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Specific Carbohydrate Diet Support

Location
London,
Hello everyone!

I think it is quite easy to lose weight with this diet if you want to (no sweets, chocolate, bread, pastries, biscuits, cakes, sugar ). I did lose some weight again, but not much. With our disease you do lost wait when you have D all the time, or inflammation is high, so the people who has lost weight for these reasons I think will gain the weight back. I do not worry about the weight at the moment, it is still normal 63kg with the height of 164sm, I just feel weaker. But is probably something to do with my very low blood pressure (80/60; 75/45). But I am so happy that my inflammation markers are absolutely normal! Although I do have again sometimes D and cannot understand the reason...
I am going to see the gastro doctor in the beginning of May and very curious how he will react on my news about the blood tests and the diet. Will he decline it at all? Or will his scientific curiosity will be intrigued?
 
Hang in there!

Spooky, I noticed you have fructose intolerance, which I have as well. I am not on any meds, as I was allergic to Pentasa (and anything else with sulphonamides). I am doing pretty well with the low-FODMAPS diet for the fructose situation (and related SIBO) as well as incorporating/personalizing the SCD diet and making the SCD yogurt (too much sugar in any store brand yogurt) and SCD broth every two weeks. You may want to check out LFM's in the Wiki section of this forum and consider that, as it is similar to SCD, but better for those with the fructose issue. Even if any of you doesn't subscribe wholeheartedly to a particular diet, I think it's healthy for anyone to watch out for refined sugars, starchy carbs such as grains/beans/veggies (cook all other veggies), and beware of dairy and how each/any of these groups affects you. Also, look out for chemical additives/colors, fake fibers, etc. and just stick to whole foods where you understand the natural ingredients involved. Tots, This certainly can seem so overwhelming at first, but it isn't if you just start out with some sensible, healthy guidelines and then, perhaps, someday you might be excited to start a food plan that has been a major help to many, i.e. SCD and low-FODMAPS, which are well-researched and supported by upstanding teaching hospitals. You'll have so much support here if you do! But, if you don't, just hang in there and try to apply some of the good advice it extols about reading labels and being careful about certain, likely irritating, food groups. As with anything, if it's difficult to get on board, just ease yourself a little at a time and see how it goes! It can test your patience and sense of humor at times, but keep it light. It can feel really positive and wonderful physically, as well as great to know that you have some say in the direction of your health. Sincere best wishes and good luck!
 

David

Co-Founder
Location
Naples, Florida
David- Are you still on this diet? If so how have you been feeling? Do you feel it is working for you?
I have decided to go off it as I don't notice any real difference after the initial first two weeks of improvement. :( However, my experiences shouldn't sway anyone as I have Lymphocytic Colitis which, while a form of IBD, is different from UC and CD.
 
I have decided to go off it as I don't notice any real difference after the initial first two weeks of improvement. :( However, my experiences shouldn't sway anyone as I have Lymphocytic Colitis which, while a form of IBD, is different from UC and CD.
Thank you for your honesty :) I am not sure this diet would be for me either as it kind of seems opposite of what I tolerate. From food journaling etc. I have noticed that carbs are the one thing that rarely make me sick, where as most veggies (cooked or not) do me in everytime. Plus, as weird as it seems chicken is the worst food for my gut. It's great that this diet has worked for so many, but I'm just not sure it would be the right fit for me given my triggers and already extremely limited diet. It has been interesting to read everyone elses experiences though, and I wish everyone the best of luck!
 
David, how long did you try the SCD for?

I'm at the beginning of my third week on (aiming for a one month trial). I improved initially in the first week, then hit 20 mg on my prednisone taper and started to have some Crohn's symptoms come back. I was hoping it would smooth my transition off steroids, but that doesn't seem to be the case. :( Wondering if maybe I should go back to the intro diet for a few days? Has anyone else tried this? Or maybe it's just not for me, right now.
 

David

Co-Founder
Location
Naples, Florida
Almost two months. Potentially not long enough for true results to emerge, I admit. I also admit great frustration that my form of IBD is "rare" enough that I don't know if I'm wasting my time or not which was the out my mind needed to get me to give up. Plowing the road is hard. I have the utmost respect for those with CD and UC who plowed the SCD road initially. I also have the utmost respect for those of you who stick to this kind of stuff long term.

Point being, no study should use my data :) Or maybe that should be a :(
 
Desiree, I lost 40 pounds in 10 months when I was on SCD. My weight loss stopped when I began to eat a lot of almond flour sweets. Since going off it over the holidays I've gained back 15 (and not feeling good either).

To those of you interested, nutsonline sells affordable and legal nut flours.
 
Hello all- I've read this entire thread with great interest and I'd like some feedback from those of you that have had success with the SCD diet. I started the diet about a week ago. I stayed on the intro diet for 6 days and then today, I started adding some other foods. I have not noticed an improvement with the diarrhea. I had one day this week in which the diarrhea was actually increased significantly from my baseline-- the other days I have maintained my baseline from prior to the diet. I have noticed a difference with other symptoms as I've had no gas, no bloating, and no migraines/headaches. For those of you on the SCD diet, how long did it take for the diarrhea to resolve? I was just recently diagnosed with CD and I've only had the diarrhea for about 8 weeks (other GI symptoms- gas, bloating for a few years), so I had expected it to resolve very quickly on the diet. All the success stories I read seem to be people who have struggled with CD or UC for years and then resolve the diarrhea within a few days. I'm feeling a little discouraged...
 
I bought the book Breaking the Viscious Cycle and it's on it's way to me by mail now. I am really keen to try following the diet in this book to help me control my crohns disease. It seems quite a few people have had success with it!
Here goes...
 
Hi Katybuckeye, Welcome aboard!! There is no one answer to when/if the SCD will make a difference for you, but I want to encourage you to hang in there for a few months if you can. You will need time for your system to calm down and you won't know for a while exactly what your personal triggers are. Keep in mind, if you are female (pardon the assumption Katy?), your hormones play a role (check out the women's forum on this), and if you know if you are fructose intolerant or not, that plays a role outside of the SCD, as SCD does not account for that (see SIBO-hydrogen breath testing, fructose intolerance & low FODMAPS plan in Wiki section and my older posts). SIBO is fairly common with IBS (common precursor to CD) & Chrohnies and your D will continue on the SCD if you have it or fructose intolerance. There's an easy, noninvasive test for fructose intolerance. You may want to mention it to your GI specialist. All I can tell you from my personal experience of going on the SCD and then to low-FODMAPS has been nothing but positive. I wish you the best. You have a great attitude. You are optimistic or you would not be willing to try this, :) and you are empowering yourself to put yourself in the best health. Remember that even if you don't see miraculous things happen with the SCD or any particular foodplan, it's a great step in overall wellness and strengthening your immune system in the fashion of "first do no harm," by removing many potential common irritants. It's a journey. My husband used to run track in high school and he is always telling me, "It's not a sprint. It's a marathon." That helps me whenever I feel frustrated or impatient with anything! However you decide to manage your health, know that you are not alone. Take care.
 
