances it could work? Thanks Julie
    Reply to this comment

    • Julie,I am so sorry to hear about your sister's challenges and loss. I have seen the GAPS Diet heal depression and do believe it would greatly help your sister. The inclusion of nourishing animal fats is critical to supporting healthy conception and pregnancy. Animal fats such as ghee, butter, egg yolks, raw cream and cheeses, tallow, lard (yes, lard!) and duck fat support the body's ability to make ample progesterone, the hormone so critical to carrying a baby full term.Please let me know if I can be of help.Blessings, Kim
      Reply to this comment

  6. I have been on the full GAPS diet for 10 months and nursing a big baby boy the whole time. He has had terrible eczema and I really haven't seen much improvement with the eczema but I am feeling better so I have stuck with it. I finally got consistent with the fermented vegetables about 2 months ago and now I have eczema breakouts.Do you know how long I may have the breakouts? I suffered from eczema until I was 16 and mistakenly thought that I grew out of it. I know I am detoxing but it is a struggle!Also what do you do with all of the chicken when you do a broth? I love using a whole chicken to do a broth but I can't eat all of the chicken. I freeze a lot of it but just don't feel like eating it. I love the broth though.I have come up with one recipe that I think may be an original. It is avocado pancakes. You can see it at http://www.natural-organic-products-and-recipes.com/GAPS-avocado-pancakes.html.Thanks so much! I would appreciate any advice/feedback. Also the only dairy we can do is organic butter and ghee.
    Reply to this comment

    • Tosha,I would suggest moving to the shorter cooked meat stock for a month. It is important that you are not too restrictive while breastfeeding as you want a very balanced diet that includes properly prepared carbohydrates. Keep in mind that the GAPS Diet is a therapeutic cleansing/healing diet and may not be appropriate for pregnancy and breastfeeding. I also suggest you add coconut oil to your diet and to your skin, if you are not already doing so.There are numerous homeopathic remedies that are safe to use during pregnancy and lactation and effective when challenged by eczema. Topically Dr. Kang's DermRash and UNDA #270 ointment are extremely supportive.Warmly, Kim Schuette
      Reply to this comment

      • Kim,Thank you so much for your comment! The day before I received your comment, I was thinking that my breastmilk must be too toxic for my baby. He is already 12 months and I felt like I needed to stay on GAPS so I started making a dairy free homemade formula. He has been drinking it down and his eczema is about 60% improved. I am still nursing about 50% and I would like to get to a 90% homemade formula 10% nursing but I think that is the answer! Your comment was a confirmation to me that that would be a good thing and the formula I am making is so ultra nutritious that I feel really good about feeding it to my baby! Thanks!!
        Reply to this comment

        • Tosha,So glad to hear. The Meat-based formula designed by Sally Fallon Morell and Mary Enig, PhD is an excellent formula for infants sensitive to dairy. Here is the link: http://www.westonaprice.org/childrens-health/homemade-baby-formula-testimonialsBest to you.... Kim
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  7. That's funny, I went to Hippocrates in West Palm Beach Florida. It is an awesome place and there is definitive healing going on there! The best part of the experience is the food. Anyone can fall in love with the quality of their food and the way it is prepared. They put me on track to a healthier lifestyle. I am not totally a raw foodie yet, but I am well on my way. My overall health has improved considerably since the 2 weeks I spent there. The key is follow up and the trick to that is convenience. So, I took the advice of Hippocrates and get my organic produce delivered every week. There is a local place here in West Palm Beach called Organic Grown Direct that brings me my fresh veggies. I'm juicing and loving it! Thank you for the great article. I will forward this website link to all my friends...
    Reply to this comment

  8. Hi Carrie, Thanks for always sharing such helpful information. I was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's. I love my doctor's office because they take a holistic approach to health. I have been started on Armour twice a day and the Doctor wants me to take it for 6 months to get some stability with my levels, then we will work on healing my gut through diet. I have subscribed to your meal plans for over a year and believe that part of my finding your blog/meal plans was divine intervention given my current circumstances and knowing your history with Hashimotos. I am so thankful for the gradual transition over the last two years as far as changing the way we eat at home and informing ourselves. This is just one more step in the right direction. I have been exposed to information for the GAPS diet several times over the last year (again divine intervention) and this morning I pull up your blog so I can print out my meal plan and head to the Farmers Market and this article is what I see. Thank you!
    Reply to this comment

