The SCD, or specific carbohydrate diet, was studied and developed by Elaine Gottschall to help cure her daughter of ulcerative colitis. According to Gottschall, her approach can help people with all types of inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, diverticulitis and chronic diarrhea, as well as irritable bowel syndrome and even neurological conditions, such as autism and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The SCD diet is a high-fat diet that only allows specific types of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates found in coconut milk can only be introduced in the SCD diet after the gut has started to heal.
SCD Diet
Most carbohydrate-rich foods are eliminated on the SCD diet to break the vicious cycle, as Gottschall calls it, that feeds unfriendly bacteria living in the gut of many people, especially those dealing with digestive and some neurological disorders. Carbohydrates in the form of starches from starchy vegetables, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and corn, as well as in grains, such as pasta, rice and bread, are eliminated on the SCD diet. Gottschall also excludes all sugars, with the exception of honey and limited amounts of some fruits.
Coconut Milk
Although coconut milk is relatively low in carbohydrates, it does contain small amounts of sugars and fiber that may not be well tolerated during the first phase of the SCD diet. Gottschall recommends avoiding coconut milk during the first six months of the diet and to introduce it only once the gut has healed and partly recovered. Like all foods that are considered "legal" and that can be introduced on the SCD diet, individual tolerance can vary. After six months of following the SCD diet, you can try introducing small amounts of coconut milk to assess your tolerance. If you don't tolerate it well, wait a few more months before reintroducing it again to your diet.
Homemade Coconut Milk
Most canned coconut milk contains additives, such as guar gum, which are considered "illegal," or not appropriate for the SCD diet. It is best to make your own coconut milk using unsweetened desiccated coconut. Put equal amounts of dried unsweetened coconut and boiling water in a blender and mix until you get a milk-like consistency. Strain through a cheesecloth and squeeze to extract all the coconut milk. Discard the coconut solids and keep your coconut milk in the refrigerator.
Using Coconut Milk
Once you can tolerate coconut milk while on the SCD diet, you can use it in many ways. You can add it to soups or prepare curries with meats or poultry and tolerated vegetables and spices. You can also use coconut milk to prepare smoothies with small amounts of honey and tolerated fruits. Coconut milk can also be fermented to make a dairy-free source of probiotics, the gut-friendly bacteria that will help you re-establish a healthy gut flora.
Member Comments