A shout out to Lisaa! I'm a born and raised Jersey tomato as well, so wanted to say "hi" and welcome. And a resounding YES to the fact than many docs aren't on board with nutrition, unless they have a personal interest. I've spoken with MD and GI residents about this and they just get zero training in this area, so the best they can do is refer out to a licensed dietitian who specializes in IBD issues. I've had some better luck at my local teaching hospitals in regard to this. Perhaps the GI dept. at Princeton may be more on top of it? It doesn't help that IBD issues are only just becoming more studied and clarified...There's still a lot of mystery to it and it's so individualized. But I can tell you that before I was diagnosed, my regular MD kept telling me to eat a bland diet and toast, etc., and I found that plain breads made me feel awful! I was tested (negative) for Celiac 11 years ago, but have since have learned that I cannot tolerate fructans and am non-celiac gluten intolerant (see low-FODMAPS). One thing I do want to stress with the FODMAP plan is that it has an elimination phase, just like SCD, and then a challenge phase. So, one has the opportunity to find out what specific foods/food groups are irritating. It's a great structured way to find out what bothers you and be potentially able to expand your diet over a period of time. It is very similar to the SCD but accounts for specific sugar/carb intolerances in a very methodical way. There are dieticians who specialize in this around the country and it is very well-researched at top hospitals internationally. Ultimately, it is all you, your research, support here, and your dietician if you go that route. Consider looking around for a GI specialist that is "into" nutrition. They are out there, just tend to be in the minority, unfortunately. But hang in there! You're heading in the right direction. :)
 
Thank you for the information on SIBO and fructose intolerance. I'm am going to look into that further. I think it is still too early to tell with the SCD diet, but today is going very well, so far. I am convinced that diet factors are strongly tied into CD and I am also convinced that diet is going to help me :)
 
This thread has been started a long time ago but I'm seeing some replies still going on here...I'm hoping someone will be able to reply to my beginner questions as its my first few days on the diet (if Im even doing it correctly).

I've been diagnosed with SIBO twice, the first round of antibiotics didnt work after the course ended, and probiotics made me worse from the beginning. I now have some antibiotics perscribed, but I don't want to start using them until a few weeks on this diet...I want to see if I can feel a difference. I don't know if I'm imagining it or not since its only been 3 days, but from the first day I started I could feel that my bloating, constipation and general discomfort was much better. I even took only one pill for my IBS related symptoms rather than the 2 I take daily, and my digestion still seems better. Maybe its making a difference because I used to eat pasta everyday, or at the very least 4 times a week. Sometimes I had it for both lunch and dinner and was the only meal I'd eat all day. I guess that's making the difference, although I'm sure I'm not following the diet properly yet (eating raw vegetables and such).

I'm mostly wondering about the cheeses now. From what I understand there are allowed cheeses, such as cheddar cheese...But, they're supposed to be unprocessed? Is cheddar cheese from the deli considered unprocessed, or legal in this diet?
 
Hi SCD! So glad you are tying diet to manage your condition :) I started SCD just over 2 months ago and I felt the difference immediately as you seem to be. After 4 days of eating homemade chicken soup I was able to advance to the intro diet (was in a BAD flare), after 8 days I was on the full blown SCD diet and symptoms were almost completely gone! I have made a few mistakes and paid for them with symptoms, my most recent one vegetable oil. I consumed it on Monday and went back to the Intro diet to relieve my symptoms. Today is Sunday and I have a slight tender tummy but it's almost completely better.

As for cheeses from what I understand, they have to be aged cheeses like Parmesan, Cheddar, Colby, Grieyer (sp?), Swiss, Havarti, Feta, etc. Nothing like American or Velveeta. Cheese is actually my go-to snack when I don't have anything to munch on. I am actually coming up with a cracker recipe today for my SCD blog ;) Cheese makes great crackers even just by themselves.! Just sprinkle some shredded cheese in piles on some foil or parchment paper and bake them at like 400 for like 3-5 minutes but check constantly! Once they are all melted in little circles and just starting to brown on the egdes they are done. Cool them for a crunchy cracker ;) FYI cheddar tastes EXACTLY like a cheeezit! I hope this helps =D

Good luck to you! It's been a few days since your post, how are you doing now?
 
My Chinese Medicine herb clinic. I am trying to heal from my rectal removal surgeries and abscesses and they told me not to eat fish cuz it slows wound healing. Here is an article I ran across also. Sounds like it's up in the air.

I've been hesitant to even tell people that. I don't know enough about it myself to recommend it actually I'm just listening to my doc =P I'm not actually sure if it would even effect IBD in that way so probably best for me to rewind and pretend I ever posted that lol but the is some research I guess suggesting it slows healing. Here's one article....

http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/pufawounds.htm
 
Thinking about doing this but I'm not much of a cook!! Not much for veggies either other than green beans, sweet peas and corn ......I know I'm in trouble lol but do like a lot of fruits.

Please tell me what y'all eat? What do your meals and snacks consist of? Thanks
 
Location
London,
Hi! I am the diet from December 2011 and I am doing very well. My blood test is absolutely normal. I had MRI on 03.08 but will know results only on my next visit to doctor on 24.09.
I was a chocoholic. But not any more. I eat meat, fish, eggs, butter, salads, fruits, nuts and honey. I make yogurt from almond milk (what I make myself also), I bake bread from grounded nuts, I cook the “jam” from berries with honey. I do not like cooked vegetables so I eat only salad, tomatoes and cucumbers. I am not a fan of difficult cooking, I prefer the simple taste of meat and fish: roasted chicken or meat, pan fried fish. It might sound boring but comparing with the fact I do not use any medication and feel better I am sure this worth it. I have to admit that I do not think about the food as a treat anymore just food to eat. What maybe sad :)
I had cravings for bread for a long time but not anymore. I did not cheat on the diet even once for the last 9 month. I definitely feel better. I heard the noises all the time when food was passing through the intestine but not anymore. I had a painful spot I assume where small intestine connects the large and where i had the operation. The place was hard and painful but not anymore. I do still have diarrhoea time to time but to be honest could not understand what it causes.

So all the best. When you are ready. You have to be ready to refuse all the food you like and what it makes you feel good: chocolate, cakes, crisps, flakes, bread, pastries and ect. I did not want to use very strong medication so I have chosen the diet but it is up to you 
 

Spooky1

Well-known member
Location
South Northants
Tantija, I seriously cannot believe what you manage to digest!!! seriously, you make your diet look like a christmas binge for some of us, lol. But if its working for you then great. I swear i'm going to do the potatoes and salmon diet and let go of my liquid feed. I just don't get rid of the crohns and all its implications on other aspects of my health. I am a crohns wreck!
 