  9. About a year ago, I began the GAPS diet to heal my gut and help me get through the onset of menopause. I can honestly say it was the most difficult yet most rewarding diet I have ever been on. The difficulty came in the preparation, the rewards came at the end with how I feel, terrific! When I began Kim's Menu plan was not available, I wish it had been because it would have made my journey a little easier. I did find some amazing advice through the GAPS website, various blogs, books, and right here from Carrie. :o)I'm still on my journey of getting through menopause, I hear it can be quite long, ugh. But, as long as I stick to the basics of the GAPS diet, I do quite well. I encourage a lot of people to seek good, sound nutritional advice and if you are going to try the GAPS diet, DON'T try it on your own. You will need the support and encouragement of those who have done it before.Thanks for the offer for the Menu plan, I'm going to get it now!
    Reply to this comment

  10. Carrie, is this the diet that people do when they have FODMAP sensitivity? I went on an autoimmune paleo diet because of two autoimmune diseases. I have experienced immediate and dramatic improvements in my arthritis. However, my stomach has never been worse. Last night, after much research, I found that the foods that bother me are all FODMAPs. But now I don't know what to do next.
    Reply to this comment

  11. I think I really need to do this! We are already learning and improving our diets to be free from processed foods but I think I need this more intense healing (acne and itchy hives on hands). What do you do for meals when away from home? Do you take your own? Make sure you are really prepared (sometimes we get caught away from home at a meal time and my young children are hungry so we pick something up)? I would love tips for that sort of thing. I think I would feel more confident and prepared with that since there is no cheating.
    Reply to this comment

    • It takes quite a bit of planning. I always have snacks and such packed in containers when we are going to be out and about for the day. If we are on a trip, I make sure and plan out where we will eat. Many times if traveling, we will make sure to stay in a hotel that has a small kitchen, this way I can still cook good foods for the family. It's a difficult diet, but it's so rewarding at the end!! Here's a link to a post I did that might give you ideas as to what kinds of foods to pack for the kids: https://deliciouslyorganic.net/lunch-paleo-gaps-grain-free-recipes/
      Reply to this comment

  13. I've been considering GAPS for the longest time now. I have some (recently discovered) food sensitivities, and my five year-old has seasonal allergies, a grass allergy and mild asthma (only seems to act up if he gets a cold). However, for the last five and a half years, I've either been pregnant or breastfeeding, so I've been weary of starting the diet. I really feel it could help everyone in the family though. Is it beneficial to do some form of the diet in a modified way while breastfeeding? Do you have any recommendations that would ensure the safety of the diet for the baby and I?
    Reply to this comment

  14. I just started my family on the Intro. My 3 kids act like they have the flu and won't eat any of the yummy foods I'm offering on stages 1 and 2. We are doing detox baths as well. Is this something that will pass? Do I just hold out and hope they will eat what's there if they get hungry enough? Or do you think I should go to the Full Gaps Diet first for a while and return to Intro down the road? I hate seeing them so miserable!
    Reply to this comment

  15. Carrie,I stumbled upon your blog a few years back. As I became very I'll and was diagnosed with an auto immune disease. Though any doctor is yet to figure out what one. After years of tests and different doctors I finally went to see a Naturopath Doctor. She could not believe all of the problems that so have been having. She has recommended The GAPS diet. I see that you have done this with your daughter and have had great success. Is there a certain blog post on here where your started talking about this? Where you came to find out this is the course of treatment she needed? So that so may read and follow along in how it goes? I'm finding it all very overwhelming at the moment. But I'm very excited to finally have someone that has a plan to help me get healthy.
    Reply to this comment

    • This is the first post where I discussed my daughter's journey on the Gaps diet. Since she's young, I wanted to keep her story a bit more private. A couple of years ago, even though we were on an unprocessed, nourishing, grain-free diet, she was still having stomach aches and heart burn after every meal. She also had a rough start in life (a heart condition at birth, severe asthma and allergies) so we put it all together and decided that the Gaps diet would be beneficial for her. She was totally on board and since day one she's never had any stomach issues (her heart condition corrected itself at age 1 and when we switched to raw dairy her allergies and asthma disappeared). I've been trying to now add foods to her diet, but she's resisted a bit, b/c she loves how she feels (what kid doesn't want to get off the Gaps diet!). :)It can all be overwhelming, so it's important to take small steps. A nourishing diet has completely changed our family's health, so I encourage you to continue walking down this road!
      Reply to this comment

