GUT AND PYSCHOLOGY SYNDROME (GAPS)

 GUT AND PYSCHOLOGY SYNDROME (GAPS)

The human body consists of a microbiome and each individual has a unique network of these microbes, these are determined by the genetic make-up of the organisms i.e; DNA. These microbes are present in huge numbers and are often regarded as an important factor and play a tremendous role in the digestive system of the body. Apart from their role in digestion, they also help in immune system development, protection against pathogens, synthesis of vitamins, and fermentation of fibre. in simple terms, they help in maintaining the homeostatic mechanism of the body and increase the resistance to various infections and inflammations which can lead to degenerative diseases.

However, when there is damage or disturbance in the microbiome it leads to improper functioning or dysfunction of the system. This eventually leads to the formation of a situation known as GAPS. It is a condition which causes a leaky gut and can affect brain function and progresses to neurological and psychiatric conditions.

some of the disorders which are originated as a result of leaky gut or GAPS include: 

•  Autism 
• ADD or ADHD 
• schizophrenia 
• Tourette syndrome 
• Eating disorders
•  childhood bed-wetting

Some of the common clinical manifestations include:

• Neurological symptoms:
• dyspraxia (difficulty in controlling muscles), dyslexia (reading disability), and
• depression.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms:
• Diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, and flatulence.

The neurological symptoms usually start to appear during the childhood and infancy period of a child. For example, a child might experience digestive problems like diarrhoea or constipation during the time of weaning.

Gaps present in children can also be congenital due to genetic defects or altered genes.

GAPS DIET:

To manage the leaky gut, GAPS diet is being formulated which has certain dietary protocols and examines the presence of toxins which are responsible for the causation of the disease. The gaps diet is usually planned for children who have a food intolerance or food allergies. It involves the elimination or prevention of toxins to enter the bloodstream. This eventually causes low levels of toxicity in the body. GAPS diet is a nutritional healing process and emphasis on body's immune system and the elimination of toxins. It focuses on the food habits and eating patterns which have effective healing potential.

Based on the foods introduced there are different stages of the GAPS diet:

1. GAPS DIET STAGE 1: The primary goal of this stage involves subside the symptoms like bloating, pain, diarrhoea, etc. It includes well-cooked meals made of meat and vegetables like bone broth, and probiotic foods like yogurt or kefir, boiled vegetables. This stage is carried out for a minimum of five days or until the gastric symptoms disappear.

2. STAGE 2: Addition of egg yolks, stew, and ghee along with meat or fish. This stage is similar to stage one and involves the addition of fats and a few modifications to the previous stage.

3. STAGE 3: In this stage incorporation of avocados, fermented vegetables like beans, beets and root vegetables, along with the foods from previous stages. All these stages help in deep healing while the second half focuses on rebuilding. The next three stages involve the second half of the diet and emphasize the addition of a variety of sugars in the form of fruits, puree, raw vegetables like lettuce, cucumber, salads, fruit juices etc.

Apart from the foods included in the diet, there are GAPS supplements that help to restore the beneficial bacteria in the gut.

These supplements include probiotics, essential fatty acids, cod liver oil and digestive enzymes.

However, one of the drawbacks of this elimination diet is, avoiding certain foods like citrus fruits, nuts, starchy foods, processed foods, and certain dairy products.

Hence this kind of diet is recommended for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome, allergic trigger inflammation of the gut and ADHA etc. There is also a possibility of reduced intake of important and essential nutrients required for normal growth and development and smooth functioning of the body.

BLOG ARTICLE BY:

AFREEN NUZHATH