Location
London,
Hi, Spooky1!
But potatoes are full of starch waht is polysaccharide and it's dificult to digest.
Maybe my stage was not so bad comparing with some of you.
 
Location
London,
Hi, I have for snacks walnuts, dates, honey. If I do not feel well enought to eat nuts I just eat 2 spoons of honey to remove the feeling of hunger.
My name is Татьяна (Tatjana in Lithuanian spelling). I am Russian from Lithuania. And my nick name is a name of the Indian woman ringleader from 15th century.
 
Does anyone have any suggestions on a typical meal I could I have that I don't have to make before hand? For example, just getting home after a long busy day and just want to make a quick meal.

I understand that preparing meals day before is a good idea and I will do that but what food is the equivalent of popping something in the oven on this diet?
 
Does anyone have any suggestions on a typical meal I could I have that I don't have to make before hand? For example, just getting home after a long busy day and just want to make a quick meal.

I understand that preparing meals day before is a good idea and I will do that but what food is the equivalent of popping something in the oven on this diet?
I was trying to think of something that would constitute a meal, but to be honest, I can't really think of anything. Pretty much everything requires some sort of preparation. Even when you get to the stage where you can eat raw vegetables and salads, you still have to throw it together. Some things certainly take less time than others though. Eggs and ground meat/patties don't take that long to cook. The best way to go is to prepare food ahead of time on the weekend. I make large pots of chicken broth and bone broth and freeze it in smaller portions. I always keep some ground meat in the fridge, which only takes a few minutes to cook.

I'm also very busy during the work week. What I sometimes do is come home and have a snack to fulfill me until I can relax a bit and then cook a larger meal. Snacks are easier on this diet (depending on what stage you are in). I'm well past the intro, so I can eat almonds, banana/coconut "ice cream" (my new favorite- just freeze some sliced bananas, add a little legal coconut milk into the blender, and blend), a piece of fruit, sardines, homemade sauerkraut, etc. It gets easy once you get into a routine. I spend a good amount of time on the weekends prepping for the week. Good luck.
 
Does anyone have any suggestions on a typical meal I could I have that I don't have to make before hand?
Unfortunately real food is usually slow food.

Try a google search, there are a few ideas out there.
A slow cooker is handy, you put the meal on when you leave in the morning and it's waitng for you in the evening.
For me the best thing is making alot when i do cook and freezing in portions.
Mince or sausage meat is handy, or tinned fish

Meatza - mince spread out flat, cooked for 10 min
top with tomato paste, herbs, pinaple, olives and cheese and grill

Chicken scnitzel (paleo but not SCD) -
pound chicken thigh flat - easier if you leave it in a plastic bag,
add arrowroot, garam masal and salt to bag, shake in bag,
roast in coconut oil.
 
Location
London,
Does anyone have any suggestions on a typical meal I could I have that I don't have to make before hand? For example, just getting home after a long busy day and just want to make a quick meal.

I understand that preparing meals day before is a good idea and I will do that but what food is the equivalent of popping something in the oven on this diet?
Hi.

It is much easier for me as for the last 15 years I trained myself not to eat in the evening. It was difficult for me to digest food before going to bed, not enough time I guess, so I could end up with the pain and cramps in the middle of the night. All I eat in the evening are 2 slices of the nut bread with butter and cucumber on the top and tea with lemon and honey. I also could eat pear before that (love pears ). So my main meals are actually breakfast and lunch. For breakfast I have 2 scrambled eggs, 4 table spoons of nut yogurt with 2 spoons of my “jam” and teaspoon of honey, 2 slice of nut bread with butter and cucumber and tea with lemon and honey. I eat the same breakfast every morning for the last 9 month. Tried to cook pancakes with almond flour and ripe banana but it was so sweet and also takes more time for preparation. I used to cook oatmeal porridge every morning, really miss it.  Also do not feel well eating banana.
For lunch I usually take salad and leg of chicken roasted in the oven or veal shoulder also roasted in the oven (piece of 700gr gives me lunch for 3 days) or fish. Fish is very quick to cook, it takes just 15 minutes to pan fry fish.
I always eat fruits for snack in between breakfast and lunch and then I have snack at about 15:30 nuts with honey or dates and then evening “sandwich” at home. Yes, it’s sound boring but look what I gain! 
 
Location
London,
I'm also very busy during the work week. What I sometimes do is come home and have a snack to fulfill me until I can relax a bit and then cook a larger meal. Snacks are easier on this diet (depending on what stage you are in). I'm well past the intro, so I can eat almonds, banana/coconut "ice cream" (my new favorite- just freeze some sliced bananas, add a little legal coconut milk into the blender, and blend), a piece of fruit, sardines, homemade sauerkraut, etc. It gets easy once you get into a routine. I spend a good amount of time on the weekends prepping for the week. Good luck.
Love the idea of “ice cream” of fruit with coconut milk but I thought that all coconut milk from cans and packs is illegal, do you make your own coconut milk, please?
 
Hi

Thank you for your responses and ideas. Seems a little less harder now.

Organisation is the key here I think in planning what meals I am going to have during the week and make sure I have a few nibbles at the ready, less likely to head for the illegal foods then.

Looking forward to trying this diet and starving off the bacteria. My aim is to come off all my medication completely.
 
Love the idea of “ice cream” of fruit with coconut milk but I thought that all coconut milk from cans and packs is illegal, do you make your own coconut milk, please?
I have made my own coconut milk, but it gets pricey and is very time intensive for the amount that you're able to get out of a few coconuts (not very much). I found an SCD-legal brand that is just coconut milk and water. No guar gum/other gums used or any other additives or preservatives. I see you are located in the UK and I don't know if you have Trader Joe's there, but I'm guessing probably not. That is where I buy this canned coconut milk. It is a canned Trader Joe's brand. I have not been able to find any other brand that does not have preservatives. The carton coconut milk always has carrageenan, which should never be used by those with IBD. If you don't have access to a Trader Joes's, you can buy "Natural Value" coconut milk on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Natural-Value-Coconut-14-Ounce-Containers/dp/B000LKVIEG.
 
I found this link with a lot of recipes - maybe someone posted already but just in case! I want to try this diet too. I have been experiencing a bad flare on a lot of meds at the moment. I have been keeping a food diary for almost a week now religiously. I was told to eat oatmeal for breakfast but i saw on the diet that all grains are on the illegal list and i have been experiencing very bad wind in the back left which I put down to pentasa suppositories but you know it could be the porridge too!!! Anyway here is the link, loads of stuff there I think to give us ideas. And guess what we can have pancakes for breakfast :)
http://www.scdrecipe.com/recipes/
 
Good morning everyone! I will apologize now if this has been asked. My husband and I just started the SCD yesterday. We both started getting pounding headaches. Mine has spilled over into today, whereas he is feeling better. Is this typical? I'm on the verge of punching something LOL.
 
