The specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) eliminates foods high in complex carbohydrates, such as grains, starchy vegetables and non-fermented dairy products, to correct an imbalance of digestive bacteria. Popularized by biochemist Elaine Gottschall, M.S., in the 1990s, the diet has earned a strong following among people who suffer from ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease or other forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Suppliers of specialized SCD products provide books, supplements and other items that may make it easier to integrate this eating plan into your daily routines. Although clinical research does not support the SCD as an effective method for treating IBD, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) states that the diet is probably safe and may relieve symptoms for some individuals.
SCD Cookbooks
Adhering to the guidelines and restrictions of the SCD may be one of your biggest hurdles to following this eating plan successfully, the CCFA notes. According to Gottschall, the SCD's focus on the simple carbohydrates in foods, such as honey, yogurt, legumes, fruits and many vegetables, discourages the growth of bacteria that damage the intestinal lining and causes intestinal bleeding, inflammation, abdominal pain and diarrhea in people with IBD. Cookbooks written by authors who are familiar with the diet's comprehensive list of "legal" and "illegal" foods may give you ideas for cooking healthy, appetizing meals within the SCD's guidelines. Numerous recipe collections are available. Some even include lists of food recommendations and restrictions that may help you control your IBD symptoms.
Yogurt Starter and Yogurt Maker
Homemade yogurt is a staple of the SCD and is one of its primary tools in correcting the bacterial imbalance that causes bowel inflammation. According to Gottschall, yogurt should be fermented for 24 hours to allow the double sugars in lactose to be broken down into digestible simple sugars. Commercially prepared yogurts, milk and fresh cheeses are excluded from the SCD. Although commercial yogurts may include probiotic bacteria -- beneficial microbes that support healthy digestion -- they also contain complex sugars that may promote bacterial overgrowth in people with IBD, Gottschall notes. Freeze-dried yogurt cultures and electric yogurt makers allow you to prepare your own yogurt, according to the SCD guidelines.
Almond Flour
Because the SCD eliminates all grain products from your diet to prevent bacterial overgrowth, almond flour is a mainstay of this eating plan. With nut flour, you can prepare breads, muffins, cakes or other baked recipes without the digestive side effects of eating grain-based foods that are high in complex carbohydrates. If you have diarrhea or other acute IBD symptoms, the SCD allows you to have foods made with almond flour -- but not whole nuts -- until diarrhea subsides.
Dietary Supplements
Commercial vitamin and mineral supplements may contain added gluten, starches, sugars, preservatives or dyes. Suppliers of SCD products offer supplements that are free of additives. Crohn's disease, celiac disease and other conditions that damage the lining of the small intestine may cause malabsorption of essential nutrients. Vitamins and minerals depleted due to food intolerance, absorption difficulties or intestinal bleeding in IBD may include calcium, vitamins A and D, B-complex vitamins and iron.
Acidophilus Capsules
Gottschall recommends the use of acidophilus capsules to augment the benefits of the probiotic bacteria in yogurt. Probiotic supplements that are free of dyes, sugars or other additives are available through SCD product suppliers. Lactobacillus acidophilus, a bacterium that supports the activities of the beneficial microbes that occur naturally in your gut, may relieve IBD symptoms by promoting healthy digestion and reducing gas or diarrhea, the CCFA notes.
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