GAPS Guide

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20 Responses

1. on March 16, 2009 at 5:39 am Eloise

   Fascinating as always, Baden. I too have had mysterious foot issues. Partly, I think structural (“Morton’s neuroma”) but that doesn’t quite explain to me why –when it should get better after resting– I’ve had long periods of them hurting badly when I wake in the morning. I have an intuition that it has to do with something globaller –something about “grounding” and feet being related to fundamentals and beginnings. That’s not so far away from your “accumulater of toxins”. So many surprising things are happening in my body after two months on GAPS and I will keep my eye on my feet as well. Thank you.

   
   
2. on April 2, 2009 at 8:16 pm Nicole

   Will GAPS helps with blastocystis hominis parasite? In my case as it is in many cases it is hand in hand with candida overgrowth. I know that improving GI health overall will bring the bacteria in my gut back into balance.

   I feel so confused right now: MD is recommending antibiotics (Flagyl) for the parasite then Nystatin for the fungus, which I know will further destroy the balance in my gut. I have seen countless cases on the internet of individuals being on antibiotics for years for parasites as as soon as they kill one infection, another one pops up.

   Then my Naturopath is recommending a traditional anti-candida diet (moderate GF grains allowed) along with supplements with ingredients that are not GAPS or SCD accepted (okra, aloe, etc). She also wants me to start right off on a high dose of probiotics right off, rather then build up…

   Then there is GAPS which I would need to do anti-Candida style (very small amounts of fruit, no honey) and still I need treatment for the parasites and need to gain weight (I am 10 lbs underweight…at 5’2 I’m only 98 lbs right now).

   Any one have experience with parasites and GAPS….please help!

   
   
3. on April 3, 2009 at 7:06 am Baden

   Hi Nicole K,

   GAPS resolves fungal overgrowth, including candida, as well as parasites, yes.

   Specifically, the diet itself heals leaky gut, which is what causes parasites to get into the system (instead of simply pass through). GAPS also clears one’s system, so that they are no longer fed. NCM recommends a parasite killer a little ways into the program.

   My personal recommendation is to start the GAPS intro (initial stages are free of free and honey), settle at the right point for you for several months, then complete a parasite cleanse.

   On GAPS, one may build up very quickly to a therapeutic dose of probiotics – but only if her body can handle that! Otherwise, jumping in to a high dose can cause horrible die-off symptoms that are difficult to shake (until the dose is drastically reduced). On GAPS, the body is the boss

   Finally, GAPS allows folks to successfully lose or gain weight, as the need is.

   All of this, including my own experience with a parasite cleanse, is covered in more detail in the book.

   Sincerely,
   Baden

   
   
4. on July 8, 2009 at 2:51 am Crohn's Disese

   I’m very afraid about crohn’s disease. I have some symtoms in abdominal pain, often in the lower right area, and diarrhea. Should I go to see the doctor? Please help.

   
   
5. on July 8, 2009 at 10:08 am Baden

   Dear friend,

   Whenever you have concerns, it can only be recommended that you see a doctor, just to be sure.

   This said, I can also tell you that the symptoms you describe are quite common for people coming to GAPS. I recommend you do two things: see a doctor and start GAPS.

   Best,
   Baden

   
   
6. on July 12, 2009 at 8:43 pm Ken

   I’d like to know how successful GAPS has been for Crohn’s patients. I am interested in statistics and/or individual case studies.

   
   
7. on July 12, 2009 at 10:14 pm Baden

   Hi Ken,

   GAPS is a newer, three-part program. Its diet is essentially the SCD with a few important developments. The SCD, developed in the 1940s and 50s by two physicians, has a longer history, so most of the written testimonials speak to that.

   I have posted a note to the GAPShelp list, asking if folks with Crohn’s might respond to you here about that program specifically. I know that at least one person with Crohn’s has seen even greater improvement by using GAPS’ nuanced approach to the SCD (and without the use of BioKult).

   While we wait for replies re: GAPS, here are some starting points which refer to the SCD alone:

   http://nomorecrohns.com/mystory.aspx
   http://nomorecrohns.com/successstories.aspx
   http://breakingtheviciouscycle.info/testimonies/testimonies.htm

   
   
8. on July 14, 2009 at 8:27 pm Jackie

   Thank you so much for the update list. I am planning to pass this on. I didn’t see dyslexia on your list.

   
   
9. on August 12, 2009 at 11:48 am Jaime Taylor

   My daughter is 3 years old diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis. We started her on gaps. This is her 2nd day and she already has the flu like symptoms. What do we do now?

   
   
10. on August 12, 2009 at 2:09 pm Baden

    Hi Jaime,

    Your daughter is right on schedule. Day 2 is a very common time to start seeing the initial die-off response. Keep her hydrated (not just water, but electrolytes) and offer her anything on her current stage. In 2-4 days she will pick up and start eating everything.

