Dairy Introduction

What is the Dairy Introduction Structure?

This is a systematic way to introduce dairy products into the diet. It was also previously called the Dairy Introduction Protocol in the yellow GAPS book. Dr. Natasha recommends the DIS for two different scenarios:

1) Those who have shown an allergy to dairy products on the sensitivity test and were not able to introduce dairy products during the GAPS Intro Diet.

2) Those who have chosen not to follow the GAPS Intro Diet, but instead to heal with the Full GAPS Diet (this does not necessarily include people who are moving through Full GAPS temporarily, on their way to Intro Diet). As Dr. Natasha writes: "The Introduction Diet allows the gut to heal and recover more quickly. This is why wer are able to introduced fermented dairy products from the beginning part of the Introduction diet. Some people, particularly those without severe digestive problems, decide to implement the Full GAPS Diet straight away. In this case it is advisable to follow this Dairy Introduction Schedule."

What does the DIS do?

This protocol allows the reintroduction of dairy products when there has previously been a reaction to these foods. It follows many of the same principles as the Introduction Diet, because you start with the most simple dairy product, and gradually increase in complexity as your intestines heals and you are better able to digest them.

Why all the focus on dairy?

Dairy is a common intolerance or allergy. There are several reasons for that, but there are two main reasons. The first is that GAPS people have poor enzyme activity and a deficiency of good gut flora that could help digest the lactose properly. The second is a leaky gut wall that allows undigested milk proteins to enter the bloodstream, thus triggering inflammatory, or even allergic, reactions. As you heal on GAPS, both of these problems should be corrected, and many people who were intolerant of dairy will find that they are now able to tolerate dairy without problems!

How does it work?

The DIS starts with the most simple dairy product—ghee (or clarified butter). This is pure milk fat, and because it contains no proteins, most people (even those who react to other dairy products) don't react to it. After this butter is added, which has a small amount of milk protein, and you gradually work up in complexity from there. All dairy on the GAPS Diet is cultured (or partially broken down by microbes) before it is consumed. Below we list the basic structure, but you can find out more about it in Dr. Natasha's yellow GAPS book, pg. 124-125, or pages 179-185 in the blue GAPS book.

What kind of milk to use?

You can use the milk from any animal. When you start adding milk protein-containing products, you should use raw or unpasteurized milk if at all possible. It is essential that you use only organic milk.