Supplement Guide

High quality nutritional supplements can be useful filling in the GAPS when underlying nutritional deficiencies are present and body systems are weak or imbalanced.  Dr. Campbell-McBride emphasizes not to rely on supplements as a replacement for a nutrient dense, whole-foods diet; however, she encourages the following supplements for GAPS patients to initiate the healing process and support the immune system and gut microbiome:

  1. Therapeutic-Strength Probiotic 
  2. Essential Fatty Acids
  3. Cod Liver Oil
  4. Digestive Enzymes
  5. Targeted Vitamins & Minerals for known nutrient deficiencies

Probiotics

Probiotics are “beneficial” bacteria found in both fermented foods and nutritional supplements.  Probiotics have been used in a range of digestive disorders, allergies, viral infections, auto-immune conditions, etc.  Dr. Campbell-McBride recommends a therapeutic strength, broad spectrum probiotic with as many different species of beneficial bacteria and the least amount of added ingredients.

Protexin Bio-Kult

14 multi-strain and cryogenically freeze dried to protect bacteria from acidic environment of the stomach. Contains (1) soil-based bacterial strain with 2 billion organisms per capsule.

Longevity Science EnteroPro

Shelf-stable 10 multi-strain broad spectrum probiotic with 50 billion organisms per capsule.

Enviromedica TerraFlora

Broad spectrum synbiotic formulated with a combination of spore forming probiotics, and advanced, food-based, ancient prebiotics.  Two capsules contain 1 billion viable cells of spore forming bacteria.

Saccharomyces Boulardii

A single-strain yeast probiotic therapeutically used in fighting pathogenic Candida overgrowth and yeast.  Can be taken together with other broad spectrum probiotics.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are not naturally produced by the body but are essential for life.  Therefore they need to come directly from your diet.  Omega-3s and Omega-6s are the “parent” essential fatty acids in which all others are formed. EFAs are “absolutely vital for normal brain and eye development [and] found in abundance in brain cells, nerve synapses, visual receptors, adrenal and sex glands.” – Dr. Campbell-McBride.

Barlean’s Lignan Omega Twin Liquid

100% unrefined, unfiltered, cold-pressed flax seed and borage seed oil that provides a complete Omega 3-6-9 nutrition profile.

Nordic Naturals ProEFA Liquid (Also available in gelcaps)

A combination of Omega-3s in bioavailable derivatives of EPA and DHA and Omega-6s fish oils.  Dr. Campbell-McBride states many GAPS patients have difficulty converting  nut/seed oils to EPA and DHA and therefore supplementation in both forms may be helpful.

Cod Liver Oil

Dr. Campbell-McBride recommends supplementing with cod liver oil for EPA, DHA, and rich sources of bioavailable Vitamins A & D; in her opinion many GAPS patients are deficient in these vital nutrients that play a major role in proper immune function.  Cod Liver oil also provides Vitamins E and K, and Omegas 6, 7, & 9

Rosita Extra Virgin Cod Liver Oil

Fresh, raw and made from wild livers; no chemicals, solvents or mechanical devices are used during the extraction process.  The oil is completely unrefined and produced under the total absence of heat.

Blue Ice Fermented Cod Liver Oil

Fermented cod liver oil uses a proprietary, ancient, no heat extraction process to make the nutrients and enzymes as easily absorbable as possible.

Digestive Enzymes

Enzymes are the catalyst for all biochemical reactions.  Having the proper level of enzymes at the right times is essential for the body to function, especially in the digestive process.  Gastric juices are secreted to “trigger” the release of enzymes when food enters the stomach in order to start the breakdown of food into nutrients your body can use.  GAPS patients generally have abnormal production of different digestive enzymes and fluids that are essential for proper digestion and may find benefit supplementing.

Nutrivene Betaine HCl with pepsin

Abnormal gut flora can interfere with proper stomach acid production.  Stomach acid is essential for protein digestion and an acidic pH to keep pathogenic microbes from colonizing in the stomach.  Betaine HCl with pepsin is the most physiological preparation to human stomach acid available to supplement low stomach acid in adults.

Longevity Science Total Gest and Houston Trienza

Broad spectrum digestive enzymes help break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates into bioavailable nutrients for your body.  A compromised pancreas won’t produce and release enough during meals, allowing for partially-digested foods to leak through the gut lining and into the bloodstream.  Supplementation may support this process along with aiding in constipation.

Oxbile

GAPS patients generally have an overloaded and toxic liver, not allowing for the proper production of bile.  Bile is essential for proper fat digestion.  Those without a gallbladder may also find supplementing with Oxbile with each meal that contains fat beneficial.

Targeted Vitamin & Mineral Support

Dr. Campbell-McBride states each patient may need additional targeted support depending on individual health concerns.  The following supplements have been discussed in her books Gut & Psychology Syndrome and Gut & Physiology Syndrome as well as in the FAQs.  It is recommended to discuss all supplement and dietary changes with your healthcare practitioner.

Thyroid – Bovine thyroid supplement, Seaweed, Iodine

Adrenal – Licorice root, Ashwagandha, Maca, Rhodiola, Siberian Ginseng

Liver – OxBile, Milk Thistle, Dandelion, Burdock Root, Magnesium , Choline, Seaweed, GAPS Milkshakes

Bone/Teeth – Vitamin K2, Collagen, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Seaweed

Detox – Seaweed, Diatomaceous Earth, Activated Charcoal, Alpha Lipoic Acid

Brain – Choline

Sleep – Melatonin, 5-HTP, Magnesium