What is it?
The GAPS Diet is a highly restrictive, phased elimination diet based on the theory that changing intestinal bacteria and “healing the gut” can improve digestive and psychological conditions.
Foods removed or limited:
Grains, refined carbohydrates, added sugar, most starchy vegetables, many processed foods and most conventional dairy products. The diet commonly emphasizes meat, fish, eggs, broth, fermented foods, vegetables and selected dairy products.
Potential health benefits:
Reducing heavily processed foods and eating more whole foods may improve overall diet quality. However, those benefits can be achieved without following the entire GAPS protocol.
Who may benefit most?
There is currently no well-established group for whom the complete GAPS Diet has been proven effective. A child with gastrointestinal symptoms should receive an appropriate medical evaluation rather than assuming the symptoms are caused by “leaky gut.”
How may it support an autistic child?
There is not sufficient clinical evidence showing that the GAPS Diet improves autism. Its restrictive nature may be particularly difficult for autistic children who already have food selectivity.
Important caution:
The diet may create nutritional deficiencies, inadequate calorie intake, poor growth or increased anxiety around food when followed without professional supervision.