  17. It is ideal to use organic produce and meats along with wild fish while using the GAPS Diet and in everyday eating. Some find that after the gut has healed from the GAPS Diet they enjoy (and need) small servings of properly prepared grains such as Carrie recommends in her recipes.
    Reply to this comment

  18. I really appreciate these comments. We have been doing GAPS for 2 months now and everyone seems like they are doing well. I have to say that I am confused as to how long to stay on it. We don't suffer from severe allergies but my son is considered to have aspergers and my daughters have stopped complaining about stomach aches. Also the intensity of our household has simmered down somewhat (in other words the high energy of each of the kids). So do you just try out a non GAPS food like properly soaked grains and watch to see if there is a regression?
    Reply to this comment

  19. Yes, I would encourage you to slowly reintroduced foods not on the GAPS Diet, like properly prepared grains and raw milk. Only introduce one new food every three days in order to better determine the food that may be related should a reaction occur. You may also want to use the Coca Pulse Test. http://www.biodynamicwellness.com/client-resources/ The GAPS Diet is a temporary therapeutic diet for healing leakiness in the gut as well as the blood/brain barrier. So glad to hear you are having success with your children!
    Reply to this comment

  20. For the last couple of weeks, I have been thinking that I ought to go on the GAPS diet. My husband and I have been trying to get pregnant for 2 years and I am 24. I am overall very healthy, except for my hormone imbalance. I am 5'2" and 105 pounds. I have minor acne and haven't had a period naturally in 7 years. I have worked with doctors and an acupuncturist, and eat a traditional diet with real fats, grass fed meats and fermented foods, as well as broth daily, but I feel there is more that I could do. Do you think a GAPS diet would be beneficial? I only want to do something that is going to increase my fertility. Thank you so much for your advice.
    Reply to this comment

    • I'm not a professional in this field, so I can't say for sure, but I highly recommend doing a phone consult with a nutritionist at Kim's office. They have had much success helping couples get pregnant who had been told they couldn't or had been trying for many years. I would start by listening to this podcast, "Mindful Conception" by Kim Schuette (my nutritionist) and then call their office. Kim has completely changed my life/health and has so much insight in this area!
      Reply to this comment

    • Jenessa,It sounds like you are doing so much right in regards to your diet. We have found that the GAPS Diet is very supportive in the process of hormone balancing. This is largely due to the emphasis of animal fats, which feed the steroidal hormone pathways. As you know, the GAPS Diet brings healing to the gut. This enhances the body's ability to more fully utilize the nutrients taken in through the diet. Please contact my office at info@biodynamicwellness.com and ask them to send you our Diet for Pre-Conception Couples, Pregnant and Nursing Mothers and see our gapsinfo.com for more information regarding the GAPS Diet. We'd love to help you!Warmly, Kim Schuette
      Reply to this comment

    • Heather,The GAPS Diet is what I recommend to all our clients challenged with candida. Many times those with excessively high levels of candida also have high levels of toxic metals in the tissues. This can be assessed using hair mineral tissue analysis or challenged stool tests. It is usually necessary to address the toxic metals in order to effectively eliminate the candida overgrowth. The GAPS Diet is always a huge part of this process.Give us a call if we can be of help. 858.259.6000.Warmly, Kim Schuette
      Reply to this comment

  22. Hi Carrie! Love your website and cookbook! My question is with what type of health practitioners do you see for your autoimmune disorder? I am currently pregnant w 2nd child and have hypothyroidism and would like to get off medication. Not sure what type of dr to look for? Thank you so much for your feedback w this!
    Reply to this comment

  23. Sorry for additional comment. I also have struggled w candida overgrowth particularly during this pregnancy! So hard to being pregnant and attempt gaps/ paleo! Any direction would be great!
    Reply to this comment

  24. We do not recommend the HCG diet for most people and certainly not unsupervised. It is a 500 calorie low fat diet. This is not compatible with the GAPS Diet. It can bring on adrenal stress as well as heighten blood sugar dys-regualtion. Caution. :)
    Reply to this comment

  25. I am curious about the benefits of GAP for diabetics...my 24 year old fit/active/healthy daughter was diagnosed as a Type 1 just over a year ago..she is very strict with a lower carb diet - which her docs give her a pretty hard time about. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I didn't see specific advise on her website. Thanks.
    Reply to this comment

