The Specific Carbohydrate Diet, or SCD, is a strict diet designed for people with gastrointestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Because of limited research on the diet, side effects are not well known. Although SCD is supposed to help cure heartburn and acid reflux, it could also cause these symptoms in some people. Consult your physician if you're suffering from chronic heartburn and belching.
Identification
Drs. Sydney Valentine Haas and Merrill Haas developed the precursor of the diet in 1951, in a book called “The Management of Celiac Disease." Doctors now recommend the SCD for various conditions, usually ones that affect digestion, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic diarrhea, ulcerative colitis and candidiasis. The SCD fights off an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast bacteria. By eating very little or no carbohydrates, bacteria and yeast are unable to survive.
Harmful Effects
The SCD hasn't been well researched, so its side effects aren't yet known. The SCD does change the intestinal flora, according to Arthur D. Heller, M.D., a New York City gastroenterologist. The diet limits food that contains short-chain fatty acids, a fuel source for colon cells. Without this food source, colon cells don't function well, which could actually make some conditions worse. This could contribute to heartburn and belching in some people.
Heartburn
Heartburn, or acid reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus. With heartburn, some people swallow repeatedly to clear the stomach acid. This can lead to swallowing more air, which causes belching. Certain foods trigger heartburn in some people, but most of these foods aren't recommended when on the SCD. Causes of belching include eating too quickly, drinking carbonated beverages, smoking, chewing gum and eating hard candy.
Recommendations
If you're on the SCD and notice any side effects, talk to your doctor. These side effects might disappear after your body has adjusted to the new diet. In some cases, taking over-the-counter heartburn remedies can help reduce your symptoms. Try to eat and drink more slowly on the diet. Also, avoid the use of straws since they can cause you to swallow more air and increase the amount of air in your stomach.
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