Getting Started with GAPS - Page 2

#10 – Troubleshooting GAPS: Withdrawal, Die-off and Glutamates

Withdrawal

I’ve already discussed withdrawal in my previous article Ease into GAPS. Remember to change the diet gradually:
• Go dye free
• Eliminate sugar and “sugar substitutes” (honey & fruit still allowed)
• Go gluten free
• Go pasteurized dairy free (GAPS raw dairy allowed: Yogurt & Kefir)
• Start making most of your meals GAPS-compliant
• Full GAPS
• Do the GAPS Intro / Stages
• Full GAPS

Die-off

Die-off is when candida and other bad bugs die, leaving behind toxic waste products. Uncomfortable die-off reactions can include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, constipation and skin eruptions or rashes. Die-off is induced by consuming probiotics (or anti-fungal prescriptions), and by switching to the GAPS diet (which deprives candida/parasites of their favorite food source: starches and sugars). These die-off waste products affect brain function, making you irritable. Remedies include:
• Drink more water
• Sleep more
• Take an epsom salt bath
• Take an activated charcoal capsule on an empty stomach
• Use a castor oil pack on your liver
• Do a detox footbath if you have access to one

Glutamates

I think everyone knows by now that MSG (monosodium glutamate) is bad for you. It is a known excitotoxin – it literally excites brain cells to death. But you may not know of hidden sources of glutamates. Long cooked beef/chicken bone broth (say, 24 hours) creates a higher concentration of glutamic acid and glutamates, which potentially can flare up ADD, seizure or tic issues. To be on the safe side, make shorter cooked beef/chicken stock made with meat, connective tissue, and bones. And if you purchase packaged foods, be on the lookout for hidden sources of glutamates, including: Autolyzed Yeast, Calcium Caseinate, Gelatin, Glutamate, Glutamic Acid, Hydrolyzed Protein, Monopotassium Glutamate, Monosodium Glutamate, Sodium Caseinate, Textured Protein, Yeast Extract, Yeast Food, Yeast Nutrient

Please remember that 
no matter your dreams or obstacles, you have the power to change your child’s life. I sincerely hope our resources can help you do just that.

#11 – Get Started with GAPS Today – Perfection not required – Hopes & Dreams

An image of a road to the horizon with text START

How strict to be on GAPS is each family’s personal decision. I would rather see a family do “good-enough” GAPS rather than give up because they can’t do “perfect” GAPS. So you may want to cut yourself some slack the first month when initially changing your family’s diet. When you are making your initial transition, if your child will only eat GAPS chicken nuggets and carrot fries for a week, well then so be it.

I will strongly suggest however, that you allow NO gluten, ever! Example: Our extended family was out at a restaurant, and I went to the bathroom. When I came back a few minutes later, James was flapping and stimming. I asked what happened? Grandma had given James a bite of her chicken soup, which apparently contained gluten.

By now you’ve read 10 tip-filled articles. And hopefully you’ve already downloaded my free gift of the first 2 Chapters of The BrainFood Cookbook. I hope you’ve been enjoying these tips, and that you’re ready to start the road to recovery with your child. If you’ve not already done so, you can purchase The BrainFood Cookbook (in print or pdf) from www.brainfoodcookbook.com. Or if you prefer a Kindle version, it’s available from Amazon.com.

If you find you need additional help beyond the book, I am available for one-to-one health coaching. You can learn more at www.brainfoodhealthcoaching.com.

We all have hopes and dreams for our children, including:
My child will talk
Eliminate digestive distress
Sleep through the night
Get potty trained
Go out to dinner without creating a scene
Reduce the time and money for therapy
Attend a regular school
Dissolve his IEP
Get good grades
Become a talented musician
Be a sports star
Get into a good college
We can go on a family vacation
Mom can return to work
My child can someday live on his own, and get a good job
He’ll get married
We’ll have Grandchildren
And many more!

Please remember that 
no matter your dreams or challenges, you have the power to change your child’s life. I sincerely hope our resources can help you do just that.

GAPS Intro Diet Chart

gaps-intro-chart-sample-1This chart has been created for those who want to start the GAPS Intro Diet, but don’t know how or are feeling overwhelmed and needing some guidance.

Monica Corrado has taken a lot of material and made it easy to understand. The chart plainly lays out each of the six stages of the Intro Diet: what to eat, how much, and when to move to the next stage!

It also includes instructions on how to do a Sensitivity Test.

This chart is only offered as an electronic download for $10.00 US.
https://simplybeingwell.com/books-and-charts/