Comments on: The GAPS Diet: What It Is and Why You Might Consider Doing It http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html Naturally inspired living for the Christian homemaker Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:01:42 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Kathyhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-77574 Kathy Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:48:36 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-77574 There's a really good Yahoo group (email) for GAPS Diet that covers issues like traveling...and even things like breast feeding while on GAPS. I'm just learning about GAPS and found the group to be really useful. That said, I'd get the emails in digest form. There is a LOT of traffic...upwards of 30-50 emails a day. The group is called GAPShelp http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GAPShelp/ Hope this helps and I hope I'm not overstepping in sharing this info. There's a really good Yahoo group (email) for GAPS Diet that covers issues like traveling...and even things like breast feeding while on GAPS. I'm just learning about GAPS and found the group to be really useful. That said, I'd get the emails in digest form. There is a LOT of traffic...upwards of 30-50 emails a day. The group is called GAPShelp http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/GAPShelp/ Hope this helps and I hope I'm not overstepping in sharing this info.

]]> By: Coryhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-75711 Cory Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:16:28 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-75711 It might be worthwhile noting - the book is not at all religious. There is no referenced to religion at all, its only concern is health and nutrition. While the similarity to the Maker's diet might be off-putting from a Jewish point of view, don't assume that GAPS comes from a similar standpoint! The GAPS diet, as far as I can evaluate (we do keep kosher, but not super-strict), can be done kosher, but finding legal meat/fish is mad expensive (not surprising, it's kosher), and I can't find any kosher cod liver oil. Bummer, but it might be worthwhile asking your Rav about it. We're just going to try it without (my husband's call). It might be worthwhile noting - the book is not at all religious. There is no referenced to religion at all, its only concern is health and nutrition. While the similarity to the Maker's diet might be off-putting from a Jewish point of view, don't assume that GAPS comes from a similar standpoint!

The GAPS diet, as far as I can evaluate (we do keep kosher, but not super-strict), can be done kosher, but finding legal meat/fish is mad expensive (not surprising, it's kosher), and I can't find any kosher cod liver oil. Bummer, but it might be worthwhile asking your Rav about it. We're just going to try it without (my husband's call).

]]> By: Charisehttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-75256 Charise Sat, 24 Dec 2011 01:32:29 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-75256 Hey Stephanie, Thanks so much for posting this. I have subscribed to your site for a few months, and just now realized that you were doing GAPS. It was suggested to us that we do GAPS for our 23 month old son who is showing signs of autism. After reading the book, I realize that all of us need the GAPS diet. So, I have a question for you. I have made my first batch of sauerkraut this week by following the directions in the GAPS guide and book. Both were somewhat non-descriptive in quantities of seasonings, salt, etc, and I do not have a creative bone in the kitchen (but am great at following directions). I am afraid that I just wasted money on ingredients, etc. as well as time, and I really need to get this right for our son's sake. Do you have any suggested time-tested recipes for us? I have subscribed to a few good sites, but the few I've seen suggested adding dairy, and have to avoid dairy until after we can do the intro (my son produces peptides with casein). Any help here? Hey Stephanie,
Thanks so much for posting this. I have subscribed to your site for a few months, and just now realized that you were doing GAPS. It was suggested to us that we do GAPS for our 23 month old son who is showing signs of autism. After reading the book, I realize that all of us need the GAPS diet.
So, I have a question for you. I have made my first batch of sauerkraut this week by following the directions in the GAPS guide and book. Both were somewhat non-descriptive in quantities of seasonings, salt, etc, and I do not have a creative bone in the kitchen (but am great at following directions). I am afraid that I just wasted money on ingredients, etc. as well as time, and I really need to get this right for our son's sake. Do you have any suggested time-tested recipes for us? I have subscribed to a few good sites, but the few I've seen suggested adding dairy, and have to avoid dairy until after we can do the intro (my son produces peptides with casein). Any help here?

]]> By: Rohttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-73942 Ro Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:49:08 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-73942 Norma -- have you tried seeing a TCM physician (Traditional Chinese Medicine)? In my future profession (I am a student), we use acupuncture, herbs, exercise and diet changes to help our patients. We have helped many when Western medicine could not provide the cure or the answer. My son (who has had chronic GI problems since he was 2, and now he is 4) also sees a homeopathic doctor. The digestive enzymes he put him on, along with the change of diet from the TCM doctor and acupressure and massage, has helped him TREMENDOUSLY! His bowel movements are just about back to normal now. Look up a TCM doctor -- it just might be the answer you're looking for. God bless you. Norma -- have you tried seeing a TCM physician (Traditional Chinese Medicine)? In my future profession (I am a student), we use acupuncture, herbs, exercise and diet changes to help our patients. We have helped many when Western medicine could not provide the cure or the answer. My son (who has had chronic GI problems since he was 2, and now he is 4) also sees a homeopathic doctor. The digestive enzymes he put him on, along with the change of diet from the TCM doctor and acupressure and massage, has helped him TREMENDOUSLY! His bowel movements are just about back to normal now. Look up a TCM doctor -- it just might be the answer you're looking for. God bless you.

