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What is GAPS?

GAPS: Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome

Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAP Syndrome or GAPS) is a condition first described by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, which establishes a connection between the functions of the digestive system and the brain.

The following is an excerpt from the GAPS website by Dr. N. Campbell-McBride.

Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAP Syndrome or GAPS)

Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAP Syndrome or GAPS) is a condition, which establishes a connection between the functions of the digestive system and the brain. This term was created by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, MMedSci (neurology), MMedSci (human nutrition) in 2004 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, bi-polar disorder and other neuro-psychological and psychiatric problems.

Gut And Psychology Syndrome or GAPS includes learning disabilities and mental disorders, 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 so-called mental symptoms: mood alterations, memory and cognitive problems, behavioural and social problems, panic attacks, anxiety, involuntary movements, various tics and fits, sensory problems, etc.

Gut And Physiology Syndrome or GAPS includes various chronic physical conditions, which stem from the unhealthy gut, such as 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, etc.), atopic conditions (asthma, eczema, various allergies), food allergy/intolerance, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ME, multiple chemical sensitivity, arthritis, PMS and other menstrual problems, many endocrine disorders (thyroid, adrenal and other) and all digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis and various colitis). 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, pain and ache in joints and muscles, skin problems, hormonal abnormalities.

In almost all cases the symptoms from both GAP Syndromes overlap: people with mental problems suffer physical symptoms (painful joints and muscles, fatigue, skin problems, 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, tremors, tics, fits, etc.). When the digestive system is unwell, so instead of being a source of nourishment, it becomes a major source of toxicity in the body, nothing in the body can function well. Any organ, any system, any cell can show symptoms of distress – usually many of them respond with some symptoms.

GAPS Nutritional Protocol will work for all of these conditions. I believe that the roots of all chronic illnesses are to be found in the gut. In order to deal with any health problem fully we need to start from its roots. By following the GAPS Diet you will lay the ground for recovering from any chronic illness, even those that generally are considered ‘incurable’. On my blog Doctor-Natasha.com and in the book GAPS Stories you will find stories of people who followed GAPS Programme and recovered from rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, narcolepsy, various neuropathies, psoriasis, allergies, asthma, eczema, chronic cystitis, fibromyalgia, addictions (including alcoholism), low thyroid function, hormonal problems, learning disabilities and mental illness. This website will give you a general idea of what the GAPS Nutritional Protocol involves.

Reference: GAPS website

About Natasha Campbell-McBride MD

MMedSci (neurology), MMedSci (nutrition)

Dr. Campbell-McBride graduated with Honours as a Medical Doctor in 1984 from Bashkir Medical University in Russia.   In the following years she gained a Postgraduate MMedSci Degree in Neurology.

After practising for five years as a Neurologist and three years as a Neurosurgeon she started a family and moved to the UK. Fairly shortly after that her son was diagnosed autistic, which prompted an intensive study into causes and treatments of autism. It was during this time that Dr. Campbell-McBride developed her theories on the relationship between neurological disorders and nutrition, and completed a second Postgraduate Degree in Human Nutrition at Sheffield University, UK. She practices in the UK as a nutritionist and not as a medical doctor.

Dr. Campbell-McBride used to run the Cambridge Nutrition Clinic until recent years. Having trained more than three thousand Certified GAPS Practitioners around the world, Dr Natasha has closed her clinic in order to focus on writing and teaching. As a nutritionist she has specialised in using nutritional approach as a treatment, and has become recognised as one of the world’s leading experts in treating children and adults with learning disabilities and other mental disorders, as well as children and adults with digestive and immune disorders.

In 2004 she has published her first book Gut And Psychology Syndrome. Natural Treatment Of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Depression And Schizophrenia where she explores the connection between the patient's physical state and brain function. The book gives full details of the GAPS Nutritional Protocol, highly successful in treating patients with learning disabilities and other mental problems

Reference: GAPS website