How it started…
It’s been about 1 year since I started the GAPS diet and I wanted to give you all an update. When I started GAPS, I was in dire straights with my health. I know I have a lot more healing to do, but I am overjoyed to be on the right path for my body!
As you probably know, I am following a healing diet to cure my ulcerative colitis (an autoimmune disease). I actually started with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), not the GAPS diet. I explain the differences between the two diets HERE. The only reason I did that was because I had not yet heard of the GAPS diet.
So I started with the SCD intro diet, did full SCD for a couple of weeks, found the GAPS Diet and jumped into the full GAPS diet. Why didn’t I do the GAPS intro diet? I’m not really sure… I think it was because I was already in the “swing of things” with SCD. And I think my body was subconsciously telling me that I needed lots of natural sugars which I wouldn’t get on the GAPS intro diet.
I’m not perfect. My GAPS journey is not–and will never be–perfect. I make mistakes. Speaking of mistakes, just last month I ate some of my mom’s mashed sweet potato because I confused it with my container of mashed butternut squash in the fridge! I ended up with a slight bellyache, but nothing serious. These things happen.
I am still learning. But I am enjoying the learning process and I enjoy sharing it with you!
What I’ve Learned (so far!)
These are the most significant things I’ve learned so far on GAPS:
GAPS can – and should – include some healthy carbs. I went too low carb when I first started GAPS, and felt much better when I incorporated some winter squashes and fruit.
It is only a piece in my healing journey. GAPS is only a part of my nutritional therapy. After many hours of research and self-experimentation, I have found that I need to incorporate metabolic principles and careful supplementation. Other significant steps in my healing journey include monthly acupuncture appointments and work with an Emotional Freedom Technique practitioner.
Health Perfectionism is the devil. Seriously, perfectionism will actually undermine the effectivity of GAPS. Sure, GAPS means requires a significant commitment of time, effort and money. And, in my case at least, there isn’t room for “cheating” with the food.
So what do I mean by perfectionism? Shortly after starting GAPS, I began researching fluoridated water. Horrified, I begged my parents to help me invest in a Berkey filter so our family could drink purified water. “It’s expensive, we’ll have to think about it,” they replied. I didn’t understand why this wasn’t a top priority for them. Freaked out by my research, I wanted safe drinking water NOW.
Anxiety prickled me every time I drank our fluoride-filled water. Sure, fluoride is a toxic additive. But my stress and anxiety over it was even more toxic than fluoride to my body. If a health resource isn’t an option for you, don’t stress over it. It is what it is.
My progress on the GAPS Diet:
I am empowered.
I began to feel empowered after starting GAPS/SCD. Hence the name of this blog. And hence this blog.
I had some pretty dark struggles during the first 4 years of my colitis diagnosis. It is really painful to even think about some of those periods. I was on handfuls of prescriptions, prescriptions that, as a side effect, altered my moods and my mind. I didn’t have full control over my body or my emotions, and my family and I just didn’t realize we had another option. I remember leaving the doctors office after a 4-day hospital stay. The doctor had told me I was most likely facing surgery to have my large intestine removed. Then he handed me a prescription for an additional medication which I knew would cause my already patchy hair to shed further.
I threw a full-blown temper tantrum in the car on the way home. I was 18. I remember thinking, “Is this me? Am I really screaming and crying like a baby?” Trapped in this black pit of hopelessness and on the emotional rollercoaster of steroid drugs, I felt an utterly powerless in my health (and in my emotional control, which I now understand is inextricably tied to our health).
As a control freak, that was honestly one of the hardest moments in my life. A month later, I discovered Breaking the Vicious Cycle, the book that outlines the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). Within two weeks of starting the diet, my debilitating colitis symptoms were gone. Finally, I experienced a gratifying surge of empowerment over my health. I want EVERYONE to feel this, and that is why I am training to become a nutritional therapy practitioner.
I am singing again.