    In the meantime, let her rest and do things she enjoys (watch videos, whatever) and give her 1-2 die-off relief baths daily.

    Jaime, are you involved in our online support group? Please see this site’s navigation under ‘support’.

    Baden

    
    
11. on August 13, 2009 at 8:32 am Jaime Taylor

    Thank you very much for your advice. I’m happy to say that the fever broke already, but she is still a little lethargic. I’m already involved in the yahoo support group as well. I just have one question: What kind of electrolytes can I give her?

    
    
12. on August 13, 2009 at 12:46 pm Baden

    Dear Jaime,

    I’m glad she’s feeling somewhat better already. For electrolyte ideas, please type the word ‘electrolyte’ into this site’s search box.

    Best,
    Baden

    
    
13. on March 20, 2010 at 2:35 pm Sarah

    My son was diagnosied with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis 1 1/2 years ago…. he does not have pain every day just “flare ups” about every 2-3 months – Would this diet help?? I know diet has an affect on his disease but this is such a HUGE undertaking with 3 other kids in the house ( we would all do it not just him).
    Thank you for your time!
    Sarah

    
    
14. on March 23, 2010 at 8:57 am Baden

    Hi Sarah,

    At least one parent on the support list has her family on GAPS because of this issue. She is reporting success. I suggest joining the support list and putting “juvenile rheumatoid arthritis” in the subject line, in hopes she will see it and respond to you with more information.

    All my best,
    Baden

    
    
15. on June 4, 2010 at 10:57 am Kim

    I would be interested to hear tales of any experiences of individuals with low thyroid function and GAPS — especially if their hypothyroid issues are due to Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

    I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s over 3 years ago. I have been on GAPS for a full year. Just had a blood test again this week and my labs are miserable. This explains why I still have trouble with fatigue, focus, and getting things done. But I had really hoped to see more progress by now.

    If you have any experiences or words of wisdom to share, please reply back to this site or to me directly:

    Kim@OptimizedMovement.com

    Thank you,
    Kim

    
    
16. on June 4, 2010 at 1:07 pm Heather

    Kim,

    I began GAPS about 9 months ago for this condition and leaky gut as well as minimal digestive issues. I have to say that I have not noticed a big change in my thyroid issues. However, my last labs, just a few weeks ago had my TSH lower than it has ever been on the level of med’s that I am on. It was not low enough to change my dose but I am hoping that it will head that direction. My free t4 and free t3 were about the same. I have heard of some being able to lower their thyroid meds while on GAPS. I have had improvements such as needed weight gain, about 10 lbs, better blood sugar levels and some signs of improved digestion…so I am hanging in there for the long haul…hoping and praying for continued improvement!

    Heather D.

    
    
17. on August 30, 2010 at 5:36 am Aaron

    I’m wondering if the GAPS diet is something I should attempt. I am in generally good health and don’t have much in the way of allergies (just Amoxicillin) so far as I’m aware and I don’t have any of the Autism spectrum disorders. I might lean slightly towards Asperger’s, but that could just be personality, and I can be fairly social.

    My main issues are insomnia, Athlete’s foot, and irregular stools. The insomnia has been ongoing most of my life. I know there’s a heavy psychological basis, but I don’t always eat great, so there could be brain chemistry issues as well. I have trouble sleeping too light and waking too early and sometimes falling asleep. Trouble falling asleep used to be the only issue but my insomnia has changed in the past few years. Athlete’s foot is persistent on the toes of my left foot and a little bit on my right. I was able to mostly clear it from my right foot a couple years ago. Stools are generally too soft and require TP although not too uncomfortable. I don’t know if that could just be related to unknown diet factors and being easily prone to stress.

    I’ve been on both Accutane and Diflucan at different times during my teenage years.

    Thanks for any feedback,
    Aaron

    
    
18. on August 31, 2010 at 5:03 pm Taera

    Has anyone seen improvement for allergies (especially ones as serious as anaphalactic allergies, excess histamine and asthma?

    
    
19. on September 1, 2010 at 5:00 pm Baden

    Hi Aaron,

    GAPS does involve a major lifestyle change and if you are quite comfortable at this point you might not bother, or you might not feel motivated enough to give it the 100% it requires. On the other hand, doing a program like GAPS may well prevent any deepened or further issues.

    The only way you will know if the program is helpful to you is by trying it.

    With irregular stools, chronic fungal infection not related to constantly wet feet, insomnia and specific vulnerability to stress, I personally would certainly give GAPS a full, proper trial of 3-6 months.

    All my best,
    Baden

    
    
20. on September 1, 2010 at 5:01 pm Baden

    Hi Taera,

    I have not heard of changes to anaphylaxis -on GAPS we would never recommend someone re-try a food they’d previously had a life-threatening reaction to. However, very definitely people have had excess histamine and asthma entirely resolved via GAPS.

    All my best,
    Baden