GAPS describes Gut and Psychology Syndrome and Gut and Physiology Syndrome. The cause of GAPS is a damaged digestive system caused by gut dysbiosis.
This term was created by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, MMedSci (neurology), MMedSci (human nutrition) in 2004; she published the book Gut and Psychology Syndrome, after working with hundreds of children and adults with neurological and psychiatric conditions, such as autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD), schizophrenia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder. Her first focus was to heal her son, who was diagnosed with Autism at age 3. So, she healed her son successfully with the GAPS Nutritional Protocol. In 2020, she published another book, GAPS, Gut and Physiology Syndrome because she understood that psychological and physiological health issues have common causes. As described by Hippocrates long ago, “All Disease Begins in The Gut.”
Gut and Psychology Syndrome
Gut And Psychology Syndrome, or GAPS, includes learning disabilities and mental illnesses, such as autism, ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, addictions, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, eating disorders, and many other conditions, which affect the function of the brain. Many of these conditions have no established diagnostic labels and present themselves as a mixture of various symptoms: mood alterations, memory and cognitive problems, behavioral and social problems, panic attacks, anxiety, involuntary movements, tics and fits, sensory problems, etc. When the brain is in trouble, it can produce any mixture of symptoms. Gut And Psychology Syndrome addresses the root of all of these symptoms and diseases.
Gut and Physiology Syndrome
Gut And Physiology Syndrome or GAPS includes chronic physical conditions that stem from an unhealthy gut, such as all autoimmune conditions (celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes type one, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune skin problems, Hashimoto disease and other hormonal problems, etc.), asthma, eczema, various allergies, food allergy and intolerance, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis, multiple chemical sensitivity, arthritis, menstrual problems, many endocrine disorders (thyroid, adrenal and other), chronic infections, many neurological diseases and all chronic digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, colitis, oesophagitis, etc). Many conditions do not fit into any diagnostic box and can present as a mixture of symptoms: digestive problems, fatigue, muscular weakness, cramps and abnormal muscle tone, pains and aches in joints and muscles, skin problems, hormonal abnormalities, neurological problems, allergies, etc.
In every person, the symptoms from both GAP Syndromes overlap. People with mental problems suffer physical symptoms (painful joints and muscles, fatigue, skin problems, allergies, asthma, hormonal problems, autoimmunity), while people with physical conditions have mental symptoms (such as depression, ‘brain fog,’ inability to concentrate, mood swings, sleep abnormalities, memory problems, anxiety, panic attacks, tremors, tics, fits, etc.).
When the digestive system is not well, instead of being a source of nourishment, it becomes a major source of toxicity in the body. Nothing can function well. Any cell, organ, or system can show symptoms of distress.
Makiko Oka-Castro is certified as GAPS Diet practitioner and offers private consultations and sessions on the GAPS Nutritional Protocol.
GAPS Nutritional Protocol is the baseline treatment for all these conditions and symptoms. This protocol has been designed to heal your gut and make the very roots of your health robust and functioning how they are supposed to function. It will lay a solid foundation for your full recovery, no matter how far away from the gut your disease may have manifested.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. The nutritional and other information on this website are not intended to be and do not constitute health care or medical advice.