When I little, I would walk around the house singing. I remember my babysitters would be unendingly entertained by the fact that this bubbly girl was bouncing around the house singing Mary Poppins and Nat King Cole songs.
I only recently realized that I have started singing and dancing around the house again after years of quiet. I believe this is a sign that my mental, emotional and spiritual health is improving on the GAPS diet. There are a couple reasons for this: first, gut flora dysbiosis plays a huge role in mental health. That’s why it’s called the Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet. Second, I’m am simply filled with joy about my healing progress.
I was born with a spirit that was meant to express joy with song. And it is so refreshing to feel that cheerful energy pulsing through my body once again! On the downside, I do not (!!!) have a lovely voice. It doesn’t bother me, but I think my family *might* be getting slightly annoyed.
I’m sleeping better.
I’ve always struggled with insomnia, laying awake for at least an hour before falling asleep. Interestingly, I’ve noticed my sleep patterns are regulating with the help of GAPS and a few other sleepy-time resources which I will share with you in a future post!
My skin is less bluish toned.
Looking in the mirror the other day, I realized that my skin looked, well… yellower. That sounds weird, but I don’t know how else to describe it. I used to have a slight bluish pallor–a bit sickly and translucent. Now, my skin is more vibrant and opaque.
I have a higher tolerance for sunburn.
Speaking of skin, this is the most amazing thing! My resistance to sunburn has significantly increased. I thought I was supposed to be extremely susceptible to burning because I’m an ultra-fair Scandinavian. Now, I only need to use sunscreen when I’m in direct sun for a couple of hours (in contrast to getting burned in only 15 minutes).
What I’m still trying to heal:
Thyroid
I’m searching for an alternative practitioner to help me with my hypothyroid symptoms. I’ve been researching desiccated thyroid pills and thyroid-supporting herbs as I think they will be my next step. If you have any suggestions with natural thyroid support, pretty please share with me in the comments!
Stomach acid production
Low stomach acid plays such a huge role in digestive dysfunction (my post here discusses the subject). For a long time, I was unable to take any kind of hydrochloric acid supplement, however, because my stomach lining was chronically sensitive and inflamed due to severely low stomach acid for years and years. I am repairing my stomach lining and acid production with Gastrazyme, zinc and raw liver (I plan to write a post on this soon). I am now able to tolerate increasing amounts of HCL supplements. This is just going to take time, but I am grateful to be on the right path.
I can’t eat raw vegetables
My digestive tract has a lot of healing to do and I plan to stay on the GAPS diet for at least 3 more years. Currently, I am unable to digest any raw vegetables or any form of nuts and seeds. I know this will get better with time and as I correct my stomach acid levels.
In the meantime, I eat my raw goat milk yogurt. It is important to consume a raw food with each meal due to the digestion enzymes in raw foods.
Hair loss
I’m a 20-year-old female and my hairline has receded more than a quarter inch… that’s not supposed to happen. I always wear my hair in a bun to hide the patchy balding spots. I know this is first-world-suffering. I know that I should focus on the great progress of my health. But if your health has taken a significant toll on your appearance, I know you can commiserate with me.
Fortunately, I have faith that my hair will re-grow once I correct my thyroid issues and stomach acid!
Adding in more foods
Besides skipping the raw veggies, I also avoid nightshades and citrus fruits because I have been sensitive to these foods in the past. And currently I’m unable to eat the GAPS cheeses and I’m also not able to digest any form of nuts or seeds (except coconut flour and coconut oil). I know it will just take some time to heal these digestive issues and food sensitivities, and I know that GAPS is the right way for me to do it. I wanted to mention this to tell you that it is absolutely possible to do GAPS without cheese, nightshades, and nuts/seeds.
It’s a journey!
Wow… this post has been all over the place and I don’t really know how to end it. Thanks for sticking with me to the end! I truly believe the GAPS diet is a valuable tool for healing, and that it is useful for many people. As for me, I’m going to stick with GAPS for the next few years. I don’t know what the future holds for my health, so I’m just trying to live in the moment.