Location
London,
No, never had headaches. But it might be the reaction when you cut off all the carbohydrates. It is a shock for the body. I lost quite a lot of weight in the beginning.
 
I have just completed 30 days on the SCD combined with low FODMAPS and am a new member to the forum. I am not on maintenance meds, (due to sulfa allergy) for my Crohn's and more recently developed SIBO flareups twice in the past year. SCD/LFM has made me feel so much better, even in the first few days, and diminished my SIBO in a radical way. When my SIBO is in full bloom, I crave sugars like CRAZY!!!! And I really appreciated the posts here in regard to the fortitude it takes to stick with the SCD in the first weeks. I was so hungry it was ridiculous. I just received my Yogourmet which was something akin to the excitement of picking out a puppy! :) Trader Joe's Frozen French Cut String Beans, and Dole Pineapple cups in their own juice, or a banana, are now my Go-To for a snack, and I am making legal pesto to throw on just about everything. I love slivered almonds and almond butter, but they tend to become concrete in my digestive system, as did chocolate, and I suppose that means they aggravate my "vowels," so I have to watch the nuts...Bummer! I am feeling pretty good and take some Prune juice each morning to keep regular. Does that sound crazy or what?? Anyone, hmmmm, struggle, with constipation with Crohn's or SIBO? I'm also new to forums...probably obvious!
I see this was posted quite a while ago. I just got diagnosed not even a month ago. After being on a liquid diet for about 2 weeks, I have started to slowly get back to "normal" food and started slowly eating according to the SCD. I have to say, my problem has been C. rather than D., and so it has been difficult to eat some of the things that you are supposed to start with. I assume that is because the SCD assumes you have D., so they have you eat carrots, bananas etc, which help if you have D. And I am sure the almond flour doesn't help. Not getting much fiber seems to be the problem. Drinking prune juice, does that really help? I haven't been able to find any yet, must be looking in the wrong spot. So far I stick to soups, protein (chicken and fish), eggs, yogurt and SCD cheescake. I am not sure what fruit to start with, but I do miss it tremendouly. Any comments or suggestions what are "safe" fruits/veggies that help stay regular?
 
Good morning everyone! I will apologize now if this has been asked. My husband and I just started the SCD yesterday. We both started getting pounding headaches. Mine has spilled over into today, whereas he is feeling better. Is this typical? I'm on the verge of punching something LOL.
It could easily be from the grains. There is a definite withdrawal that occurs when you stop eating grains. Gluten actually crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to opiate receptors...so it is very similar to being addicted to a drug. Give it a week or so to detox. You will start feeling better eventually!
 
Location
London,
I see this was posted quite a while ago. I just got diagnosed not even a month ago. After being on a liquid diet for about 2 weeks, I have started to slowly get back to "normal" food and started slowly eating according to the SCD. I have to say, my problem has been C. rather than D., and so it has been difficult to eat some of the things that you are supposed to start with. I assume that is because the SCD assumes you have D., so they have you eat carrots, bananas etc, which help if you have D. And I am sure the almond flour doesn't help. Not getting much fiber seems to be the problem. Drinking prune juice, does that really help? I haven't been able to find any yet, must be looking in the wrong spot. So far I stick to soups, protein (chicken and fish), eggs, yogurt and SCD cheescake. I am not sure what fruit to start with, but I do miss it tremendouly. Any comments or suggestions what are "safe" fruits/veggies that help stay regular?
I have D. so most of the fruits and veg are not helping me :) especially mango, grapes, peaches, berries. Maybe it could help you? :) and row carrots by the way
 
Location
London,
I have just completed 30 days on the SCD combined with low FODMAPS and am a new member to the forum. I am not on maintenance meds, (due to sulfa allergy) for my Crohn's and more recently developed SIBO flareups twice in the past year. SCD/LFM has made me feel so much better, even in the first few days, and diminished my SIBO in a radical way. When my SIBO is in full bloom, I crave sugars like CRAZY!!!! And I really appreciated the posts here in regard to the fortitude it takes to stick with the SCD in the first weeks. I was so hungry it was ridiculous. I just received my Yogourmet which was something akin to the excitement of picking out a puppy! :) Trader Joe's Frozen French Cut String Beans, and Dole Pineapple cups in their own juice, or a banana, are now my Go-To for a snack, and I am making legal pesto to throw on just about everything. I love slivered almonds and almond butter, but they tend to become concrete in my digestive system, as did chocolate, and I suppose that means they aggravate my "vowels," so I have to watch the nuts...Bummer! I am feeling pretty good and take some Prune juice each morning to keep regular. Does that sound crazy or what?? Anyone, hmmmm, struggle, with constipation with Crohn's or SIBO? I'm also new to forums...probably obvious!
Hi! Never heard about FODMAP. It does explain why I do not feel well eating onions, asparagus, and mushrooms.
So you do not eat fruits at all?! And you do not use any sweetener, not even honey?!
 
Hi Tantija, and welcome! I can eat most of the LFM allowed fruits (not grapes), but only a small "handful" at a time, approx. 1/3 cup, as a snack in between meals. I do not use any sweeteners at all, due to how bacteria loves sugar, except for LFM allowed pure maple syrup, which does not give me any symptoms. The goal is to have sugar/carbs that digest mainly in the stomach vs. the small intestine, where they can ferment and cause trouble.
Here is a link that is helpful:
http://uvahealth.com/services/digestive-health/images-and-docs/low_FODMAP_diet.pdf
And another great link with terrific, easy LFM recipes (author is a registered dietician):
http://blog.katescarlata.com/fodmaps/

You are lucky, there is so much research on this at King's College, UK! And many dieticians well-versed in it as well.(as well as Melbourne, Australia).

Keep in mind it is an elimination diet that grows into more food choices over time, as you determine what you can have, and how much at one sitting, or per day. It's about personal tolerance of certain items, which can also change from time to time. I think Crohnnies need flexibility and to listen to their bodies for individual tolerances vs. one-size-fits-all. It takes patience and time, but it's really worth it! :) Good luck with whatever you decide.
 
Oh, and forgot to mention, that since honey is a fructose-load, it's makes me blow up like a balloon, haha. A big no-no for SIBO patients. SCD is a great foodplan but it does not account for fructose-intolerance and all the recent solid research on that. So, I take the best from SCD, like the broth and the yogurt and some other good tidbits, and incorporate the LFM which is absolutely necessary for SIBO patients.
 
Location
London,
Thanks! Believe me all I was suggested is to start using immunosuppressants nobody suggested me try any diet. I found SCD diet myself online.
 
Tantija, I just had a chance to review your previous posts and noticed that we are eating very similarly with the exception of the honey. "Hi! I am the diet from December 2011 and I am doing very well. My blood test is absolutely normal. I had MRI on 03.08 but will know results only on my next visit to doctor on 24.09."

