We interviewed Melanie Christner, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, a Certified Healing Foods Specialist, and a Certified GAPS Practitioner, about the GAPS intro diet. You can watch the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to provide your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue viewing the replay.
What Is the GAPS Diet?
Implementing a gut-healing diet is crucial for healing your child from a chronic health condition. Gut-healing diets help to eliminate pathogens in your child’s gut, and doing this can lower inflammation, strengthen the immune system and increase nutrient availability. The Gut And Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet is a gut-healing diet that can help disorders stemming from or exacerbated by leaky gut and dysbiosis including:
In This Webinar
Learn how to implement the first phase of the GAPS diet in this informational webinar. You can find Melanie’s handouts below that she mentioned in the webinar.
- GAPS Protocol Constipation Menu
- GAPS diet full food list
- GAPS diet intro steps
- How to talk to your spouse mini-guide
Key Discussions
The GAPS diet is a disciplined and tailored nutritional intervention designed to restore gut health, which can have profound effects on overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Preparation, proper food choices, and individualized adjustments are key to the diet’s effectiveness.
Introduction to GAPS Diet Protocol
The GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome) diet protocol is a comprehensive approach that includes a six-stage introduction diet, the full GAPS diet, and guidance on transitioning off the diet once healing has taken place. This diet is particularly aimed at healing the gut lining, providing beneficial gut microbes, and addressing a range of health issues linked to gut health, including neurological and psychological conditions, autoimmune disorders, and food sensitivities.
Preparation and Kitchen Essentials
Successful implementation of the GAPS diet requires thoughtful preparation and having the right kitchen tools. This includes keeping certain staple foods on hand, such as meat stock, 24-hour yogurt (if fermented dairy is tolerated), ghee and fermented vegetables. Key kitchen equipment like a stock pot, good knives, and mason jars can make food preparation more efficient. Advanced preparation helps in managing cooking times and ensures that GAPS-friendly meals are readily available.
Food Selection and Avoidance
The GAPS diet emphasizes the importance of choosing healing foods while avoiding those that can damage gut health. Healing foods include homemade meat stock, fermented foods, and nutrient-dense organic produce. Foods to avoid are sugary, processed options, and those high in histamines or problematic for those with histamine intolerance. The balance of food choices is key for fostering beneficial gut bacteria and supporting overall digestive and mental health.
Challenges and Strategies for the GAPS Diet
Adhering to the GAPS diet can present challenges, such as adapting to new cooking habits, managing food sensitivities, and dealing with the social implications of a restricted diet. Strategies to overcome these obstacles include gradual introduction of the diet, using food sensitivity testing to tailor dietary choices, and finding creative ways to substitute GAPS-friendly ingredients. The forum and community support provided in GAPS classes can also offer guidance and encouragement.
Individual Adjustments and Health Management
The GAPS diet is not a one-size-fits-all approach and may need to be tailored based on individual health conditions, sensitivities, and lifestyle factors. This includes adjusting the length of time at each diet stage, choosing appropriate supplements, and possibly incorporating comprehensive lab tests to uncover underlying health issues. Supporting the endocrine system, addressing adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, and other conditions should all be considered when implementing GAPS.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Trial and error led to life-changing protocol for Melanie Christner.
09:47 Live class covers GAPS diet stages and preparation.
12:19 GAPS nutritional protocol heals with proper foods.
18:49 Transition into full GAPS diet with methodical approach.
25:50 Bone broth made with various bones for long cooking. Healing foods for gut and immune system.
27:57 Plan meals and keep essential foods on hand.
37:31 Flow chart for moving through stages.
39:36 Remove unhelpful bugs, promote healthy bugs, feel better.
46:24 Module eight covers yogurt, sour cream, kefir. Module nine discusses practical matters, budgeting, pregnancy, and new baby. There are bonuses on various health topics.
50:02 Empowering experience through food and adjustment.
01:00:28 GAPS approach effective for addressing Candida overgrowth.
01:04:35 ALF device helps with speech and motor issues.
01:10:07 Explore individual health factors and adapt dietary choices.
01:13:22 Supplements tailored to individual needs during treatment.
About Melanie Christner NTP CHFS CGP
Melanie lives and works in Vermont. Her passion is helping families navigate digestive therapy in a way that is understandable and well-supported.
Having four children of her own, she loves working with children and families, and she pairs her desire to nourish with practical efficacy for clients. Melanie works with clients one-to-one and leads families through her instructive and helpful online GAPS class.
For fun you can find her creating in her kitchen, Nordic skiing, or swimming in the Green Mountain ponds and rivers with her family. You can find out more about her and her practice at honestbody.com
Disclaimer
This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Epidemic Answers has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.
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