The Specific Carbohydrate Diet, or SCD, is a diet regime that excludes consumption of grains, lactose, and sucrose. It is believed to be useful for those who have irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, crohn's disease, chronic diarrhea and ulcerative colitis. This diet is based on the belief that bacterial overgrowth and damaged intestinal walls lead to poor body health and immunity in people with digestive disorders. The diet aims to limit the kind of carbohydrates that allow these bacteria to grow, and as a result, you can restore balance in your body. If you have any digestive problems or diseases, you may choose to follow this diet. However, you should consult your doctor first because this diet can be restrictive.
Malabsorption Of Nutrients
This diet, created by Dr. Sydney Valentine Haas, is based on the concept that bacteria in your intestines need carbohydrates to survive. Therefore, if you limit the kinds of carbohydrates you eat, then you can starve the bacteria and rid them from your body. If the carbohydrates you eat are not properly digested, then they are not absorbed and remain in your intestinal tract. This can lead to production of toxins and acids that damage the small intestine. This diet is intended to correct your malabsorption problems and allow nutrients to properly be absorbed and delivered to the cells of your body. This enables you to gain the essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in the food you eat in order for your body to function efficiently and with energy.
Foods Not Allowed
This diet can be very restrictive and eliminates many foods. You are not allowed to eat any form of sugar, including sucrose, fructose, or molasses, when on this diet. You are also not allowed to consume canned vegetables. All grains are to be eliminated, including corn, wheat, oats, rye, rice, buckwheat, soy, and spelt. Also not allowed is a variety of legumes like chick peas, soybeans, mung beans, fava beans, garbanzo beans, and bean sprouts. Dairy foods are also to be avoided. Other disallowed foods include canned meats, breads, pastas, canola oil, ice cream, chocolate, carob, whey powder, margarine, stevia, baking powder, and balsamic vinegar.
Foods Allowed
The SCD diet allows sugar only in the form of honey and cautions that some people may not be able to tolerate it. Vegetables that are fresh, frozen, raw or cooked are allowed on this diet. If you have symptoms of diarrhea, you may need to avoid raw vegetables, which are harder to digest than cooked ones. Legumes that are allowed include dried navy beans, split peas, peas, lentils, peanuts in shell, natural peanut butter, string beans, and lima beans. All unprocessed meats are allowed. A few dairy products are allowed while on this diet, including all natural cheese products. You can choose cheddar, colby, swiss, dry cottage cheese, havarti, and others. In addition, while on this diet, there is a recommended recipe for homemade yogurt that is fermented for at least 24 hours before consumption. Fruits are allowed, as are almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans and other nuts while on this diet. For cooking and flavor enhancers, this diet does allow the use of miscellaneous items including, coconut oil, olive oil, weak tea and coffee, mustard, vinegar, and juices that contain no additives.
SCD And Autism
According to the Autism Canada Foundation, the SCD regime is a possible treatment for autism. Autism is a condition that occurs in children and affects their brain development. The result includes difficulties with communication, difficulty in social interactions, and the development of repetitive behaviors and gestures. The belief is that bacteria and fungi in the GI tract of children can lead to neurological and gastrointestinal problems. If your child has autism, for instance, you may want to consult your doctor about whether this diet could be helpful for you.
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