I wanted to mention that now that you feel so great, as do I most of the time, it may be that your isolated D is influenced/caused by your hormone shifts, which is very common--and has solid science behind it--among women. In my case, it is the main initiator/driver of my Crohn's, (like a clock!) and any other inflammation such as my arthritis and dry eye issues. You will find more on this in the women's forum...
 
Location
London,
Thanks. I just thinking now that may be my D. is caused by fructose… It will be so sad… I this case I would have to illuminate all fruits I can eat and honey!
 
ehhh :/ ive tried carb diets before but they r so hard to stick too! haha bread is sooooo good and i swear carbs r in everything thats delicious on this planet
 
I have D. so most of the fruits and veg are not helping me :) especially mango, grapes, peaches, berries. Maybe it could help you? :) and row carrots by the way
Oh gosh. I've been a bit overwhelmed with all the prep and baking in advance, havent thought of much besides the basics . And honestly haven't "dared" fruit much yet. Ive always been a huge fruit and veggie eater, so love the idea! But doesn't the fruit have to be "cooked".? And regards berries, aren't teh skin and the seeds a no-no? Maybe I am making it too complicated...just thought I'd go slow/ careful into this...
 
Mattanikka, Hi there! I'd have to refer back to my SCD book about the specifics...no pun intended... :) but I think it does say that everything has to be cooked. I know that any of these food plans can seem overwhelming and arduous, but try to remember that they are more work up front, and it gets easier over time as you fall into a routine and create a plan that works for you, individually, based on your own tolerances. I generally make my food on the weekend and then cook very little during the week. You'll get into a groove with it. I forget if it's "allowed" in the SCD or not, but I make a lot of almond milk "green" smoothies to fill in the gaps, using fruits, and veggies (mainly very ripe bananas and organic spinach, but other fresh and frozen organic fruits as well).

I always advocate that Crohnnies look into low-FODMAPS and possible SIBO diagnosis (there's a breath test for it), as SCD does not allow for fructose, FODMAP intolerance, which brings on the big "D." LFM is overal less restrictive than SCD if you go that route. And LFM allows for you to find out whether you have to rule something out entirely, or you can have, say, a little of it each day. Either way, you will probably end up having a basic food plan that you have tweaked, for you, personally, which will change depending on how you are feeling.

It's so great that you investigated this yourself!! And, it's wonderful that you are starting out by being cautious, careful and precise. That will only help you! Things will ease up later on...Best wishes and hang in there!
 
Location
London,
Yes, you have to cook fruits and veg in the beginning of the diet. But I always was eating the raw salad because I do not like cooked veg. Also what really surprises me that even if I have exactly the same food 3 days in a row some days I have D. and some not.
 
I eat salad, too, Tantija. At least for me, young spring greens (soft, thin leaves) work out much better than firmer, crunchy lettuces, like romaine, etc. Especially with some light olive oil on them, where they soften up even more! With a little canned wild pacific salmon or poultry in there, and some mandarin orange or pineapple...very yummy! And no cooking! The alternative to salad is cooked spinach with same additions...And although I don't do it often, microwaving spinach as a base for other things is a quick option as well.
 
So, here's a question to all. How do I know that the dry curd cottage cheese I find at Whole Foods is actually legal for SCD? I kind of assumed any dry curd CC would be legal, but now I am wondering...a bit confused...anyone have an answer to this? The brand they sell, and this is the only one I can find anywhere, is "Sunshine". Thanks...
 
What do you all find you get the best source of energy from? Hubby started the diet, feels great and has lost some weight but is feeling very fatigued. What can I give him to help boost his energy.
 
What do you all find you get the best source of energy from? Hubby started the diet, feels great and has lost some weight but is feeling very fatigued. What can I give him to help boost his energy.
Hi Candi! Welcome to the forum! How long has your husband been on the diet? The body initially goes through a process where it has to get used to a "lower carb" (well, lower than the standard American diet) intake and that can cause feelings of fatigue at first. It sounds like he has been following it for awhile though. You may want to consider using a website like www.fitday.com to monitor nutrient intake. It could be that he is not getting enough overall calories or perhaps he needs to increase his fat intake. It is hard to say for sure without knowing the nutrient breakdown. Is his IBD well-controlled at this time?
 
ehhh :/ ive tried carb diets before but they r so hard to stick too! haha bread is sooooo good and i swear carbs r in everything thats delicious on this planet
As a former vegetarian, my diet used to be primarily carb-based. I have not found the SCD to be difficult to stick to though. I was a bread-lover, but bread doesn't even appeal to me anymore because it's just not worth the pain and sickness. My health is worth so much more.
 
Hi Candi! Welcome to the forum! How long has your husband been on the diet? The body initially goes through a process where it has to get used to a "lower carb" (well, lower than the standard American diet) intake and that can cause feelings of fatigue at first. It sounds like he has been following it for awhile though. You may want to consider using a website like www.fitday.com to monitor nutrient intake. It could be that he is not getting enough overall calories or perhaps he needs to increase his fat intake. It is hard to say for sure without knowing the nutrient breakdown. Is his IBD well-controlled at this time?
The diet was started on the 4th. He is amazed at his body's reaction. He has not had gas, bloating or D since after the first couple of days of the diet. He says he hasn't felt this good in years, minus being tired.
 
The diet was started on the 4th. He is amazed at his body's reaction. He has not had gas, bloating or D since after the first couple of days of the diet. He says he hasn't felt this good in years, minus being tired.
That's wonderful! It took much longer for the diarrhea to stop for me, but the gas and bloating went away after the 2nd day. I've been on the diet for over 2 months and I still feel fatigued at times (not yet 100%). I don't think it is related to the diet for me though. The body is still trying to heal and there is still underlying inflammation going on, so that probably contributes to the fatigue. Or it could also be not enough calories/fat, so I really recommend using a nutrient tracker for a few weeks.
 
That's wonderful! It took much longer for the diarrhea to stop for me, but the gas and bloating went away after the 2nd day. I've been on the diet for over 2 months and I still feel fatigued at times (not yet 100%). I don't think it is related to the diet for me though. The body is still trying to heal and there is still underlying inflammation going on, so that probably contributes to the fatigue. Or it could also be not enough calories/fat, so I really recommend using a nutrient tracker for a few weeks.
Thanks for the advice, I'm going to see if I can install something like that on my phone. There seems to be an app for everything these days.
 
Hi everyone,

First post here! My husband was diagnosed with Crohns two months ago after an emergency bowel resection (we thought he had appendicitis!).

Trying to get head around all of this, hefty medications etc etc. I have been reading about the SCD and we may give this a go to keep him off 6MP for now. He is still in surgical remission.

I have a question - would hemp milk be legal on the diet? I know the book was written before it became popular, what do you think?

