The specific carbohydrate diet, or SCD, was originally developed and presented by biochemist Elaine Gottschall in her 1994 book "Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet," according to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. The diet is purported to resolve inflammatory bowel disease symptoms by decreasing or eliminating the carbohydrates that provide energy to certain intestinal microorganisms. The SCD also may be beneficial for people with autism spectrum disorder, says the organization Secrenase. The CCFA cautions that theree is little scientific evidence as to whether the diet is effective, and that it is also difficult to follow.
Meat
The SCD allows all unprocessed meats, poultry and seafood, according to Secrenase. Canned fish is acceptable, but it should not contain broth. The Breaking the Vicious Cycle website notes that you may eat smoked bacon, fried very crisply, once per week. Sugar-free bacon can be eaten more often.
Eggs and Dairy
Eggs, butter, and some types of cheese are acceptable on the SCD, according to Secrenase, including cheddar, Colby, Havarti, Swiss and dry curd cottage cheese. Homemade yogurt is a good dairy choice, but avoid commercial yogurt, even if it is labeled as a natural product.
Vegetables
Most vegetables can be eaten on the SCD, according to Secrenase. They can be fresh or frozen, but not canned. You may eat them raw or cooked. Good ones to include are artichokes, asparagus, beets, carrots, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peppers, squash, turnips and zucchini.
Breaking the Vicious Cycle recommends not eating any foods from the cabbage family until you are feeling much better. Besides cabbage, these vegetables include bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale.
Legumes
Some legumes are allowed on the SCD, but not canned items. You may eat navy beans, lentils, lima beans, peas and split peas. Peanuts and cashews are classified as legumes, and Breaking the Vicious Cycle says you may try eating peanuts in the shell and unroasted cashews after six months on the diet, but only if diarrhea has resolved.
Nuts
On the SCD, you may consume almonds, almond butter, almond milk, brazil nuts, chestnuts, filberts, pecans and walnuts. Breaking the Vicious Cycle recommends waiting six months before adding them to the diet except as nut flour in recipes. Commercial mixed nut products are prohibited because most are roasted with a starch coating.
Fruit
Fruit is part of the SCD, but it must be ripe, according to Secrenase. You may eat apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, berries, cherries, citrus fruits, coconut, dates, grapes, olives, peaches, pears, tomatoes and tropical fruits. Canned fruit in its own juice is OK too.
Oils and Sweeteners
Although you should not eat corn or soybeans on this diet, cooking with corn oil and soybean oil is acceptable, according to Secrenase. You also may cook with coconut oil. Use olive oil for dishes that do not require cooking. Honey is the only sweetener allowed on the SCD.
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