what is gaps diet

what is gaps diet

1 year ago 110
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The GAPS diet is an elimination diet aimed at healing the gut and promoting overall gut health. The diet theory argues that certain foods, such as grains, pasteurized dairy, starchy vegetables, and refined carbohydrates, contribute to a leaky gut, which can lead to various health conditions. The GAPS diet involves cutting out these foods and emphasizes nutrient-rich foods such as fresh meat, fish, shellfish, organic eggs, vegetables, fermented foods, and natural fats. The diet is divided into three phases: the introduction phase, the full GAPS, and a reintroduction phase for coming off the diet. The introduction phase is the most restrictive and can last up to six weeks, while the full GAPS diet can last 1.5-2 years. Additional recommendations while following the GAPS diet include consuming bone broth with every meal, avoiding meat and fruit together, using organic foods whenever possible, and consuming large amounts of fermented foods if you can tolerate them. However, to date, there is no research to support that the GAPS diet can help treat the conditions it claims to, and the only claims in support of this diet are anecdotal. The diet is also very restrictive, and adherers could be at serious risk for malnutrition. Therefore, it is important to acknowledge how challenging dietary needs can become when you or someone close to you is diagnosed with a health condition, but the GAPS diet is too restrictive and lacks scientific evidence to justify its implementation.

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