Specific carbohydrate diet

Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a diet that was developed by Dr. Sidney Valentine Haas, an American pediatrician, and popularized by Elaine Gottschall. The diet is intended to provide relief from inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, celiac disease, and autism.

History

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet was developed by Dr. Sidney Valentine Haas in the early 20th century. He discovered that certain carbohydrates were not well absorbed by individuals with celiac disease and other digestive disorders, leading to an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. This overgrowth, in turn, caused inflammation and further damage to the intestinal lining.

Principles

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is based on the principle that specifically selected carbohydrates, requiring minimal digestion, are well absorbed and leave virtually nothing for intestinal bacteria to feed on. As a result, the overgrowth of bacteria, and subsequent inflammation, is reduced.

The diet allows for the consumption of monosaccharides, which are simple sugars found in fruits, honey, and some vegetables. Disaccharides (sugar, lactose, maltose) and polysaccharides (starches, grains, potatoes) are not allowed as they require more complex digestion and are not as easily absorbed, leading to bacterial overgrowth.

Effectiveness

While some individuals have reported relief from symptoms of various digestive disorders while following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects and benefits of the diet.

See also

• Gut flora
• Human gastrointestinal tract
• Low FODMAP diet