SCD Diet – What is it? Stages, Meal Plan, Allowed Foods, and Recipes

The SCD diet is a way of eating recommended for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders. It involves eliminating complex carbohydrates from the daily diet. This five-stage nutritional plan aims to prevent the excessive growth of gut bacteria while helping reduce inflammation in the intestines. What is the SCD Diet and What Are Its Rules? What Foods Are Allowed and Not Allowed on the SCD Diet? Sample Meal Plan - What Recipes Are Recommended for the Specific Carbohydrate Diet?

The SCD diet: what is it? An explanation of the specific carbohydrate diet

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), created by American pediatrician Dr. Sidney V. Haas in the early 20th century, was originally recommended for those suffering from celiac disease. Dr. Haas's extensive research and his work with patients suffering from gluten-related autoimmune diseases led to the formulation of the SCD guidelines, which he later used to treat his patients.

The diet became widely popular in 1987 when "Breaking the Vicious Cycle," written by Elaine Gottschall (the mother of one of Dr. Haas’s patients), was published. Gottschall’s daughter had ulcerative colitis, and the implementation of the SCD helped her recover from severe symptoms and avoided the need for colon surgery.

Because Dr. Haas passed away before Elaine Gottschall's daughter fully recovered, she feared his work would be forgotten. To preserve his legacy, she pursued medical studies in her late 40s, obtaining degrees in biology, biochemistry, and cell biology, and later published her book explaining the principles of the SCD.

The principles of the SCD diet - how does it work?

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is based on the theory that microorganisms in the human digestive system require carbohydrates to survive. According to the diet, an overgrowth of gut fungi and bacteria is caused by the consumption of complex carbohydrates, which provide food for harmful microorganisms. This, in turn, can lead to intestinal inflammation.

Simple carbohydrates are absorbed in the early part of the small intestine, are easier to digest, and do not ferment in the gut. In contrast, complex carbohydrates require more digestive enzymes, and insufficient enzyme production can lead to incomplete digestion. Undigested carbs can serve as food for harmful bacteria, leading to unpleasant symptoms.

Thus, the SCD is an elimination diet, which removes lactose, sucrose, and starch (complex carbohydrates) from the diet. According to the diet's founder, this may help prevent gut dysbiosis and positively influence intestinal health.

How long should you follow the SCD diet?

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is recommended for as long as necessary. According to Dr. Haas’s guidelines, the duration of the diet should be tailored to the individual, continuing until there is an improvement in symptoms and the restoration of a healthy gut flora.

There are no specific guidelines for the duration of each stage of the diet, and the time spent on dietary restrictions can range from a few weeks to several years.

How does the SCD diet work and why should you try it?

The foods we consume have a significant impact on the digestive system, which can influence not only our well-being but also the overall functioning of the body.

According to Dr. Haas, consuming complex carbohydrates can lead to the overgrowth of undesirable bacteria, promoting bacterial fermentation. This, in turn, produces compounds like acetic acid, methane, carbon dioxide, and lactic acid, which can cause bloating and gas. Over time, bacterial fermentation can irritate or damage the intestines, increasing their permeability. An excess of "bad" bacteria and fungi can contribute to leaky gut syndrome, intestinal inflammation, and raise the risk of developing autoimmune diseases.

The SCD diet can help restore balance by promoting the proper ratio of "good" and "bad" bacteria in the intestines. This may reduce intestinal inflammation, aid in rebuilding gut flora, and improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Benefits of the SCD Diet

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet may be beneficial for those suffering from digestive disorders and chronic gastrointestinal conditions. Research indicates that a diet limiting the intake of complex carbohydrates can reduce discomfort and undesirable digestive symptoms, such as chronic diarrhea, bloating, gas, rumbling in the stomach, and abdominal pain.

Additionally, the SCD may help reduce systemic inflammation and positively affect digestive processes, leading to better overall body function and well-being. It can also improve nutrient absorption and enhance the quality of life for individuals dealing with inflammatory bowel diseases.

SCD diet and digestive diseases: Crohn's disease, IBS, and other gut symptoms

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet may be particularly helpful for those with gastrointestinal disorders. Scientific studies suggest that the SCD can benefit individuals with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, autism, SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

The diet may help improve the condition of the intestinal lining and contribute to a reduction in the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index (PCDAI). It may also positively influence lab results, including improving parameters like CRP (C-reactive protein), albumin levels, calprotectin, and hematocrit.

SCD diet stages - how to start and introduce changes?

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet consists of five stages, and the duration of each phase should be customized to the individual. If the foods are well tolerated and no adverse symptoms (such as abdominal pain or bloating) are reported, one can progress to the next stage of the diet.

Starting the SCD requires preparation and commitment. It's important to familiarize yourself with the diet's principles, the allowed and not allowed foods, and then plan a balanced meal plan that provides essential nutrients. Keeping a food diary and undergoing regular medical check-ups and blood tests are also recommended while following the SCD.

SCD diet stage 1 - what to eat in the beginning?

The first stage of the SCD is the introduction phase, known as the "intro phase," which is the most restrictive stage. It lasts about five days and involves consuming only the safest food options, such as cooked, baked, steamed, or grilled foods, with raw foods excluded.

