Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride is the creator of the GAPS method which repairs the small intestine wall by transforming digestion and overall health. This method is explained in her book “Gut and Psychology Syndrome”.

Her second book “Put Your Heart in Your Mouth” relating to heart health, makes these points:

“The Diet-Heart Hypothesis” is wrong. This hypothesis is the theory that saturated fat and cholesterol cause heart disease. This theory has been disproven by numerous studies, but it is still widely believed by the public. Dr. Campbell-McBride argues that the Diet-Heart Hypothesis is a myth, and that saturated fat and cholesterol are not the cause of heart disease.

Cholesterol is not the enemy. Cholesterol is an essential nutrient that is needed for the body to function properly. It is used to build cell membranes, hormones, and other important molecules. Dr. Campbell-McBride asserts that cholesterol in itself is not the enemy and is not the cause of heart disease. However, it can accumulate in the arterial wall due to inflammation resulting from intestinal permeability, which can narrow the arteries.

Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arterial wall. Atherosclerosis is a disease that causes the arteries to narrow and harden. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the arterial wall. Dr. Campbell-McBride argues that atherosclerosis is not caused by cholesterol, but by a variety of factors, including inflammation, oxidative stress and damage to the arterial wall.

Heart Disease can be Prevented & Reversed. Dr. Campbell-McBride argues that heart disease is not a death sentence. She believes that it can be prevented and reversed with a healthy diet and lifestyle. She recommends a diet that is low in processed foods and high in broth (with collagen and gelatine), whole foods, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. She also recommends regular exercise and stress management.

Here are some additional points that support her approach to heart health:

• A number of studies have shown that saturated fat does not cause heart disease. In fact, some studies have shown that saturated fat may even be beneficial for heart health – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6024687

• Cholesterol levels are not a good predictor of heart disease risk. In fact, many people with high cholesterol levels do not develop heart disease, while many people with low cholesterol do develop heart disease.

• Inflammation is a major cause of heart disease. In fact, many experts believe that inflammation in the arteries plays a significant role in the development and progression of heart disease, and specifically atherosclerosis – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31441689/

• Oxidative stress is a major contributor to heart disease. Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells.

• Damage to the arterial wall is a major cause of heart disease. The arterial wall can be damaged by a variety of factors, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and high blood pressure.

• It has been estimated that 30% of heart issues are based on a genetic condition. However, even for those people, a healthy diet and lifestyle will reduce their vulnerability. For vegetarians, a healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as healthy fats, such as coconut oil, ghee and olive oil. Meat eaters will also need to incorporate these items into their diet.

  A healthy lifestyle also needs to include regular exercise and stress management.

It has been estimated that 30% of heart issues are based on a genetic condition. However, even for those people, a healthy diet and lifestyle will reduce their vulnerability. For vegetarians, a healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as healthy fats, such as coconut oil, ghee and olive oil. Meat eaters will also need to incorporate these items into their diet.

A healthy lifestyle also needs to include regular exercise and stress management.

Carbohydrates

The GAPS diet emphasises the critical link between gut health and overall well-being. Here’s how it explains the need for carbohydrate reduction:

Gut Microbiome Imbalance. The GAPS theory posits that many health problems stem from an imbalanced gut microbiome, where harmful bacteria and fungi are at unhealthily high levels. These unhealthy microorganisms thrive on certain carbohydrates, particularly refined sugars and starches.

Carbohydrates as Fuel for Pathogens. The GAPS diet aims to starve these pathogens by significantly reducing their primary fuel source – carbohydrates. By limiting carbohydrates, especially those that are easily fermentable, the diet aims to create an environment favouring the growth of beneficial bacteria. Excessive carbohydrate consumption, especially refined sugars and grains, contributes to systemic inflammation. By reducing these carbohydrates, the GAPS method seeks to reduce inflammation and promote gut healing.

Restoring Gut Lining. By removing the foods that feed the bad bacteria, and increasing foods that nourish the gut lining, like broths, the GAPS diet works to restore the gut lining. In essence, the GAPS method views excessive carbohydrate consumption as a major contributor to gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability. Therefore, carbohydrate reduction is a central strategy for restoring gut health and addressing related health problems.