The FULL GAPS diet is a comprehensive program that uses food to heal and seal the gut to allow the body to heal. This is a powerful program which will reduce the harmful and toxic bacteria in your gut and increase the beneficial bacteria.

The program uses the following principles

• Diet
• Supplementation
• Detoxification
• Lifestyle

Each individual has their own unique gut flora which has been passed down from birth. This gut flora can also be altered over time by poor food choices, antibiotics, stress, vaccinations and environmental factors. The gut is filled with “good” and “bad” bacteria. It is impossible to eliminate all of the “bad” bacteria, but what we aim for is an environment where the “good” bacteria is more dominent that the “bad” bacteria. It is when the “bad” bacteria is more dominent that various health conditions can occur.

Health conditions that can occur due to a damaged gut or imbalance microbiome include;

• IBS & gut issues
• autoimmune disease
• psychological syndromes (depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism & dyslexia)
• allergies
• hormone imbalances
• fatigue

DIET

The FULL GAPS diet is a healing diet. It incorporates foods that will heal and seal the gut lining and allow the body to heal. Meat stocks are the most healing food that you will first incorporate, these are different from bone broths (see post on Meat stock vs bone broth). Fermented foods are introduced at an individual pace to restore the beneficial bacteria in the gut. Quality fats mostly from animal products are a vital part of the GAPS diet. Baked goods made from nut flours, fruits and vegetables can be used in moderation once the gut begins to heal

Foods to avoid on the GAPS diet are all processed and packaged foods, additives, preservatives and colours. Commercial fruit juice, soft drinks, all grain, starchy vegetables, sugar, commercial dairy and starchy beans are excluded.

SUPPLEMENTATION

A small amount of targeted and individual supplementation may be required for some individuals in varying stages throughout the GAPS diet. The first priority will always be food if possible.

DETOXIFICATION

Detoxification is vital during the FULL GAPS diet. Most GAPS individuals have inefficient detoxification pathways which can be supported by targeted detoxification therapies. These could include a combination of the following;

• Enemas
• Infrared sauna
• Detox baths
• Sunbathing
• Castor oil packs
• Dry skin brushing
• Lymphatic drainage

LIFESTYLE

Taking a deep dive into lifestyle, stress management and circadian rhythms is another key aspect to achieving optimal health.

As a qualified GAPS Practitioner I am here to make your GAPS journey as easy as possible. If you feel you would like support with using the GAPS diet to heal please reach out, it is always easier to be supported than to try to heal alone.