Are you suffering from digestive issues? Maybe constipation, diarrhoea or bloating after every meal? Do you get stomach pains often? Or do you feel like eating a lot or nothing at all?
Maybe you’ve been to the doctor and they haven’t found anything – which is great. A relief in some ways, but now what? How are you going to solve it?
Have you thought of seeing a Naturopath?
Natural Medicine offers a different approach to the conventional way, (the conventional way is also important and we often refer to G.P.’s and specialists ourselves!) we aim to address the cause of why your digestive system has become unbalanced and don’t just focus on stopping a symptom (Although that’s important too!).
Sometimes, along with digestive upsets, come other symptoms which we may brush off to one side, but what if they are related? This is where the GAPS diet may be able to help*. While, yes, if you only have digestive symptoms, it is useful, it is also useful for when symptoms may be connected.
*Disclaimer: Please know that the results are a typical and may vary from person to person
What is GAPS?
The term GAPS refers to Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome. This was created by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride MD, MMedSci (Neurology), MMedSci (Human Nutrition) in 2004 after her experience working with hundreds of children and adults with neurological and psychiatric conditions, including autism spectrum disorders, ADD/ ADHD, schizophrenia, dyslexia, depression and other neurological problems. The GAPS protocol has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of all digestive disorders including: irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and gastritis. Other conditions related to GAPS include: Fibromyalgia, allergies, eczema, migraines, autoimmune disease and arthritis.
Have you ever heard that “the gut is the second brain?”
GAPS offers an in depth understanding of how the gut and brain are linked and what can happen when this connection becomes disordered. GAPS can also provide an explanation as to how imbalanced gut bacteria and a “leaky gut” can have profound detrimental effects on our health.
The main contributing factors in the development of GAPS includes, abnormal gut flora, abnormal digestion resulting in nutritional deficiencies and a damaged gut lining. The ability of the body to detoxify is also implicated, as detoxification pathways become less effective more symptoms are added to the GAPS picture.
What sort of symptoms are common in GAPS patients?
- Mood alterations
- Memory and cognitive problems
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Eating disorders
- Digestive issues
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches and pains
- Skin issues
- Headaches
- Hormonal imbalance
- Frequent infections
- Not sure if your symptoms are related? Call us and ask for more information
What is the treatment for GAPS?
A comprehensive dietary protocol was developed by Dr Natasha to help the gut lining to heal and for the balance to restore to the digestive system. This restoration of optimal digestive function can result in the drastic improvement to many of the conditions mentioned above. The process starts with a full case history that is primarily focussed on your health history and experiences but will also include exploring the health of your immediate family and genetic predisposition. This information will form the basis of your treatment plan and you’ll be provided with a step by step guide to support your healing journey.
Emma Tippett, Naturopath, is a fully qualified GAPS practitioner who can guide and support you through the GAPS diet protocol and is committed to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness.