Normally, I wouldn’t have imagined that soup could have such a profound impact on the body in such a short time. Since my son started the GAPS Nutritional Protocol, the amount of laughter and smiles has been steadily increasing, and the positive changes are unmistakable.

Around 95% of serotonin is produced in the gut lining. Using food as the building blocks to begin restoring this area of the body will increase it’s production. Serotonin plays a crucial role in many bodily functions, including regulating bowel movements. Constipation has been a persistent issue for my son throughout his early years, so I’m looking forward to the day when his bowel functions normally without any problems.

Mental health will also be improving. Depression and other mental health conditions are often prevalent in those with autism, and the gut-brain connection is significantly influenced by the serotonin released in the gut through the central nervous system. The quality and type of food consumed play an essential role in stimulating the gut’s enteric nervous system, often referred to as the ‘second brain’, to release serotonin and communicate with the ‘first brain’.

Every time my son laughs and smiles, I’m encouraged to keep going. It’s the visible signs of the GAPS Nutritional Protocol beginning to restore the gut lining.