Thanks!! :)
 
So, I am wondering if this is working for me at all...I have been doing the SCD for about a month now. And I have been strict with the foods I eat. But I wonder if I missed something...I am still gassy in the evenings....is that supposed to disappear right away? I am reading everyone's comments and I just don't know what I am doing wrong...I am still on Prednisone and Apriso and had to go up from 10mg to 15mg because symptoms started to come back a bit...what specifically do you guys eat after you did the intro days? Maybe that would help me figure out what I am doing wrong...kind of disappointed as I really don't mind the food changes...I also know she says stick with it for at least 3 months to see if it works for you...
 
To Mattannika,
I found I had to give up SCD yogurt before I improved.

You could post your entire diet and we can subgest things.

If SCD isn't working then cut dairy,eggs,nuts and honey/dried fruit.
Also all processed foods (including processed oils) til you get it under control
 
Hugh, but isn't it the yogurt that is supposed to help and regulate the bacteria in your system? And that yogurt is part of almost every recipe. You might laugh but this is how basic my diet has lately been:
Basically what I have been eating so far is scrambled eggs with a slice of LoisLang bread in the am. The for snack a muffin. Lunch some chicken with broth or zucchini. Snack a cup of yogurt with cinnamon and little honey. Dinner varies from chicken, to meatballs, to steamed fish with some sort of veggie, usually zucchini baked tomatoes or cucumber that I blend into a mousse....I know not that much variety but I am confused with this diet and what to add and when. For drinks I have water, grape juice with water or peppermint tea. Recently I added other teas ( Tulsi Honey Chamomile) after contacting the brand and I think it is legal?
 
To Mattannika,
SCD is a great start ,and for many people it is enough (although i think in many cases it just reduces symptoms to an acceptable level and there will still be a lot of inflammation still present).

One month is still early but not too early to adjust it.
Are you feeling better than before SCD and how much better?

There are foods that are SCD legal that can cause problems
Most people can benefit from tweaking the diet towards paleo and avoiding things like Vegetable oils with high omega-6 and dairy.
I had problems with the yogurt, not everybody does, but you might)

The SIBO diet is SCD compatible and may give you a few more things to avoid and a few to add.
http://www.eat-real-food-paleodietitian.com/support-files/SIBO-gut-healing-protocol.pdf

This guy has obviously thought about it for a while and may or may not have a few valid suggestions.
http://www.mombu.com/medicine/medic...arbohydrates-aids-allergies-4073619-last.html

Lastly, SCD lifestyle offer a paid service and will help customise your diet to get better results, I haven't used them so i cannot recommend but i have heard good things about them.
http://scdlifestyle.com/
 
Location
London,
Hi guys! Tried to make yogurt from the lactose free milk and love it. But now I am in doubts.
Elaine book says: “…The rate of flow of galactose to the liver when one drinks lactose hydrolyzed milk is high. With lactose hydrolyzed milk, you are ingesting the two sugars: glucose and galactose at the same time….” And so it’s prohibited on SCD.
It says about drinking lactose free milk but I could not find any information if can you make yogurt from lactose free milk. I tried to make yogurt from the cow and goat milk even fermenting it for 24-48 hours but still had the reaction like from lactose. So I ended up making my yogurt from almonds milk what I was doing also myself. But with the yogurt from lactose free milk I do not have any reaction.
Can anybody help me, please?

Thank you.
 
..... if can you make yogurt from lactose free milk. I tried to make yogurt from the cow and goat milk even fermenting it for 24-48 hours but still had the reaction like from lactose.
The idea behind fermenting for 24 hours is that all the lactose is gone (consumed by the bacteria).
I found i had real problems from it and gave up with it and don't regret it at all.
It could be that either the lactose digestion is not complete or you have issues with some other milk molecule (and this may right itself once the level of intestinal permiability improves).

There are other fermented foods you can try
Rejuvalac from cabbage for example
http://somanythingstolove.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/cabbage-rejuvelac.html
 
Location
London,
Thanks!

I still think that lactose digestion is not complete as I eat lactose free yogurt 3 weeks already and love it. It's a shame i have to giva up it as it actually illigal. I have to try to make yogurt from milk again so. It was already a while when I had it. Maybe my reactiion improved.
 
I also can't tolerate the SCD-legal yogurt, which is disappointing. But I'm doing just fine without it. I make a lot of fermented veggies and I take probiotics to replace the yogurt. I think eventually I'll try adding it back in.
 
Location
London,
I also can't tolerate the SCD-legal yogurt, which is disappointing. But I'm doing just fine without it. I make a lot of fermented veggies and I take probiotics to replace the yogurt. I think eventually I'll try adding it back in.
Hi! What do you mean by "fermented veggies", please?

Thanks!
 
I also can't tolerate the SCD-legal yogurt, which is disappointing. But I'm doing just fine without it. I make a lot of fermented veggies and I take probiotics to replace the yogurt. I think eventually I'll try adding it back in.
http://thepaleonurse.com/2012/09/23/fermented-vegetables/

It's very easy to do. If you are still in the intro, instead of eating the vegetables (after they are done fermenting), slowly add in the juice only until you can tolerate the veggies. Lots of good "bugs" in the fermented veggies!
 
I want to try the SCD diet, as it seems so helpful for so many and the theory makes a lot of sense.

My only concern is this: With Crohn's, I have noticed that taking a fiber supplement had helped me in the bathroom greatly. I take either psyllium husks or acacia powder almost everyday and they help me have regular, formed BM's. Well, both psyllium and acacia are "illegal" on SCD because the contains starch.

My question is this: Fiber is not digested by the body. Fiber is undigestable by nature. So why is it illegal on SCD? The body does break it down, it just passes through, so why does it matter if there is starch in it?

I hope someone can help me out with this!

DX Crohn's in 2008, but symptoms since childhood
Currently weaning off pred
Bowel obstruction 8/2012, no surgery needed!
Not on meds- just a million supplements and trying to figure out diet.
 
My question is this: Fiber is not digested by the body. Fiber is undigestable by nature. So why is it illegal on SCD? The body does break it down, it just passes through, so why does it matter if there is starch in it?

I hope someone can help me out with this!
.
+

Much fibre is fermentable, ie food for bacteria, that's the reason it is not SCD legal.
You should find that on SCD you have less need for this 'poo bulking agent'

Elaine writes:
Psyllium husks are loaded with cellulose and lignin which some bacteria thrive on. We accept that the cellulose in vegetables and fruit can be handled OK but a concentrated form such as husks would not be in order. It is illegal.
 
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Hello all.
I began the SCD in June of 2012. It's been an interesting journey to say the least! I make 2 liters of yogurt about twice a week for my husband and me. We will be going on vacation and I'm worried about being without my SCD yogurt and what other foods I will be able to find on my trip. We're going to the Bahamas. Does anyone have suggestions? I can't take the yogurt with me and it doesn't make sense to try to make it while I'm there. We'll be there less than a week and on a sailboat much of the time.

Thanks in advance for any advice or support!
 
