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WHAT DOES GAPS CERTIFICATION MEAN?

GAPS stands for Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome, defined by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride, MD, MMedSci (neurology), MMedSci (human nutrition) in 2004 after working with hundreds of children and adults with neurological and psychiatric conditions,
such as autistic spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD/ADD), schizophrenia, dyslexia, dyspraxia, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bi-polar disorder and other neuro-psychological and psychiatric problems.

GAPS covers all the conditions where dysfunctional digestive health results in psychological and physiological conditions. These conditions include:
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  • learning disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia
  • mental disorders such as autism, epilepsy, depression, addictions, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, eating disorders
  • mental symptoms with no associated diagnostic labels such as mood alterations, memory and cognitive problems, behavioural and social problems
  • involuntary movements, tics and fits etc
  • autoimmune disorders such as coeliac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, osteoarthritis etc.
  • allergies, intolerances and atopic conditions: asthma, eczema, rhinitis
  • endocrine disorders and adrenal problems
  • gynaecological and menstrual disorders
The GAPS diet is a nutritional protocol designed to enable the gut to heal by removing irritants to the gut for a period of time and replacing them with highly nutritions alternatives. The diet’s guidelines are based on the fact that not everyone can digest complex carbohydrates and sugar. Any food that is not properly digested causes bacterial and yeast overgrowth in the intestine which start a chain reaction of excess toxins and acids which irritate the small intestine cells damaging them and causing food absorption issues. GAPS diet can break this cycle of bacteria and yeast overgrowth by eliminating food sources that they feed on. By working to restore the gut to its normal levels, the intestinal tract is allowed to start repairing any damage by itself.
GAPS protocol treats the digestive disorder first and foremost by changing the patients diet and lifestyle, addresses the nutritional deficiencies with supplements and than initiates detoxification in order to enable the patient to receive most of his/her nutrients from food.
Implementing the GAPS program requires a strong commitment and dedication. This program is not for people who cannot make the commitment. It is not a quick fix program and may take between one to three years for full recovery. However this sacrifice is not too much to pay for lifetime of good health.

Edinburgh Herbalist offers ‘GAPS Companion Package’ whereby the patient can keep in constant communication with the practitioner through the healing process.

GAPS Companion package costs £250 and includes :
  • Initial consultation worth 90 minutes which results in an email report on patient advice and treatment plan. The plan may include recommendations on functional tests to pursue as well as supplementation and/or herbal medicines that are priced separately.
  • Weekly review of diet and symptom diaries, face to face or electronically as preferred by the patient. Face to face meetings may be online and will take no longer than 15 minutes.
  • Follow up consultations at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months and a final consultation before completing the programme. A full report of discussions and recommendations will be sent after each consultation by email.
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