Specific Carbohydrate Diet

The basic SCD principle is restoration of intestinal health through diet. The foods that are allowed on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet are based on the molecular structure of these foods and mimics the diet of early man, utilizing natural, whole, unprocessed and fermented foods. The diet includes meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, nuts, low-sugar fruits, and particular fermented dairy products.

This diet can be extremely beneficial in treating Autism, ADD, IBS, Chrons and other neurological and digestive disorders.

Complex carbohydrates (disaccharides, polysaccharides) that are not easily digested feed harmful bacteria in our intestines causing them to overgrow and create “gut dysbiosis” and permeability (“leaky gut”) whereas simple carbohydrates (monosaccharides) are easily broken down and absorbed.

The diet works by starving out these bad bacteria and restoring the balance of good bacteria in our gut. When carbohydrates are not fully digested and absorbed, they remain in our gut and become nutrition for the microbes we host. The microbes themselves must digest these unused carbohydrates, and they do this through the process of fermentation. The waste products of these pathogens all serve to irritate and damage the gut. There is evidence that increased acidity in the gut due to malabsorption and fermentation of carbohydrates, may lead common harmless intestinal bacteria to mutate into more harmful ones. Lactic acid produced during the fermentation process has been implicated in the abnormal brain function and behaviour.

Allowed SCD sugars include; honey and some fruits and vegetables. Some starches are tolerated (dried beans, lentils and split peas only) and they must be soaked for 10-12 hours prior to cooking. Small amounts of legumes may only be added to the diet after about three months

The starches in all grains, corn, and potatoes must be strictly avoided. Corn syrup is also excluded since it contains a mixture of 'short-chain' starches.

The SCD relies on properly fermented yoghurt, and in some cases, acidophilus supplements to help repopulate the gut with healthy intestinal flora. All SCD yoghurt is homemade, as commercially available yoghurts are not properly fermented. Cheeses are introduced only after gut healing has occurred.

The SCD permits lactose-free dairy products. Lactose is a milk sugar and is a double molecule. Well-Fermented milk products such as yoghurts and natural cheeses are lactose free as processes of fermentation the sugar is consumed by the bacteria.

It is best to consult with a practitioner regarding permissibility of any dairy because casein (which does occur in fermented dairy) might be an issue.

SCD Legal Foods

limitations apply