Are you on the GAPS diet? Are you going to start it? Why? Are there other resources you have utilized on your healing journey?
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Hi Lauren! I am a 20-something suffering with UC – I have been going through this process for about 2 years and it’s been a struggle to find meals and foods that don’t cause a flare-up that actually taste good. haha! What recipes did you put together on the GAPS diet?
Hi Madison! I’m sorry to hear you are struggling with UC. Most of my recipes, available here: http://empoweredsustenance.com/recipes/ , are suitable for GAPS. Avoid the recipes using tapioca/arrowroot/sweet potatoes, though. Also, check out my Pinterest boards as I have one dedicated to GAPS recipe.
Lauren, you truly are an inspiration. Your blog is very empowering indeed! You are my new health mentor, my new go-to resource. I hope you have found the resources needed for your thyroid and other issues as you heal and discover other layers of concern.
My first health mentor is Dr Josh Axe http://www.draxe.com Dr Josh is also very empowering. His website covers a multitude of topics. I have seen articles on the thyroid. He has the same health philosophy you and I do: heal with food and natural remedies.
I’ve been trying to get to the CAUSE of my ailments, decades of research and learning. Dealing with MS with nutrition not traditional therapy, 30 years now. You led me to what may be the REAL CAUSE, maybe I can turn this thing around now. Quick summary: Multiple Sclerosis – caused by – Inflammation – caused by – Leaky Gut – caused by Magnesium Deficiency.
Thank you Lauren, I have known for years that I was magnesium deficient. But until I found your blog today I did not know that is the cause of MOST diseases. I’ve not really addressed it.
Every person is UNIQUE, with different needs, conditions and philosophies. You’re so right, there is not one solution fits all, we each must find our own path. You are a wonderful resource as I travel my healing path, which includes Dr Axe Leaky Gut, GAPS, the Elimination Diet, AIP Autoimmune, and FODMAP. These are discoveries in the last 3 months. I already see improvement instead of continued decline. But it is a lot to piece together into a workable plan.
Wishing you the best – my new friend Lauren.
I loved your articles on Perfectionist :-} and GAPS.
Hugs!! Jaz
Jaz, thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and encouraging comment! I am so glad to hear that my posts have been helpful to you. I do want to mention, because I’ve been in your shoes of looking for a single cause, that is often not the case. There can be many factors playing a role in causing ailments. I hold that in my mind when considering my own healing journey. Many blessings and hugs back!
Oh wow everyone is really positive, i have ulcerative colitis and I’m on day 7 of the GAPS diet and I’m finding it really meaty, deathly and depressing reading that people introduce such mundane joyous foods too earky ….a year later makes me feel like this is a sentence or some type of punishment. I’m really unwell and I had fabulous results on day three and then I went backwards again and started bleeding and ended up back in bed, I have two little kids and I feel like I’m dying, I’ve just fought breast cancer and had two cycles of chemo and opted out to fight it naturally and then I got colitis. I’m not sure if I still have cancer but I believe that I will have it again if I reenter the drug cycle for colitis, so feeling extra trapped. Do you get worse before getting better? All my head mucous being a hay fever sufferer too has cleared up so I was imagining the mucous in my bowel has or is clearing and the bleeding is fresh bright blood and maybe this is good?
How are you doing? Has anything gotten better?
