3 ms·

So, there was a book called GAPS-- Gut and Psychology Syndrome published in 2004, whose author claimed you can relieve some psychological disorders with her pro

So, there was a book called GAPS-- Gut and Psychology Syndrome published in 2004, whose author claimed you can relieve some psychological disorders with her protocol designed to heal your gut and populate it with better flora. I don't think it is a cure-all, but there are thousands of Amazon reviews saying this changed their life. I have ADHD, and had moderate success with it when I could stick with it...but the protocol is brutal. Absolutely brutal. With the added difficulty that I'm allergic to some of the staples of the diet. I've never been able to make it more than a couple weeks. The suggested duration is 18 months. Those who have stuck with it have reported good results. I believe the GAPS diet is based on something called the "specific carbohydrate diet." Which, if I understand correctly is from the 1920s.

Covzire 8y ago
Mind giving a condensed explanation of the diet?
- oceanghost 8y ago
  Keeping in mind that I am not qualified to judge the medical efficacy of the diet-- the premise is to give your gut a chance to reboot and heal by taking away anything that is damaging, and providing nutrients to rebuild. It starts as an elimination diet (the first few days you are only allowed bone broth, yogurt, and the juice of fermented vegetables). You'll be making all these things yourself, from organic ingredients if at all possible (is this necessary? Who knows). There are 6 stages total, they gradually introduce more normal foods. You go from stocks, to vegertable soups, to boiled meats... There's a general summary here: http://www.gapsdiet.com/gaps-introduction-diet.html http://www.gapsdiet.com/gaps-introduction-diet.html For me the difficulty was, going about my normnal day, and devoting several hours a day to cooking with a toddler to look after. But I would suggest trying it if you're of a mind. I felt better almost immediately. My complexion changed, my mind changed. I felt like I was not at war with the world for the first time. Infact, just talking about it Im considering starting it again. :) Let me know if you have any specific questions.
  - jonhendry18 8y ago
    The author seems to be anti-vaccine. Or at least, she suggests postponing child vaccination until age 4 or 5. It's also worrisome that the FAQ has a section on "PARASITES & WORMS": "Generally speaking, worms and other parasites are an inevitable part of life, everybody has them. In the majority of people they cause no symptoms and, unless they cause problems, there is no need to attack them. Worms may fulfill some useful functions in the body by controlling other microbes and stimulating immunity. For example, it has been discovered that some worms have a balancing effect on the immune system and may prevent autoimmunity."
robocat 8y ago
> The suggested duration is 18 months. Those who have stuck with it have reported good results. Perhaps being able to stick to a "brutally" difficult task for 18 months is also highly correlated with already having good mental health, or a remission period?
- oceanghost 8y ago
  I have often wondered something similar about these self-help books. I've tried a number of these diets over the years and they all have a thing in common: the diet is very if not outright impossible to follow. When the diet fails to achieve its goals, inevitably, I blame myself.

Covzire 8y ago

Mind giving a condensed explanation of the diet?

oceanghost 8y ago
Keeping in mind that I am not qualified to judge the medical efficacy of the diet-- the premise is to give your gut a chance to reboot and heal by taking away anything that is damaging, and providing nutrients to rebuild. It starts as an elimination diet (the first few days you are only allowed bone broth, yogurt, and the juice of fermented vegetables). You'll be making all these things yourself, from organic ingredients if at all possible (is this necessary? Who knows). There are 6 stages total, they gradually introduce more normal foods. You go from stocks, to vegertable soups, to boiled meats... There's a general summary here: http://www.gapsdiet.com/gaps-introduction-diet.html http://www.gapsdiet.com/gaps-introduction-diet.html For me the difficulty was, going about my normnal day, and devoting several hours a day to cooking with a toddler to look after. But I would suggest trying it if you're of a mind. I felt better almost immediately. My complexion changed, my mind changed. I felt like I was not at war with the world for the first time. Infact, just talking about it Im considering starting it again. :) Let me know if you have any specific questions.
- jonhendry18 8y ago
  The author seems to be anti-vaccine. Or at least, she suggests postponing child vaccination until age 4 or 5. It's also worrisome that the FAQ has a section on "PARASITES & WORMS": "Generally speaking, worms and other parasites are an inevitable part of life, everybody has them. In the majority of people they cause no symptoms and, unless they cause problems, there is no need to attack them. Worms may fulfill some useful functions in the body by controlling other microbes and stimulating immunity. For example, it has been discovered that some worms have a balancing effect on the immune system and may prevent autoimmunity."

robocat 8y ago

> The suggested duration is 18 months. Those who have stuck with it have reported good results. Perhaps being able to stick to a "brutally" difficult task for 18 months is also highly correlated with already having good mental health, or a remission period?

oceanghost 8y ago
I have often wondered something similar about these self-help books. I've tried a number of these diets over the years and they all have a thing in common: the diet is very if not outright impossible to follow. When the diet fails to achieve its goals, inevitably, I blame myself.