Welcome! The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) has been used successfully by many people to manage Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Celiac disease, Chronic Diarrhea, candidiasis, and even autism.
Here are some helpful links to get started:
Breaking the Vicious Cycle book
and website
Elaine Gottschall's original book on the SCD. Originally published in 1994, this book explains the science behind the diet, gives detailed instructions on how to start the SCD, and provides plenty of recipes.
Nutrition in Immune Balance (NiMBAL)
Closely aligned with the Seattle Children's Hospital, this website contains research-based information including videos, recipes, and guides on how to integrate dietary therapy (SCD) with IBD treatment.
Facebook group: Breaking the Vicious Cycle
With thousands of members, a great source of support for getting started as well as day-to-day questions.
These articles are especially useful for talking with healthcare providers who are not familiar with the diet and would like to read the medical literature.
(December 30th 2024)
In a concise, thoughtful, evidence-based podcast, Dr. Samir Kakodkar sums up current knowledge about the SCD (specific carbohydrate diet) and how it fits within the world of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis care.
He provides medical insight useful to both patients as well as healthcare providers, carefully pointing out that patient quality of life (QOL) is paramount. For patients, he emphasizes that you need to work with your doctor--IBD is not a DIY disease. Conversely, for physicians, he walks through his knowledge, studies he has carried out, and other published material on the SCD and how it relates to the microbiome.
In a world filled with all-or-none edicts, this nuanced perspective keeps to a common-sense middle ground. The goal is QOL, carefully using the tools available. (Most people on the SCD also use medicine.)
Have a listen! IBD, Diet and Medical Therapy -- The Middle Path: Samir Kakodkar, MD