]]> By: Normahttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-71730 Norma Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:55:59 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-71730 I just started reading about this GAPS diet two days ago and I was hopeful that it might be helpful to me. I am 65 years old and almost ready to retire. At the end of 2010, I went through a 3-month period of tremendous stress at work - really an awful experience. I thought I had weathered it pretty well, but in January of 2011, I very suddenly began not feeling well. I have a past history of anxiety and was on a very low dose of Xanax for several years. The anxiety just got worse and worse and now I'm on high doses of multiple medications for the anxiety. I also began having stomach problems - soreness, bloating, chronic diarrhea. I went thoughh a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. Tests for celiac and H Pylori were negative and all they could tell me was that I have mild diverticulosis and probably IBS. I haven't eaten gluten, dairy, wheat, or sugar for months, but I don't feel much better. I took a quick look at the "permitted foods" list for GAPS and made myself a dinner of broiled haddock with fresh lemon juice, a small serving of steamed turnips, and 5 stalks of steamed asparagus for dinner last night. To my great shock, today my stomach is worse than it's been in months. It's so sore I can hardly sit up straight. Did I do wrong by eating that meal last night? Does the bad reqaction mean the diet won't help me? I hate to cook and am really not very good at it. The GAPS protocol sounds very daunting and intimidating to me and I don't know how I could ever master it alone. I can't give up, though, because I don't want to live like this. There are no doctors in my area that I know of who work with GAPS dieters. I've become so discouraged and even a little depressed. I ask God a hundred times a day to see me through this. Can you make a suggestion for me? I just feel so bad and overwhelmed right now. Thank you. I just started reading about this GAPS diet two days ago and I was hopeful that it might be helpful to me. I am 65 years old and almost ready to retire. At the end of 2010, I went through a 3-month period of tremendous stress at work - really an awful experience. I thought I had weathered it pretty well, but in January of 2011, I very suddenly began not feeling well. I have a past history of anxiety and was on a very low dose of Xanax for several years. The anxiety just got worse and worse and now I'm on high doses of multiple medications for the anxiety. I also began having stomach problems - soreness, bloating, chronic diarrhea. I went thoughh a colonoscopy and an endoscopy. Tests for celiac and H Pylori were negative and all they could tell me was that I have mild diverticulosis and probably IBS. I haven't eaten gluten, dairy, wheat, or sugar for months, but I don't feel much better. I took a quick look at the "permitted foods" list for GAPS and made myself a dinner of broiled haddock with fresh lemon juice, a small serving of steamed turnips, and 5 stalks of steamed asparagus for dinner last night. To my great shock, today my stomach is worse than it's been in months. It's so sore I can hardly sit up straight. Did I do wrong by eating that meal last night? Does the bad reqaction mean the diet won't help me? I hate to cook and am really not very good at it. The GAPS protocol sounds very daunting and intimidating to me and I don't know how I could ever master it alone. I can't give up, though, because I don't want to live like this. There are no doctors in my area that I know of who work with GAPS dieters. I've become so discouraged and even a little depressed. I ask God a hundred times a day to see me through this. Can you make a suggestion for me? I just feel so bad and overwhelmed right now. Thank you.

]]> By: SaraRhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-69756 SaraR Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:44:06 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-69756 I stopped by looking for a recipe and ended up here. I thought I'd look to see if perchance our library would have the book (never hurts to try right!). Well, I put in the title in the search and it came back asking, "Did you mean: art and archaeology of rome?" I just had to share that with someone else since it made me laugh! I stopped by looking for a recipe and ended up here. I thought I'd look to see if perchance our library would have the book (never hurts to try right!). Well, I put in the title in the search and it came back asking, "Did you mean: art and archaeology of rome?" I just had to share that with someone else since it made me laugh!

