The GAPS diet fulfills a role in healing and strengthening the bacterial landscape of the gut. Without a proper microflora environment, nutrient absorption is not as efficient, the immune system can be more easily compromised, and inflammatory conditions in the gastrointestinal tract can get out of control. Here, we have mentioned some of the amazing GAPS diet benefits.
GAPS Diet Benefits
The major GAPS diet benefits include its impact on depression, autism, immune health, and inflammation, among others.
Autism
There is a link between neurological function and gut health, and while the research is still in the early stages, results have shown that gluten-free and carbohydrate-restricted diets can be good for managing autism symptoms. [1]
The GAPS diet fulfills a role in healing and strengthening the bacterial landscape of the gut. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Immune System
A diet that heals and seals your gut will also help with immune function, considering that more than 50% of your immune system activities occur in the gastrointestinal system. [2]
Depression
Numerous studies have shown that diets high in probiotics were linked to lessened symptoms of depression. [3]
Inflammation
The main function of this entire diet is to eliminate inflammation in the gut and elsewhere in the body, helping to lower your oxidative stress and reduce your risk of chronic disease. [4]
Leaky Gut
One of the primary reasons people pursue this diet is because of a leaky gut syndrome diagnosis; eliminating processed foods allows the body to seal the damaged areas and regrow a healthy microenvironment in this vital system. [5]
Side Effects
While there are plenty of clear benefits, this diet can have some unwanted side effects, such as the following:
- Gastrointestinal distress: As the bad bacteria are killed off in the gut, their death can sometimes result in stomach upset, diarrhea, cramping, and other forms of discomfort, but this is a good sign.
- Hunger pangs: This diet does have less carbohydrate intake than most normal diets, hunger pangs, dizziness, and irritability may occur in the first week or two.