  26. Hi Susan. The GAPS Diet helps strengthen the integrity of the gut where over 75 percent of our immune system resides. Additionally, its emphasis on high quality animal fats offers tremendous reparative benefits to all cells, including those of the pancreas. I recommend diabetics avoid fruit and natural sweeteners (including honey), even when on the GAPS Diet. I wish your daughter well! Warmly, Kim
    Reply to this comment

  27. I have a question you mention asthma.My five year old is border line asthmatic ,is the GAP diet for that also or do you have recommendations for helping him and /or prevention of asthma ? I am helping myself with Hashimotos and I can't thank you enough for sharing your information on your experience and sharing what you did.Sincerely, Brenda
    Reply to this comment

  28. I have narcolepsy and was told to eat gluten free. Within days of quitting gluten, annoying health issues like joint pain, acid reflux, bowel issues and dry, cracking skin went away. I then found out about the Paleo diet and have been eating that way for 1 1/2 years and feeling pretty great but I still struggle with sleep, energy and mood. In the last few months I've learned about the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol, Terry Wahl's protocol, and the GAPS diet. I know I need more healing but I'm overwhelmed about which diet to embark on. Any insight would be appreciated!! Thanks!
    Reply to this comment

    • Hi Lori. Great to hear your relief thus far by eliminating gluten. I am a proponent of the GAPS Diet, having used it in my practice since 2006 and seen tremendous results. I would suggest you begin with the GAPS Intro Diet, using meat stock rather than bone broth as you move through the six stages of the Intro Diet. Once on the Full GAPS Diet, introduce bone broth. The GAPS Diet is high in animal fats which are vital for the endocrine system, supporting mood, sleep, and energy. First read The Gut and Psychology Diet by Natasha Campbell-McBride and then use The Heal Your Gut Cookbook to successfully move through the Intro Diet. Carrie has some great GAPS Menus on her website and I offer GAPS Menus on gapsinfo.com. I wish you healing!
      Reply to this comment

    • I'm sorry to hear of your health issues. For the long-haul, I'm not a huge fan of the Paleo Autoimmune Protocol because it isn't as nutrient-dense as other diets such as the GAPS. I would look into the GAPS diet and start there as it's a diet that has helped many people heal. And if you start to get overwhelmed, just remember to take small steps! I also have a new cooking school that I'm launching in the next few weeks that you'd probably find very helpful.
      Reply to this comment

  29. Hi, I am breast feeding my 8 month old and could fall pregnant again at any time. My son has just started solids but is mostly breastfed. Am I able to do the GAPS diet? I have been suffering from yeast infections and fatigue for months / years and have had no success with the candida diet.
    Reply to this comment

  30. Hi- I'm interested in changing my diet to fix my autoimmune problems. I was diagnosed just over a year ago and already have substantial permanent damage to my feet and knees from arthritis. Beforehand I was very fit and a runner, swimmer. I also mostly avoided processed foods for years. Can you give me some pointers where to start? I also have a two year old so makes cooking for her a little more difficult. I've been confirmed as not having rheumatoid arthritis, but something similar drs can't put a label on it. The do know I have a gene which gives me a predisposition to this kind of thing. Thank you :)
    Reply to this comment

  31. Louisa, I am so sorry to hear about your challenge with RA. I have seen tremendous healing in those with arthritis using the GAPS Diet and biotherapeutic drainage remedies. I would start with the Introduction Diet. My staff and I at Biodynamic Wellness are happy to assist you through the protocol. We have excellent resources that support you through the Introduction Diet and many of our clients have done the Introduction Diet with little ones in tow. All of the foods used in the Introduction Diet are delicious and well suited for toddlers and they will greatly benefit in the long run as well. Give us a call at 858.259.6000.
    Reply to this comment

  32. Kim, I have fibromyalgia IBS and a host of other problems and have been considering trying the gaps diet but have been unsure if I'm ready for the commitment. I'm not able to have any dairy because it's constipating. The other thing is I can't afford grass fed meats. As well as all the organic foods. I eat as clean as I can not able to have any dairy because it's constipating. The other thing is I can't afford grass fed meats. As well as all the organic already but am extremely low income. can this work if I can't use grass fed and free range organic products?
    Reply to this comment

