The preliminary stages of the GAPS diet are highly restrictive and carefully introduce foods to minimise digestive stress and allow for healing.

The recommendation to introduce only egg yolks (often raw or very lightly cooked) in the early stages of the GAPS diet is based on several principles:

Ease of Digestion: Egg yolks are considered one of the easiest foods to digest, even for compromised digestive systems. They require minimal digestive effort compared to egg whites or other protein sources. Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride has compared the digestibility of raw egg yolks to breast milk, highlighting their high bioavailability without extensive digestion.

Nutrient Density: Egg yolks are incredibly rich in essential nutrients vital for healing and overall health. They are packed with:
Vitamins: B vitamins (especially B12, crucial for nervous system and immune function), Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Biotin. Many GAPS patients are deficient in B12.
Minerals: Zinc, magnesium, iron, and selenium.
Essential Fatty Acids: These are important for brain health, reducing inflammation, and cellular repair.
Choline: A vital nutrient for brain function, memory, and liver health. Choline is often prescribed for individuals with liver problems, memory loss, or neurological damage.

Low Allergenic Potential: While whole eggs can be allergenic for some, the allergenic proteins are primarily found in the egg white. By initially introducing only the yolk, the GAPS diet minimises the risk of an allergic reaction in individuals with a compromised gut, allowing them to benefit from the yolk’s nutrients without triggering a significant immune response. Once the gut has begun to heal, and the yolk is well-tolerated, the protocol gradually introduces cooked egg whites and then whole eggs.

Support for Gut Healing: The readily absorbed nutrients in egg yolks provide the building blocks necessary for repairing the gut lining and supporting overall bodily functions, which can be severely depleted in individuals following the GAPS protocol.

In summary, the GAPS diet’s preliminary stages focus on providing easily digestible, nutrient-dense foods to support gut healing and reduce inflammation. Egg yolks fit this criteria perfectly due to their high nutritional value, ease of absorption, and lower allergenic potential compared to whole eggs.