]]> By: Stephanie @ Keeper of the Homehttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-69114 Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:34:01 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-69114 <a href="#comment-69112" rel="nofollow">@Kristy</a>, I do find that we spend a little more when we've done the GAPS or any grain-free diet. We simply end up eating more animal protein to fill up, plus more fresh produce, and that just costs more than grains. The best ways that I've found to keep the costs more reasonable are to do things like: -find the cheapest source of high quality bulk eggs that you can and use them frequently -as soon as you can include lentils, white beans, etc. (on the full diet, not the intro), use them plentifully -stick to very seasonal produce. In the winter, this meant tons of root veggies (which works well when you're making lots of soups and casseroles anyways). Sometimes those veggies are cheap anyways, if you buy them in bulk and depending on where you shop. -buy all your meat in bulk. This is especially true for beef, because you should be able to get the bones included in the cost for making your broth. Whole chickens are definitely the way to go on this diet as well, for cheaper meat and bones for broth. Hope some of that helps a little! @Kristy, I do find that we spend a little more when we've done the GAPS or any grain-free diet. We simply end up eating more animal protein to fill up, plus more fresh produce, and that just costs more than grains.

The best ways that I've found to keep the costs more reasonable are to do things like:
-find the cheapest source of high quality bulk eggs that you can and use them frequently
-as soon as you can include lentils, white beans, etc. (on the full diet, not the intro), use them plentifully
-stick to very seasonal produce. In the winter, this meant tons of root veggies (which works well when you're making lots of soups and casseroles anyways). Sometimes those veggies are cheap anyways, if you buy them in bulk and depending on where you shop.
-buy all your meat in bulk. This is especially true for beef, because you should be able to get the bones included in the cost for making your broth. Whole chickens are definitely the way to go on this diet as well, for cheaper meat and bones for broth.

Hope some of that helps a little!

]]> By: Kristyhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-69112 Kristy Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:08:31 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-69112 My question has mostly to do with cost. I have been interested in getting more grains out of my diet and my kids' diets. We have been following a nourishing traditions/maker's diet model for a couple of years now and our food budget is just crazy! And this is with just doing the bare minimum. There is so much more I would love to be able to do. For a family of 5 (plus now a baby that will be adding to our budget here soon) we can't seem to stay under about $700-750. So I keep thinking if I cut out grains it will just go crazy! Any thoughts or tips to do this diet and keep to our budget? Is it even possible? My question has mostly to do with cost. I have been interested in getting more grains out of my diet and my kids' diets. We have been following a nourishing traditions/maker's diet model for a couple of years now and our food budget is just crazy! And this is with just doing the bare minimum. There is so much more I would love to be able to do. For a family of 5 (plus now a baby that will be adding to our budget here soon) we can't seem to stay under about $700-750. So I keep thinking if I cut out grains it will just go crazy! Any thoughts or tips to do this diet and keep to our budget? Is it even possible?

]]> By: Justynhttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-66652 Justyn Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:02:33 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-66652 Hi Eileen, My husband has an employee who is type 1 diabetic. He has asked me to help him learn everything he can about using "real" foods to help his condition. How would I get in touch with the lady you mentioned whose daughter is type 1 diabetic? Thanks! Hi Eileen,
My husband has an employee who is type 1 diabetic. He has asked me to help him learn everything he can about using "real" foods to help his condition. How would I get in touch with the lady you mentioned whose daughter is type 1 diabetic?
Thanks!

]]> By: Christy @ Raising Knightshttp://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/the-gaps-diet-what-it-is-and-why-you-might-consider-doing-it.html/comment-page-1#comment-66536 Christy @ Raising Knights Wed, 17 Aug 2011 23:00:27 +0000 http://www.keeperofthehome.org/?p=3172#comment-66536 My journey has paralleled yours in some ways. I've also been researching and making healthy changes for the past eight years, since I was pregnant with my third son. The first book that changed my way of thinking about food was What the Bible Says About Healthy Living and I've also read Maker's Diet and Nourishing Traditions. I'm still looking for answers and am now researching the GAPS Diet for my family. The medical establishment is no help in trying to figure out what is causing various symptoms in my sons and I am now ready to tackle this on my own. I look forward to reading the rest of your posts on your GAPS experience and from others in the blogging community. My journey has paralleled yours in some ways. I've also been researching and making healthy changes for the past eight years, since I was pregnant with my third son. The first book that changed my way of thinking about food was What the Bible Says About Healthy Living and I've also read Maker's Diet and Nourishing Traditions. I'm still looking for answers and am now researching the GAPS Diet for my family. The medical establishment is no help in trying to figure out what is causing various symptoms in my sons and I am now ready to tackle this on my own. I look forward to reading the rest of your posts on your GAPS experience and from others in the blogging community.
Christy @ Raising Knights´s last [type] ..Shhh...Private Sale @ Expressiva Nursingwear

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