Publisher's Synopsis
The GAPS diet is not a weight-loss diet-instead, it's intended as a natural treatment for autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, and other mental illnesses. In fact, "GAPS" stands for "gut and psychology syndrome." Parents who are seeking alternative therapies for children who have been diagnosed with these conditions may turn to this diet.The diet itself claims to "heal the gut" by eliminating many foods considered problematic, including grains and dairy, and by adding foods with natural probiotics. Although many people attest that the diet has worked for them or for their child, there aren't any strong medical studies or other research showing effectiveness.The GAPS diet was developed by Natasha Campbell-McBride, M.D., who received her medical degree in Russia and who later received two post-graduate degrees, one in neurology and the other in nutrition. After she moved to the United Kingdom, her son was diagnosed with autism, which led her on a search for an effective autism treatment.Dr. Campbell-McBride published her first book, Gut And Psychology Syndrome. Natural Treatment Of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Depression And Schizophrenia, in 2004. In it, she explored what she sees as the connections between brain health and gut health, and described a diet, the "GAPS Nutritional Protocol," that she said has been highly successful in treating patients with learning disabilities and other mental problems.The GAPS diet, which originally was based on another diet used to treat celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease, relies heavily on homemade broths and fermented vegetables.It's designed to heal what Dr. Campbell-McBride believes is damage to the gut wall, or "leaky gut syndrome." Healing the gut, she says, also can help ease symptoms of mental conditions. Many children with autism also suffer from significant digestive problems, including diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
