Page 58 - Spring2010

All Thumbs Book Reviews

to heal, and reminds readers that Dr. Campbell-McBride stresses the exploring and yet barely touched a sliver of all
fact that children especially cannot be healthy as vegans, and everyone the resources available. Lashkov also writes
should consume at least one cup of bone broth daily for digestive health. an enjoyable blog in her clear, direct and very
Unfortunately, “many committed vegetarians continue to suffer” rather personable voice; her energy never seems to
than adopt the GAPS diet to help their health issues. flag as she answers all readers’ questions care-
The topics of pathogen die-off; constipation and other digestive dis- fully and fully—and there are many! Further,
tress; and unexplained relapse are some of the common problems addressed there is already a column of amplification and
in the chapter “Troubleshooting.” Lashkov offers numerous approaches for occasional correction to the GAPS Guide at the
handling each, yet the last topic, “Finding Time for GAPS” has the most website. I was glad to find a correction of the
involved answer of any in this section. While fairly large lifestyle and startling recommendation in the book to drink
health changes (not to say upheavals) will take place when implementing half of one’s weight in water each day! (The real
the GAPS program, Lashkov reminds us that having the home front in order advice is to take one’s weight in kilos, divide by
and our lives simplified as much as possible will support our success “so two, and drink that number of ounces of water
that good food can take over without everything else falling apart!” Her each day—rather more manageable!)
advice in this section to downsize, organize, get help when you need it, and Lashkov has already been asked to write a
so on, will enhance the efficiency and happiness of anyone in any situation, second edition of the GAPS Guide, and one will
but especially when one needs to focus clearly, without distractions, on likely be in the works soon enough, if reader
serious matters of health. Subsequent chapters address the most common demand is any goad. Resources for those on
topics that new GAPS adherents may find confusing or daunting, such as the GAPS program seem to grow daily, and so
juicing, detoxification, enemas and choosing supplements, especially the much good information and advice are generated
centrally important probiotics. through the sharing of support groups online.
Lashkov addresses the economic side of the GAPS program in terms The usefulness of a second edition would be en-
of making it available to anyone who needs it. She offers many tips for hanced by an index, and also a chapter devoted to
shopping in season, making the most from bones, finding your local farm- middle-aged and older newcomers to the GAPS
ers, stocking up, and more, to wring the most out of a tight budget. This program. This older population faces somewhat
subject is close to Lashkov’s heart, since she has essentially rescued herself different challenges from those of young parents
from a precarious downward spiral as related in the early autobiographical and their children, yet stands to gain great health
chapter “Our Stories.” Misdiagnosed health problems early on plagued benefits as well if given the needed support.
Lashkov, and as a young woman struggling with mammoth physical and Baden Lashkov has performed a grand
mental imbalances she was briefly homeless and near suicide. Her recovery public service by writing the GAPS Guide and
is not only a testament to tremendous personal grit and determination, but bolstering the education and morale of parents
an invitation for all of us to reconsider our judgment of those marginalized everywhere who have turned to the GAPS
by society. How many of the homeless, those in institutions, or incarcer- program to help themselves and their children
ated could be happy, productive, creative citizens if they were liberated regain health. The book may be ordered from
from their longstanding biochemical disorders and restored to health via International Nutrition: www.nutrivene.com
access to safe housing, rest, and truly nourishing food? (410-335-2802).
The GAPS Guide packs a lot of advice, encouragement, clarification Review by Katherine Czapp
and good humor in its one hundred sixty pages. Reviewed and approved
by Dr. Campbell-McBride, readers can feel confident in its guidance into
the more minute details of day-to-day implementation of the program.
Throughout the chapters, Lashkov frequently invites readers to learn
even more about specific topics by visiting her website, www.gapsguide.
com. Indeed, during my first visit there I spent a couple of hours happily
58 Wise Traditions SPRING 2010