  33. I am seriously considering the gaps intro diet. I have bad skin inflammation. My face is broken out, along with being red and irritated and also very dry and flaking. I'm guessing I have a combination of acne and rosacea. The "holistic" dermatologist I saw didn't know, but just called it inflammation. I have no digestive problems. I'd say my only other health problem is pms/menstrual cramping. I'm thinking I may have hormonal imbalance due to the cramping, and the fact that my skin worsened dramatically after having babies. I've tried eliminating various culprits including grains, dairy, sugar, peanuts, etc, and seen no change in my skin. I feel like I need something more dramatic. My main hesitation is not being able to eat other people's food! I already feel like I'm looked at as a weirdo health nut, and I'm not even that strict! Do you think that it would be worth it for me? Do you have any tips on gaps and skin issues, or gaps and hormone balancing? I've been reading the gaps book, and it mainly addresses mental and digestive disorders. Maybe I should just dive in and see what happens. I guess my main question about the intro diet is this: do I stay on stage 1 until my skin redness goes away? Or do I just keep progressing, and maybe stay on the "full" intro until that happens? Any thoughts or encouragment would be appreciated!
    Reply to this comment

  34. Hi Im feeding my 10months old baby thz gaps diet but litterally steuggling to find some infos like - what amount of meat give him daily? - what amount of fats? - wich type of vegetables? Can i give him tomatoes for example? I'd be grateful if you could help me on these points :)
    Reply to this comment

  35. Hi Carrie, I'm a 48 y/o male recently dignosed with UC. The only symptoms I have are strong colon cramps in the mornings before my BM and rectal bleeding. I only have one BM per day, and it is of normal appearance besides the bloody mucus attached to it. My functional doctor put me on a full GAPS diet 2 weeks ago, and the bleeding has worsened. Is there anything I can do to stop the bleeding? I am drinking bone broth 3x a day, eating mostly meats (wild caught fish, organic chicken, and grass fed beef and lamb) in stews or grilled with pastured butter or coconut oil along with boiled squash, carrots, cauliflower and succhini. I also have a couple of pastured eggs in the mornings for breakfast. Also, for snack, I may have a ripe banana or a ripe avocado. My supplements are L glutamine, curcumin, pribiotics, betaine HCL w pepsin, cod liver oil, vit B complex and minerals. I was not put in the introductory period. My Dr. Said that he will put me there after a month of doing the full gaps. However, I am doing worse now, than before I started this diet.
    Reply to this comment

  36. I recently was introduced to the GAPS diet for digestive issues. I was wondering if it's necessary to do the intro diet and if so for how long? Would it be fine to start at the regulars GAPS diet?
    Reply to this comment

  37. Dear Carrie, I have been struggling with symptoms such as burning in my stomach, esophagus and throat almost daily for almost 6 weeks now. For the past 3 weeks I have been on supplements through a naturopath including: L-Glutamine, DGL powder with chewables for acid relief, and in the past week bovine & ox enzymes. I have cut out gluten for the most part and no dairy (I have only been drinking goat's milk kefir in the past week). Some days I feel much improvement and other days I feel back to square one with burning and tightness in my esophagus and stomach as well as irritation in my mouth. Would the GAPS diet be right for continuing to address what I am experiencing? Thank you, Caroline
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    • It's hard to say without knowing your full health history, but in general, no it's not "necessary" to do the GAPS diet to heal from thyroid disease. If there is a major gut component to the equation, it can be helpful, but in general, those who struggle with thyroid disease need more carbohydrates than the normal GAPs diet has to offer to support the adrenals and also the liver so it can properly convert thyroid hormones.
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  39. Hello Carrie, What a resource you have been for my family! Thank you! When all five of our boys were little your meal plans were a life saver. When our middle son was diagnosed with absence seizures and the medication wasn't working it was because of what I had learned from your blog about the body's ability to heal itself that I felt confident to make changes in his diet that stopped the breakthrough seizures. I have just finished the GAPS book and am getting ready to start the diet. I was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease in the fall of 2016. Since then I have been on multiple antibiotics and am having really no success at reducing my symptoms. Two weeks ago my doctor suggested that my next step was IV antibiotics. This doesn't sit well with my husband and I so we are researching other options. The Kill, Kill, Kill method of antibiotics is just too rough on my body and I am beginning to have intestinal issues. I have decided to take a different approach. Gentle detox, herbal therapy for the Lyme and the GAPS diet to heal my gut. My question is this: last summer I had the MRT Leap test done and discovered that I have several foods that are reactive such as chicken, turkey, carrots, zucchini, eggplants and peppers, How do I start? During the first phase should I simply avoid these foods for a period of time, a month? and then gradually add them in one at a time to test how I respond? NO chicken stock, just beef and fish etc, etc.. Thank you for your time! Sarah
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