Has anyone tried the SCD diet? (specific carbohydrate diet)

[AfricanSheila]

[ceejayblue]

Had to look this one up. Sorry but I don't believe in any restrictive diets. If you start removing food groups or part of food groups (unless recommended by a doctor) you make a healthy eating plan harder to stick to. I believe in everything in moderation, I am a Type 2 diabetic and I watch my whole carb intake as I need to make sure that my blood glucose levels stay in the normal range so I keep my carbs to 150-195g per day (around 50g per meal and 65g for snacks or treats) this means I'm still getting the benefits of carbs but because carbs convert to glucose in the blood I am also keeping within my diabetic levels.

I have looked at this diet on line and unless you have been specifically recommended by your GP I don't think I would try it, but of course, its up to you.

[AfricanSheila in reply to ceejayblue]

Thank you - when you are desperate you try anything. FODMAPs don't seem to be the complete answer.

[PatV]

low FODMAPs makes me more constipated. I will look into this, but don't get it! I am baffled! Maybe it's for IBS-D folks . I do have diverticulosis and PD.

[Huston in reply to PatV]

A gastro told me FODMAPS is fine but because it reduces gut liquids by about 20 percent it will increase the possibility of constipation in those with IBSC .i have found this to be the case with myself and FODMAPS hs only been a qualified success ,but did identify onions as a trigger for me .

[binks]

Diets such as this to my mind are a marketing opportunity. Another example would be the Paleo diet. The message here is to eliminate processed foods as much as possible - we can do this without buying into another "product".

Sorry if this sounds dismissive - I don't mean it to, and I understand why FODMAP is not perfect because it isn't for me either.

[Hanoi-cat1]

I had a look at it and am very confused because it allows a lot that low FODMAPS doesn't. I am still trying to get my head round low FODMAP. Nothing seems to lessen my symptoms.

[AfricanSheila]

THANK YOU ALL.

[JanRed]

I have been on the SCD since 2012 and it has been a tremendous help. That said, it may or may not be a perfect fit for you. I had to learn about histamines and how to eat to avoid an overload. Also had a difficult time with fruit before I got the probiotic supplement load up to where it was really beneficial.

I've had gut issues all my life and had been diagnosed with IBS and Hypoglycemia. Summer of 2012 brought the addition of a campylobacter infection which required treatment. It did not really offer any relief and I really could not eat anything without severe gastric distress. The diet has helped me to understand how the gut (and mine in particular,) works and I am now able to eat things that I enjoy and have some assurance that my stomach will be happy.

Strongly recommend it as a starting point, as it will get you feeling better and help you find the right path forward. Good luck!

[AfricanSheila in reply to JanRed]

Where did you get information about the SDC diet?

[JanRed]

Elaine Gottschall's book, Breaking the Vicious Cycle is the bible. Also, Pecanbread.com is a great resource filled with guidance from many people who have used the diet, gotten a family member on it, etc. Lots of good recipes. And other resources. Also, there is a yahoo group who mentors newcomers and that was so helpful. Called: [e-mail]. Open membership I believe. Wonderful people who are very patient and knowledgable.

[AfricanSheila in reply to JanRed]

Thank you so much. Are you in the USA? I think SDC is more well known there?

Also what Probiotics do you take?

[JanRed]

I am in the USA, but it is only through the internet that I found information and support. It has taken me three years to find a local doctor that knows of the diet and approves.

I get my probiotics from GIProHealth.com. They do an entire line of SCD Legal vitamins and probiotics. Key is no illegal ingredients, no inappropriate strains for beginners and low dose capsules to start. It took me a long time to get up to the suggested dose without problems.

Please do get the book and read it to start. Then read it again. It takes some time to wrap your head around all of it, but I can tell you that it is a wonderful community and a very positive approach.

[AfricanSheila in reply to JanRed]

Thank you, one more question - did you have antibiotic treatments?

(I've ordered the book).