Hi Lauren!!! I am excited to have re-found your blog/page! I came across your page while I was on Pinterest. I must have thought I pinned your page, but I didn’t lol. Getting along with it…I was diagnoised with crohn’s disease June of 2015. It has been a hard challenge and many hospital visits. I relate to how you described yourself on this about your post “My First Year on the GAPS Diet for Ulcerative Colitis”. I just wanted to share with you, I am not sure if you know of him, Dr. Sebi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFQEYUXozXQ . I found out about this man last year online , but I didn’t have the “time” nor patience to read up about him and his teachings. I wish I would have before my crohns got worst. (probably could of helped 😛 but its all good). Any ways, I figured I share about him with you because maybe you and others reading this could benefit, acknowledge another teaching and understanding. He seems to be on point and explains in good detail what we should be eating. “Eat to live, not die”, is one of his quotes. I do not mean to over step by any means! I just wanted to share this with you. <3<3<3 You seem like you have way more knowledge and insight than I! I hope you and others can benefit from Dr. Sebis teachings. (By the way, I still have Crohn's, I am not in remission…that I know of. I just started the drug humira this july. I sort of had no choice. It was the drug or surgery. 🙁 I dont know which was better. I didn't want either but I was in pretty bad shape. I weighed 84 lbs. I am hoping to learn more about dr. Sebi and jump into his diet plan and understanding. I am searching for others who have healed themselves by listening to him, especially if they had crohns or colits etc. ) 🙂 I wrote this rather quickly there may be errors upon errors! Don't judge me please. I am just happy I found your blog again. I LOVEEEEE reading everything that you post. Blessings to you Lauren. I hope to hear from you soon <3 Peace and much love.
Hi,
Just started to read your story,
And thinking its maybe something I should do.
My physical health is a mess,
Low thyroid – and I am not sure how many other things are wrong yet.
But a lot….- do reading all the time, trying to find the answers,
Meanwhile I want to tell you that I am on natural THYREOIDUM 60mg daily
For more than a year, and it has done everything for my mental health, that I was sure I was losing before….
Pigs thyroid, made in holland. Probably a bit the same as amour thyroid.
Will read more from you blog, thanks
And keep strong ????
Hello, I have had shocking stomach problems for as long as I can remember, chronic nausea and acid reflux which has just come along now. Bloating, burping and passing wind can also be issues. I had tried going off dairy, then gluten, then went onto the low fodmap diet but nothing was working to relieve the symptoms. I had several tests done but nothing came back positive, wasn’t a parasite, not H.Pylori, not lactose/dairy intolerance, no blood OR stool test came back with anything or an ultrasound!! I became so fed up with all this and was losing hope until a nutritionist suggested the gaps diet, not saying that I have improved much but a slight bit. I have been on it for over a month but am still on stage 2, I have a suspected histamine intolerance which hopefully gaps will fix and possible gastroparesis. Going to see a gastroenterologist next week, hopefully will get some definite answers soon.
Why did you choose GAPS above AIP? You still follow GAPS now? It must be hard! Where you never hungry and didn’t you lost lots of weight?
Thanks for sharing this great info on GAPS. I have been researching GAPS and have hardly found anything that is clear and useful, but this article definitely made it clear for me. I have been trying different diets for 3 years now and have had no success. I even went vegan AND gluten-free, thinking this would definitely help, but it didn’t. What I didn’t consider was that ALL grains and starchy foods were preventing me from healing, not just gluten.
The first day trying the GAPS, I noticed I felt different and had a slight increase in energy. The first night sleeping, I slept 11 hours and had active dreams the entire night (something that hasn’t happened in over 2 years). I’m hoping these are signs that GAPS will heal me and I can get back on track with my life. Thanks again!
Lauren – many thanks for your very helpful info on GAPS – after ONE DAY, I am some better already – I was at the bottom!
Re Thyroid – maybe you can do as I did – find a Chiro who uses an activator gun – no rough treatment at all. He balances my thyroid and adrenals with his activator gun when they become unbalanced. I also – at his suggestion, now take kelp, and it works. Vogel kelp works for me – started with 1/4 tablet and progressed slowly up to the 4 tablets the bottle says. Then after a bit, I was able to gradually lower it to one tablet/day. My thyroid can still become unbalanced, but it’s much better than it was. Hope this helps!
Margie
I’m so happy to hear GAPS helped you in just a day! And thanks for sharing your experience with your supplemental and chiropractic thyroid support.