Regarding your yogurt, could you switch over to probiotics in pill form? Or maybe test yourself to see how you do without yogurt since you're only going to be gone for a week anyway.

Hello all.
I began the SCD in June of 2012. It's been an interesting journey to say the least! I make 2 liters of yogurt about twice a week for my husband and me. We will be going on vacation and I'm worried about being without my SCD yogurt and what other foods I will be able to find on my trip. We're going to the Bahamas. Does anyone have suggestions? I can't take the yogurt with me and it doesn't make sense to try to make it while I'm there. We'll be there less than a week and on a sailboat much of the time.

Thanks in advance for any advice or support!
 
Location
London,
Hello all.
I began the SCD in June of 2012. It's been an interesting journey to say the least! I make 2 liters of yogurt about twice a week for my husband and me. We will be going on vacation and I'm worried about being without my SCD yogurt and what other foods I will be able to find on my trip. We're going to the Bahamas. Does anyone have suggestions? I can't take the yogurt with me and it doesn't make sense to try to make it while I'm there. We'll be there less than a week and on a sailboat much of the time.

Thanks in advance for any advice or support!
Hi! I use probiotics in pill form also while traveling.
 
Hello all.
I began the SCD in June of 2012. It's been an interesting journey to say the least! I make 2 liters of yogurt about twice a week for my husband and me. We will be going on vacation and I'm worried about being without my SCD yogurt and what other foods I will be able to find on my trip. We're going to the Bahamas. Does anyone have suggestions? I can't take the yogurt with me and it doesn't make sense to try to make it while I'm there. We'll be there less than a week and on a sailboat much of the time.

Thanks in advance for any advice or support!

We have never used the yogurt because we are concerned about the dairy proteins in it. There are several good probiotics recommended for SCD. Klaire labs makes one that is specifically SCD compliant (acidophilus only and no fillers) and there is another company or two that makes it also. Honestly though, I would think one week would be fine without any since you have been on it for several months. No guarantee though.
 
Hi. Thank you partlycloudy, Tantija, Susan2 and Charleigh for your helpful responses. I have a probiotic by Schiff that I take, though I'm not convinced it's "all that". It was the best choice of what was available locally. I looked into ordering from GI Prohealth, but wow, one bottle of SCDophilus (sp?) was almost $30 plus another $8+ for shipping.

Prior to the SCD, I always took a probiotic which kept me in good stead. But it had Bifidus in it, which is illegal. So trying to find things without ANY of the illegal additives is tough unless you order online.

And yeah, Susan2, you mentioned finding a yogurt there. I never had trouble with the lactose in yogurt before, so I was kind of wondering if I'd be better off eating store bought - such as the Dannon Plain that I use for a starter - than no yogurt at all?

My husband and I went on a road trip and camped our way to Acadia NP in Maine this past Sept and it was wonderful except that by the time we got home I was having GI issues, in some pain and not a happy camper. hahaha (pun not intended)

I had taken my yogurt with me, but I believe the cultures didn't survive past about day 4. Temp control in a cooler wasn't easy. Plus, I ate too many nuts and dried fruits as snacks. So I will be careful about that this time.

Will try to find better probiotics this week and get going on those. Even if it's just for peace of mind.

Thanks again!
 
If you can find a good acidophilus supplement then I suggest you take it, if for nothing else the peace of mind :)

When we started SCD I gave my son a probiotic that seemed safe in ingredients but it had bifidus. It made him so sick. He seems to be doing fine with the acidophilus only though. So I definitely caution you against the bifidus. An organic grocery here has a store shelf yogurt that looked very safe. It specifically said it was processed longer to reduce lactose and it had no additives and only contained acidophilus strains. Something like that would be nice, if you can find it.

Have you seen the SCD support thread? When you return from your trip you should pop in and give us your tips since you have been doing this longer :)

Good luck, hope this trip is better than your last!
 
If you can find a good acidophilus supplement then I suggest you take it, if for nothing else the peace of mind :)

When we started SCD I gave my son a probiotic that seemed safe in ingredients but it had bifidus. It made him so sick. He seems to be doing fine with the acidophilus only though. So I definitely caution you against the bifidus. An organic grocery here has a store shelf yogurt that looked very safe. It specifically said it was processed longer to reduce lactose and it had no additives and only contained acidophilus strains. Something like that would be nice, if you can find it.

Have you seen the SCD support thread? When you return from your trip you should pop in and give us your tips since you have been doing this longer :)

Good luck, hope this trip is better than your last!
Ah, I thought I had seen a SCD support thread on here somewhere during my previous visits to the site, but hadn't tracked it down recently. I definitely will head over there and join in that conversation. Thanks! And I'll look into that organic brand of yogurt you mentioned. Much appreciated!
 
Hello all. I have been reading this thread for the past couple of days now and found that there is great information in here from alot of people. I have Crohns/Colitis and am currently on Humira for the past year and a half. The Humira has worked great and I have been in remission the entire time. I have some side effects (rashes on feet, legs, wrists, palms) from the Humira, but thats about it. I have been doing some research on SCD and really thinking about trying it. I am 34 and dont want to be on these meds any further (scared of the long term side effects). I came to the conclusion that I can live with crohns, but the meds I'm taking to help me, may do more damage in the long run than the crohns would.

So looking into the diet worries me about the will power to stay on it. Another worry is that I have three young children at home and it will be very hard to make two seperate meals all day long, but luckily thats the wifes job.....LOL. I am currently in remission so I may just try removing all grains (except rice........wife is chinese, this may be hard), dairy (except the legal cheese's) and sugars. to see how that goes. From reading 'Braking the Viscious Cycle' it sounds taht you should be strict on the diet when experiencing an flare up, but when in remission you can introduce a little of the illegal foods.......which sounds like a plan to me. Will be hard to make alot of my own foods (like the yogurt) so plan on supplimenting with probiotics (floristar).

Again, thanks to the people out there who have added great comments from the knowledge and experiience they have with the diet. I plan on continuing my reading of the threads to learn more.
 
Hello everyone!! I have an update on the hubby...

He has been on the SCD since September of last year. He had decided after the first dose of the Humira, to try to go medication free. Two weeks ago, he had an upper scope done. He had two fistulas where the small and large intestine had met. When the scope was completed the technician asked him if he had recently been diagnosed with Crohns. Hubby said no, I've had issues on and off since I was 13. The tech looked shocked and said that it didn't appear he had ever had Crohns.

He had his follow-up with the GI today, to review the results of the scope. I get a text message from him that says- Fistulas are healed! I do not go back to the GI for 6 months.

I was in tears! I cannot begin to thank this place!!! I know I haven't posted much, but just the search and the suggestion on the diet, have changed our lives. If it were not for all of your wonderful stories, advice and sharing ideas here, people such as my husband would not have even known this diet existed.

