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Is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet Right for You?

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Before we answer that question, let’s first define a “specific carbohydrate diet”, shall we?

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet, or SCD, is a dietary protocol that requires a very detailed prescribed list of foods. The main tenets of the SCD lifestyle call for no starches, grains, and complex sugars as well as the addition of probiotic rich homemade yogurt. The diet focuses on eliminating complex carbohydrates to help the digestive system heal by regaining a healthy balance of the microorganisms.

A Quick Glance Back to the Future

The SCD lifestyle is actually over 60 years old. It was first developed by Dr. Sidney Haas in the 1950s for patients with celiac disease. It was later published in a book called Breaking the Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet by Elaine Gottschall after she witnessed the dramatic improvements her own daughter (who suffered from ulcerative colitis) experienced.

Who Benefits?

The SCD lifestyle is often recommended for people with gastrointestinal issues. Crohn’s disease, therapy resistant celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcerative colitis are just a few of the ailments SCD has been known to improve. The Autism community also supports the SCD way of life as it has been shown to decrease the symptoms of Autism.

The Pros

  •         It eliminates unhealthy processed foods and sugar
  •         The required food options are all healthy choices
  •         It provides guidelines for those who need structure
  •         There is strong anecdotal evidence that it improves a multitude of health concerns

The Cons

  •        The food structure is rigid
  •        It lacks strong scientific proof
  •        It may eliminate too many foods, causing nutritional deficiencies

The Verdict

The foods included in the SCD lifestyle are healthy and quantities are unlimited, and there is little risk involved with trying the diet. However, the strict food plan means it’s probably not for everyone. The bottom line is, if you’re not faced with health concerns targeted by this diet, you may be more successful following a more flexible eating plan. Try clean eating or even the Paleo diet.

Have you or your family members tried SCD? Please share your thoughts and tips in the comments section!


Author: Diana

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