GAPS Diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome)

A staged diet built on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, with added bone broth and fermented foods.

Evidence Score

25/100

Developer

Natasha Campbell-McBride

Duration

Intro diet 3 to 6 weeks, full diet often 1.5 to 2 years, then food reintroduction

Steps

12 phases

Used for

1 condition

Protocol Overview

A staged diet built on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, with added bone broth and fermented foods. It is used to support gut health and the gut lining. Its developer links gut health to mood and behavior, but GAPS itself has not been tested in clinical trials.

Used For

Digestive symptoms

Autism Spectrum (Biomedical Approaches) →ADHD (Children & Adults) →Learning Disabilities / Dyslexia →Anxiety & Depression →Schizophrenia →Autoimmune Disease (General) →

Key Resources

Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride

Supplements & Herbs

Digestive Enzymes Activated Charcoal Ginger

Safety Profile

Contraindications & Risks

Eating disorders, underweight, pregnancy or breastfeeding without clinician input, children without a clinician or dietitian, anyone who cannot get enough calories and variety on a restrictive diet

Important Notes

Developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride after her son's autism diagnosis. There are no controlled trials of GAPS for autism, ADHD, schizophrenia, depression or any other condition, so it is not a substitute for evaluation and care for those conditions. Some parts, such as more vegetables, fermented foods and less processed sugar, are reasonable for most people. Very restrictive and time-consuming.

Find a Practitioner

Gabriel can find and book a practitioner who works with this approach.

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EvidenceVery Low

Evidence Score25/100

Categorygut

DurationIntro diet 3 to 6 weeks, full diet often 1.5 to 2 years, then food reintroduction

About Evidence Score

The Evidence Score (0 to 100) rates the strength of evidence from studies in people for the uses listed: higher means stronger, more consistent research. It does not measure safety. It is not medical advice.

For education, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician before you start, and never stop or change a prescribed medication without your prescriber.