The Gaps Diet is a controversial diet that focuses on improving digestive health and promoting weight loss. But it’s also dangerously restrictive and may even lead to malnutrition. People with autism may also be vulnerable to its harmful effects due to the extreme calorie restriction. Furthermore, some critics have raised concerns about the GAPS diet’s use of bone broth, which can be high in lead in high doses. However, there are no documented reports of lead toxicity from this diet.
Foods to avoid on the Gaps Diet
For those who are on the GAPS diet, avoiding dairy products is a big part of avoiding the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. Dairy products contain lactose, which feeds pathogenic bacteria. To make things even more complicated, dairy products can also contain other kinds of carbohydrates, including fructose and glucose. While milk and dairy products aren’t entirely banned from the GAPS diet, they are strictly limited. Instead, consumers can substitute honey for the lactose they normally get from dairy.
In addition to dairy, GAPS patients can also enjoy fermented vegetables and apple puree. These foods are also allowed in small amounts. However, you should limit nuts and sweets to about 15 percent of your daily calorie intake. A GAPS practitioner can advise you as to how best to proceed.
While the GAPS diet may seem tempting for many people, it’s important to remember that it’s not for everyone. This diet is designed for people with underlying health conditions, so it’s important to consult a registered dietitian before implementing it. It’s also not a weight-loss diet. Instead, it’s designed to help people with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, as these conditions are often exacerbated by improper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
The first phase of the GAPS diet is an introduction phase. This phase lasts three weeks to a year, depending on the person. It’s the most intense phase of the diet, and it may cause serious side effects. Common side effects include severe stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting. Campbell-McBride warns that it’s important to be patient during the first phase.
Foods to reintroduce on the Gaps Diet
The GAPS Diet has been adapted from the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). The diet focuses on restoring balance to the digestive system and was originally created to treat digestive disorders. Its popularity rose after Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride used the diet to cure her son of autism. Its goal is to restore proper digestive functioning in children and adults.
After starting the diet, you should reintroduce certain foods slowly. It is recommended to introduce one or two foods at a time over several months. The foods to reintroduce should be eaten in small portions. You can also make your own GAPS diet recipes by combining chicken bone broth with banana, berries, and flaxseeds.
You can reintroduce fruit and vegetables to your diet by gradually increasing the amounts of raw vegetables. You can start with lettuce and then move on to carrots, onions, cabbage, and tomatoes. If you’re not a big fan of raw vegetables, you can add them to smoothies or other dishes. For example, you can add avocado to a creamy soup to add more flavor and probiotics. A good beef bone broth with apple cider vinegar and ghee is another excellent addition to your meals. You can also make a homemade ragu by cooking spaghetti squash in ghee.
While the GAPS diet is a great way to reintroduce foods to the diet, it’s important to note that a large number of common foods are off limits. Moreover, the diet can lead to nutritional deficiency in some people. As a result, the GAPS diet can lead to unwanted weight loss. Some researchers have also cautioned against drinking bone broth because it can contain heavy metals.
Phases of the Gaps Diet
Once you have successfully completed the elimination phase, you can begin the reintroduction phase of the GAPS diet. This phase consists of gradually adding back certain foods, such as eggs, dairy products, and gluten, in small portions, to your diet. Initially, Campbell-McBride recommends starting with fermented grain and potato products, and avoiding high-sugar foods. However, if you feel ready, you can gradually add cooked meats, cold-pressed olive oil, and ground nuts to your diet.
The first phase is called the Introduction Diet, and it consists of 6 stages. During this phase, you can only eat broth, good-quality fat, and easily digested vegetables. Once you are able to tolerate the foods, you can move to phase 2. Once you have reached the end of the introduction phase, you can add fruits and vegetables to your diet.
The next phase is the full GAPS diet, and this is the point when you can start eating raw fruits and vegetables. You can also bake cakes and use dried fruit as a sweetener. However, it’s important to understand that this diet requires patience, so don’t give up too soon. It takes time to improve gut health.
The GAPS diet claims to help the gut heal itself by reducing inflammation. The diet does this by eliminating certain types of foods and restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria. However, there are many risks involved with it.
