What is the science behind the SCD?

[Minxy]

Hi All

I have been following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) for some time, successfully, and I am wondering if anyone can tell me the science behind it,
i.e. the rationale as to why it works for Crohn's.

Many thanks.

 

[ChefShazzy]

Hey Minx,

I thought there was an explanation of it in 'The Book', Breaking the Vicious Cycle. Here is a link for you to check out: http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/beginners_guide/the_science_behind_the_diet2.htm

 

[David in Seattle]

Hi All

I have been following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) for some time, successfully, and I am wondering if anyone can tell me the science behind it,
i.e. the rationale as to why it works for Crohn's.

Many thanks.

Minx - The basic premise is to eliminate all poly and di saccharides from the diet, since these are not fully absorbed, as are the allowed ("legal", in the terms of the diet) mono saccharides, and therefore the former remain in the intestines where they can nourish undesired microorganisms, which produce disease.

Are you finding that the diet has helped you? I have been trying it for about 2 weeks now.

 

[Mazen]

Well, it has been established that Crohn's is the result of the immune system either abnormaly attacking normal bacteria (the prevailing theory) in the gut or as a result of a pathogenic microorganism. In both cases a diet low on di-sacharides will give litlle food to bacteria, thus starving them and producing less fermentation. Aslo adding probiotics replenishes the good bacteria in the gut

 

[Mazen]

Well, it has been established that Crohn's is the result of the immune system either abnormaly attacking normal bacteria (the prevailing theory) in the gut or as a result of a pathogenic microorganism. In both cases a diet low on di-sacharides will give litlle food to bacteria, thus starving them and producing less fermentation. Aslo adding probiotics replenishes the good bacteria in the gut

 

[Minxy]

MsSickandTired ~ thank you for the link, I had forgotten there was an explanation in Elaine Gottschall's book, so it was well worth me reading it again, as it is very informative. Thanks.

David ~ yes, it really has made a big difference ~ all my Crohn's symptoms have reduced in severity, and I feel as though my system is less 'toxic'. I have
less gut pain, less joint inflammation, less muscle pain, less eye inflammation, less fatigue, and best of all I no longer have the dreaded "brain fog". Feel more like my old self, able to think clearly again, which means I can do some of the things I want to do, so my quality of life is better, so the depression has gone
If I cheat with any one item of 'forbidden' food the bad symptoms start to come back by the next day, proof the SCD is working for me.

Mazen ~ if my immune system is mistakenly attacking the 'normal' bacteria, i.e. the helpful bacteria, not just the unhelpful stuff, could this explain why I am unable to tolerate most probiotics? I usually get a strong allergic reaction ~ itching, sneezing, flushing, gut pain, nausea. Even with probiotics that are not dairy based.
I have only found one probiotic I can tolerate, Hylak drops, a German make prescribed by my holistic doctor. I rather doubt their effectiveness though, as I fear they may be mostly killed off in the stomach before they even reach the small bowel. My doctor disagrees, says enough will get through to work...
If probiotics are not going to help me improve the gut flora, then I am flummoxed as to what might? As I cannot eat yogurt, because am allergic to dairy and soy.

I wonder if any of you have thought of trying Fecal Bacteriotherapy ?

 

[Minxy]

David in Seattle ~

I have just been reading about the LOFFLEX diet. I had never heard of it before, but now I would say that my current diet is definitely more a combination of SCD and LOFFLEX, rather than just SCD, and I think this is why it works for me.

 

[Mazen]

I think you can find probiotics in fermented foods other than yoghurt like sourkraut for e.g. if you can handle it?

Have you tried the homemade yoghurt in the SCD book? you may tolerate it better or maybe homemade goat yoghurt? Check the link below for more info on SCD and yoghurt:

http://www.pecanbread.com/p/yogurt1.html

 

[Minxy]

Thanks Mazen for the suggestions ~ unfortunately I cannot tolerate yogurt in any form, whether it's manufactured or home made, and whether cows milk, goats milk, sheeps milk or soy. I have tried them all over the years. I have an allergic reaction to the dairy type ones and an intolerance to the soy one.

I wouldn't mind trying sauerkraut, but I cannot tolerate cabbage because of the fiber. Thanks anyway.