GAPS

We have been very busy since coming home this summer. The main reason being we started GAPs with the kids. It stands for Gut and Psychology syndrome and is an old theory revived and reviewed by Dr. Natasha Cambell McBride in the UK. In short it talks about the connection between an unhealthy gut and different psycholgoical syndromes. However in this book she also addresses how to heal the digestive tract of people with non-ige food allergies, or sensitivities as she refers to them. An imbalance of gut flora can cause allergies which can then cause psychological and neurological problems. Hence the term gut and psychology.

We started very slowly in august on the GAPs intro and will continue to move forward slowly. We started by introducing chicken broth, then lamb broth, beef broth and now goat broth and lamb meat. We are ecstatic to have 2 foods for Hayls and Heath (he passed carrots over summer). Our goal for the year was one more food for Hayls and we have reached it (hopefully we exceed it). Not to mention the 4 broths they are both having. We will move forward with rabbit, pork and duck. Once we can find good sources (ensuring the meats are grain free) we will add more varity of meats.

It is so exciting to be able to FEED the kids. We have hope again!

Put it in a box

Sometimes I literally have to put my PI/FPIES/EGID/food allergies (what ever label you want to use for it) thoughts in a mental box and hide them in a closet.

Food is everywhere. Food is part of everything we as humans do and for most cultures food is what brings people together. Holidays are centered around meals together. Sharing of food takes place at family events. Even sport events have food involved. It seems that we just cannot escape from food!

Having a child with food allergies is difficult but most times things can be substituted and the child can still eat. Having a child who currently cannot eat anything but carrots is beyond difficult. Parents tell me all the time "you are lucky you don't have to worry about cooking for your kids". Cooking for my kids is something I would love to do and hearing that so many times makes my heart break. I don't think anyone could understand what it feels like to have to deprive your child of food unless you actually have to do it. They would never say something like that if they understood really what it was like. I do have to spend time in the kitchen freezing pureed carrots, making baked carrot chips, boiling carrots and trying to think of a million other ways to feed my child the one food she can eat.

So at some point the stress of parties, playdates and all the other things that should be fun for a toddler and parent get to you. How many times do you have to see your child look with longing at the other kids eating, having to wipe toys and make sure no food touches your child before you want to scream, cry or just give up?

Many times I just want to not go to these social events, but then what am I teaching my kids? I need to be strong for them. I need them to understand that they can still enjoy life without food even though society says differently. I need them to know they can be anyone and do anything no matter what life throws at them. I need to be their MOTHER and show them the way when they feel to give up.

So sometimes at night when my brain can't turn off, when I am consumed by the battles my children face daily. I remind myself to open that box put all the PI/EGID thoughts in it and tuck it away until I am strong enough to face them again.