Functional Nutrition for GAPS Clients
Updated: Jul 23
Functional nutrition uses a holistic approach that focuses on the individual’s unique needs, aiming to support vitality and well-being through dietary and lifestyle choices, but also correct function. For clients following the Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome (GAPS) diet, which is designed to heal the gut and improve overall health both physically and mentally, this protocol offers numerous benefits. This blog post will explore how looking at function along with GAPS to enhance the experience, providing practical insights and examples to help clients navigate their journey.
Understanding GAPS
The GAPS diet is based on the premise that many psychological and physiological issues stem from an unhealthy gut. It emphasises the consumption of whole, nutrient-dense foods while eliminating processed foods, sugars, starches and grains. The diet is divided into stages, gradually reintroducing foods as the gut heals.
Key Principles of GAPS
Nutrient Dense Diet: Focus on foods rich in vitamins, minerals, omega's to deeply nourish the body
Supplementation: Incorporate food-based supplements that will help people along, but these are used minimally and alongside food which is the main focus
Lifestyle & Detoxification: An emphasis on removing toxins and environmental contributors to support the body's own system
The Role of Functional Nutrition and GAPS
Functional nutrition complements the GAPS diet because you combine the function of food and the digestive system to treat the individual as a whole. This specific approach can enhance the healing process and improve overall health outcomes.
Empowerment
Implementing GAPS creates empowerment for one's health. Clients are encouraged to take control and begin to listen to what their body needs.
When a GAPS client has been on the protocol, this is where you truly tune in.
Focus on Whole Foods
GAPS emphasises the consumption and preparation of whole, unprocessed foods, which aligns perfectly with a traditional way of eating. By prioritising nutrient-dense, home-cooked foods, clients can support their healing journey more deeply.
Instead of relying on supplements, a GAPS client will learn to focus on consuming a variety of quality plant foods, animal proteins and healthy fats, to ensure they are getting the necessary nutrients.
Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies
Many individuals, prior to implementing the GAPS diet may experience nutritional deficiencies due to the incorrect digestion of foods or the inability to tolerate certain foods. Looking at function and implementing GAPS can help identify and address these deficiencies through simple dietary changes.
A GAPS client may find that they are low in vitamin D due to limited exposure to sunlight but could also not be absorbing their fat soluble vitamins properly. A GAPS practitioner might recommend supporting the bile flow to improve vitamin D levels.
Benefits of GAPS for Clients
Improved Gut Health
The GAPS protocol can significantly enhance gut health, which is also crucial for improving the microbiome. By focusing on foods that heal, seal and repair the gut lining, clients can experience reduced inflammation, improved digestion and a healthier gut flora.
The gut lining and the flora work hand in hand so when both systems are restored, this is when the magic happens.
Enhanced Mental Clarity
Many GAPS clients report improvements in mental clarity and mood as their gut health improves. The GAPS protocol supports this by providing the nutrients and detoxification necessary for optimal brain function and addresses the contributors for mental conditions
Cod liver oil, for example is a favourite and plays a crucial role in the health and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression because it feeds the brain.
Increased Energy Levels
GAPS literally gives the body what it requires to function optimally which can lead to increased energy levels. This purposeful diet, the food, the detox support, are all designed to have clients feeling their best and provide sustained energy throughout the day.
The GAPS diet not only contains rich sources of vitamins for energy but whilst repairing and clearing detox pathways, a client can get instant clarity.
Support for Detoxification
When the body’s natural detoxification processes aren't functioning, which is particularly common in GAPS clients, they cannot deal efficiently with the effects of toxins.
We use foods, lifestyle changes and specific tools to support organs like the liver to help it detoxify whilst also regenerating it back to health.
Practical Tips for Implementing GAPS
Work with a Professional
Collaborating with a GAPS practitioner can provide valuable insights and guidance to suit your needs. They can help clients navigate the foundations of the GAPS diet to empower individuals on their journey to better health.
Keep a Food Journal
Maintaining a food journal can help clients track their dietary intake and identify any potential food sensitivities, record mood or detox choices. This practice can be particularly useful for GAPS clients as they reintroduce foods.
Experiment with Recipes
Exploring new recipes can make the GAPS diet more enjoyable and sustainable. Traditional preparation encourages creativity in the kitchen, allowing clients to discover new tastes, techniques and a way of eating to sustain their health long term.
A GAPS client might try making a fermented vegetables such as sauerkraut, to add probiotics to their diet as a side, alongside a nutritious meal.
Be organised and ready
Making sure you are ready to begin is important and will help you to make a start and be consistent. You will need some basic things to get started but it's important to have the desire to jump in and try different things.
Conclusion
The benefit of implementing the GAPS protocol is something you will never regret. It is possibly the most healing diet and your journey is unique. It is slow and purposeful because it takes time to undo damage, rebuild the gut and ask the body to function properly. Focusing on whole foods, addressing nutritional deficiencies, and supporting gut health, clients can experience what their body innately wants to do.
As you embark on your GAPS journey, start slow and implement the principles and foundational foods into your daily routine. This approach not only supports your gut health but also empowers you to take charge of your overall wellness. Remember, the path to healing is unique for everyone, and GAPS can be a valuable life-changing experience in achieving robust health and well-being.
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