What is SCD?

SCD is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. This is a nutritionally balanced diet focused on removing grains, most dairy products and sugars.

The diet was created specifically to help people address certain medical conditions. It has since become an important part of nutritional therapy. 

At its core the diet recognises that certain types of carbohydrate need minimal digestive processes. This is because they are readily absorbed and will not cause any microbial overgrowth in the intestine. Generally the simpler the structure of the carbohydrate, the more easily the body digests and absorbs it. But not everyone can fully digest all types of carbohydrates. And complex carbohydrates are especially difficult. 

When we have undigested carbohydrates in our gut, we over-feed bad bacteria and yeast in our intestinal tract. This triggers a nasty cycle of excess toxins, acids, and gasses in our guts, causing irritation and potentially inflammatory bowel disease.

So having been originally developed as a dietary intervention to counter Celiac Disease, the SCD has also been effective in healing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The diet is mainly used for treating Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, diverticulitis, cystic fibrosis and chronic diarrhoea. Also some specialists use it for treating SIBO.

At IBS Clinics we operate a phased programme for the SCD. The introductory phase features easy to digest, natural foods. This allows for tailoring of the diet to each patient’s individual conditions. With a phased approach we effectively lower the bar on commitment, with the result that our SCD success rates are consistently high.
Let's discuss whether this diet could be helpful for you.

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How does the SCD work?

The SCD can be a short-term diet where people use it for a few weeks or months at most. But SIBO patients and people suffering from IBD will conform with the SCD for much longer periods.

A key objective is the removal of specific carbohydrates (polysaccharides, some oligosaccharides, disaccharides and polyols).  These complex carbohydrates can be poorly absorbed and then ferment in the colon. This produces acid and inflammatory by-products. As this worsens diarrhoea and bacterial overgrowth result.

The diet uses a  “legal/illegal” list of foods and demands very strict adherence to the regimen. Partly for that reason a phased approach is recommended, starting with an introduction diet and then expanding the diet from there. 

By giving your gut a break from complex carbohydrates, gut flora begin to stabilise and the body begins to heal. It’s not an instant fix. But with time and application, not only is it effective , it’s also 100% natural.

The SCD has been adapted by professionals over the years. More modifications are made based upon how different people respond to different food types. 

Can you commit to an SCD?

As you can see from this legal/illegal list of foods, many food types are illegal. That said the SCD broadly corresponds with healthy eating. But for the SCD to be effective it requires commitment. Nutrition professionals like IBS Clinics have developed more comprehensive strategies to help you implement the SCD. But it takes real commitment from you if the specific carbohydrate diet is what you want to take on.

With nutritional deficiencies in people with IBD, particular attention is needed to nutritionally balanced, accessible meals. 

At IBS Clinics we operate a phased programme for the SCD. The introductory phase features easy to digest, natural foods. Once this starts the healing process the diet can gradually take more complex food. This allows for tailoring of the diet to each patient’s individual conditions.

With a phased approach we effectively lower the bar on commitment, with the result that our SCD success rates  are consistently high. 

Call us to discuss whether this diet could be helpful for you. Or If you would like to review other nutritionally beneficial diets go here.


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