Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS)

Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS)

Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) is a group of associated conditions which establishes a connection between the functions of the digestive system and the brain. The term was created 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, epilepsy, eating disorders, and other neuro-psychological diseases which affect the function of the brain. Many of these conditions have no established diagnostic labels and present themselves as a mixture of mental symptoms: mood alterations, memory and cognitive problems, behavioural and social problems, panic attacks, anxiety, involuntary movements, various tics and fits and sensory problems.

Gut and Physiology Syndrome(GAPS) also includes various chronic physical conditions which stem from an unhealthy gut such as autoimmune conditions (celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoarthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, etc.), atopic conditions (asthma, eczema, various allergies), food allergies and intolerances, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ME, multiple chemical sensitivities, endocrine and adrenal disorders (such as menstruation, thyroid, adrenal) and all digestive disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, GERD, etc.).

GAPS Nutritional Programme involves a radical change in these patients’ diet followed by a complete lifestyle change. 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.

Implementing the GAPS program requires a strong commitment and continuous dedication. 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.

The initial consultation session takes a minimum of one and a half hours and consists of discussing patients’ background including family history, medical history, lifestyle choices, diet, mood and stressors as well as presenting symptoms and clinical examinations where necessary. Functional testing will be recommended if required. The therapy will focus on recommending lifestyle and diet modifications, supplementation if nutrient deficiencies are identified. The patient is required to keep a diet and symptom diary and keep in contact with Nijen by submitting their diary weekly or bi-weekly and following recommendations. A follow-up is recommended a month after the initial consultation to review progress and adjust the diet choices as required. After the second appointment further follow ups are essential every 2 to 3 months depending on the patient’s progress.

Nijen is happy to add herbal remedies as well as Bach Flower Remedies to aid therapeutic outcomes. Nijen also recommends supplements if required. Nijen works hand in hand with her patients during treatment and is fast to respond to any queries/questions.

Payment accepted by bank transfer or cash. If you need to cancel a booking, please let us know 48 hours before your session to avoid cancellation charges.

Practitioners

  • Nijen Aksel

Prices

  • £110 for 90 minutes (Initial Consultation)
  • £80 for 50 minutes (Follow-up Sessions)