Continue helping one another, and I hope to be able to share this success with as many as possible. There is a mother in my son's cub scout den, whom I told about this forum and the diet. Finally in desperation, she is giving it a try. I know some of you stated that the diet isn't for everyone and I know that everyone's body is different, but you never know who it can work for!!

Thank you all again!
 
Location
London,
So looking into the diet worries me about the will power to stay on it. Another worry is that I have three young children at home and it will be very hard to make two seperate meals all day long, but luckily thats the wifes job.....LOL. I am currently in remission so I may just try removing all grains (except rice........wife is chinese, this may be hard), dairy (except the legal cheese's) and sugars. to see how that goes. From reading 'Braking the Viscious Cycle' it sounds taht you should be strict on the diet when experiencing an flare up, but when in remission you can introduce a little of the illegal foods.......which sounds like a plan to me. Will be hard to make alot of my own foods (like the yogurt) so plan on supplimenting with probiotics (floristar).
QUOTE]
Hi,
I am on the diet since December 2011 and can see great results. My blood test does not show any inflammation and MRI test shows improvement. I am not on any medication.
In my opinion there is no point of removing only some food from your menu. The point is to remove ALL starch and sugar from your diet otherwise it is not worth all the effort. I am sorry but I do not think you will get any results if you still eat rice as it’s full of starch. Also even I like Chinese food I believe I will never eat it again and not only because of the rice but soya sauce also. I do cook separately for me and my boyfriend but he is fine to eat just meat or fish with the salad as well.

I have read the book twice before starting the diet and do not remember anything saying that you can introduce a little of the illegal foods while on the diet. I remember that after 2 years of the diet you can introduce a little of the illegal foods to see how it tolerated.
 
Hi Dave,

Humira stopped working for me and I was back on 20mg pred and still suffering.

I just started the SCD diet yesterday! In fact I had been on a low-residue diet for a couple of days for a colonoscopy (this was clear thanks perhaps to the tons of meds I have taken over several years but symptoms remain).

Some of the elements of the diet like the SCD yoghurt were already in my diet and may have helped already. Anyway I finally got the courage to go for it and my wife and I have got familiar with the concept and recipes etc. What tipped the scales was the mum of Incredible E, who suggested that a stricter approach was needed.



What am I missing? Sugar of course but then I have tons of local honeys to choose from. Bread, certainly, but almond bread is OK if a little dry. Fortunately I was never a pasta or rice person, though I might eventually try rice - diets like Prof Hunter in England, which are very similar to SCD in most respects, include rice. My bananas now have to be fully ripe, but I just spend more time choosing them in the market.

What I will eventually get back is much of the fruit and veg I have eschewed, because once things settle down I should be able to take these. Thanks heavens cheddar cheese is permitted, that one I would have a problem. The cheese and homemade yoghurt give me protein and calcium.

Day 1 I was not good in afternoon. Today better.

Positives: no bloating after evening meal, better on wake up (used to get a baseball bat in the guts on waking), clearer head and despite coming off pred before the colonoscopy my arthritic symptoms have not worsened. Maybe wishful thinking but I feel my body is overall happier.

Do I have to be prepared for feeling crap as the bacterial overgrowth dies etc?

No I am not even going to discuss it with my gastroenterologist who thinks surgery and drugs the only answers and says "eat what you like" - what a moronic blinkered approach and he is head of department. I won't change him because he's the one who puts the tubes up my arse and he's a good surgeon. I will discuss it with my GP though because I want to spread any good news.

There I am getting way ahead of things - just really starting - wish me luck!
 
Hi Dave,

What I will eventually get back is much of the fruit and veg I have eschewed, because once things settle down I should be able to take these. Thanks heavens cheddar cheese is permitted, that one I would have a problem. The cheese and homemade yoghurt give me protein and calcium.

Day 1 I was not good in afternoon. Today better.

Positives: no bloating after evening meal, better on wake up (used to get a baseball bat in the guts on waking), clearer head and despite coming off pred before the colonoscopy my arthritic symptoms have not worsened. Maybe wishful thinking but I feel my body is overall happier.

Do I have to be prepared for feeling crap as the bacterial overgrowth dies etc?

No I am not even going to discuss it with my gastroenterologist who thinks surgery and drugs the only answers and says "eat what you like" - what a moronic blinkered approach and he is head of department. I won't change him because he's the one who puts the tubes up my arse and he's a good surgeon. I will discuss it with my GP though because I want to spread any good news.

There I am getting way ahead of things - just really starting - wish me luck!
E had a time period where he felt just awful. He actually dropped weight at first, felt flu-like, and ran a high temp. He did this twice in the first 10-14 days :( Then, he started feeling better.....slowly and surely he was getting better. Don't fret if it gets worse before it gets better. Give it time and don't give up.

E can eat so much more than he could when he first went on the diet. He still does not eat the yogurt or cheese but he eats almost any fruit or veggie that he wants (raw or cooked). He can eat nuts, etc. He couldn't eat a wide variety of foods at first though or he got D. It just proves to me that he is healing from the inside out. Also, his last stool test was blood free, which floored his doctor! :thumright:
 
I am now one week in, including an initial three days pre-colonoscopy diet. I feel no worse than before except it is now without any further doses of prednisone or Humira. Apart fro my daily search for ripe bananas no big problem, because I am married to a culinary saint.

When can I expect to hit the "die-off" period, another week????

To the guy somewhere above with rice issues (Chinese wife) I would look at the Addenbrookes diet (prof John Hunter) which is similar to SCD and permits rice. However, as to also continuing sugar and other things I think you will negate the benefit.
 
To the guy somewhere above with rice issues (Chinese wife) I would look at the Addenbrookes diet (prof John Hunter) which is similar to SCD and permits rice. However, as to also continuing sugar and other things I think you will negate the benefit.
the 'Perfect healt diet' is paleo based and allows white rice, due to it's low toxicity, although some have speculated that it is because his wife is chinese, so if rice is your only grain then you may be OK

"Is Shou-Ching to blame for our rice habit?"
Rice is very low in toxicity. Most rice toxins reside in the bran, so milled white rice is already low in toxins. The great majority of white rice toxins are destroyed in cooking.

http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/06/is-shou-ching-to-blame-for-our-rice-habit/
 
the 'Perfect healt diet' is paleo based and allows white rice, due to it's low toxicity, although some have speculated that it is because his wife is chinese, so if rice is your only grain then you may be OK

"Is Shou-Ching to blame for our rice habit?"
Rice is very low in toxicity. Most rice toxins reside in the bran, so milled white rice is already low in toxins. The great majority of white rice toxins are destroyed in cooking.

http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/06/is-shou-ching-to-blame-for-our-rice-habit/
Trying to remember....didn't you stick with a stricter SCD/GAPS style diet for a while before adding white rice? How long did you wait? E is doing so great I have considered trying it but I am nervous. The calories would be nice.
Do you ever use rice flour or do you only stick with actual rice?

Thanks :)
 
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