The G.A.R.D. originally stood for the “glutamate-aspartate restricted diet” after its limitation of these two non-essential, neurostimulating amino acids that are also the parent compounds of MSG and aspartame (NutraSweet) respectively. They are now termed “excitotoxins” and known triggers of seizures and inciters of some neurodegenerative diseases. However, the G.A.R.D. also stands for the “gut absorption recovery diet” due to its removal of the “big 4” foods (gluten, dairy, soy and corn), which are all capable of inducing the damage to the intestinal villi that characterizes celiac disease and the related food intolerances.

So in the case epilepsy and other conditions for which the G.A.R.D. should be applied (chronic gastrointestinal disorders, pain syndromes, ADHD, insomnia, and neurodegenerative disorders such as MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and others), the diet is not only a quick Band Aid for the symptoms but also a major part of the long-term solution for these conditions,  (Read More)