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.