During the first phase of the SCD, you can include the following in your diet:

• cooked vegetables without seeds or skins, including vegetable purees
• cooked fruits without seeds or skins, including fruit purees
• cooked, steamed, baked, or grilled meats, as well as fish and eggs
• bone broth and weak tea or coffee are also allowed
• small amounts of fats and plant-based drinks can be consumed

The following stages of the SCD diet - how to expand your meal plan?

The SCD consists of five stages, each allowing different foods and methods of food preparation. If the body is recovering well and the person with intestinal inflammation responds well to the previous phases, the transition between stages can be quick. However, if someone experiences unwanted symptoms while on the SCD, they may need to stay on each stage for a longer period.

In the second stage of the SCD, cooked mushrooms and nuts (such as peanut butter) can be added to the meal plan. The third stage introduces the use of nut flours and seeds, as well as frying foods. In the fourth phase, raw vegetables and fruits (without skins) can be added, and certain dry legumes can be included. The fifth and final phase allows the consumption of raw vegetables and fruits (with skins) and raw nuts. At this stage, all cooking methods become permissible.

Allowed and not allowed foods - SCD diet table

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is based on consuming unprocessed foods. Allowed carbohydrate-rich foods are those that contain simple sugars, such as glucose, galactose, and fructose.

Allowed and not allowed foods - SCD diet table

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is based on consuming unprocessed foods. Allowed carbohydrate-rich foods are those that contain simple sugars, such as glucose, galactose, and fructose.

Food Group Categories	Allowed Products	Forbidden Products
Meat, fish, eggs	Fresh or frozen meat (unprocessed), grilled, stewed, boiled, and later in the diet, also fried	Meat products, canned meat and fish
Milk and meat products	Kefir, low-fat cottage cheese, goat cheese, some yellow cheeses, butter	Milk and dairy products with high lactose content, store-bought yogurts, buttermilk, cream, ice cream
Fruit	Fresh and cooked fruit	Dried fruit, preserved fruit, canned fruit, fruit juices
Vegetables	Most fresh and cooked vegetables	Starchy vegetables, canned vegetables
Dry legume seeds	Beans, chickpeas, peas	Soybeans, lentils
Cereal products		Cereals and pseudocereals and products considered to be their sources
Sweeteners	Honey	Sugar and sweeteners
Spices and herbs	Fresh and dried herbs, spices

SCD diet - allowed foods

On the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, you can consume the following foods:

• meat
• fish
• eggs
• plant oils
• honey
• butter
• vegetables (except starchy ones)
• fruits
• nuts and seeds (depending on the stage of the diet)
• dried legumes (depending on the stage of the diet)
• spices
• apple cider vinegar

Forbidden foods on the SCD diet

When following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, foods that are sources of complex carbohydrates should be eliminated from your meal plan. The SCD diet should not include items such as:

• grains and pseudocereals
• starchy vegetables (e.g., potatoes, sweet potatoes)
• processed and canned meats
• milk and dairy products high in lactose
• sweets
• alcohol
• balsamic vinegar
• fruit juices
• canned fruits and vegetables
• sugar and artificial sweeteners
• dried fruits
• mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard

SCD diet - recipes: simple and tasty dishes aligned with the guidelines

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet should be varied and diverse. It is also important to eliminate sources of complex carbohydrates from your daily menu. Therefore, preparing meals at home is often the best approach. If buying pre-packaged foods, make sure to carefully check the ingredients and labels.

What are some good recipes to try on the SCD diet? How should you put together meals following the specific carbohydrate principles?

SCD breakfasts - what can you eat?

On the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, grains should be removed from your menu, with a focus on vegetables, fruits, and animal products such as meat, fish, and eggs. Depending on the stage of the diet and individual tolerance, some breakfast options include:

• homemade yogurt with apple puree
• scrambled eggs with peeled tomatoes
• omelette with spinach made from almond flour
• fruit salad
• banana pancakes with homemade yogurt

Lunches and dinners on the SCD diet

While the principles of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet aren’t complicated, putting together a well-balanced menu and choosing the right meals can be a challenge. What lunches and dinners can you enjoy on the SCD diet? What are some simple and quick SCD lunch ideas to include in your daily plan? Here are some good options:

• beef stew with vegetables
• grilled chicken breast with pumpkin puree
• cauliflower soup made with meat broth
• baked fish with steamed vegetables
• zucchini stuffed with ground turkey
• stuffed peppers
• tomato cream soup

SCD diet - sample meal plan

To create a healthy and diverse meal plan on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, it’s helpful to consult a qualified dietitian who can tailor your nutritional plan to your individual needs and preferences. A consultation with a professional will ensure your diet is well-balanced and provides all the necessary nutrients. A sample SCD meal plan could look like this:

• breakfast: hard-boiled eggs with roasted pumpkin puree
• snack: homemade yogurt with honey and banana
• lunch: grilled salmon and steamed vegetables drizzled with olive oil
• afternoon snack: green smoothie
• dinner: stuffed pepper with ground chicken, served with cauliflower puree

How to start the SCD diet? Practical tips

To successfully integrate the Specific Carbohydrate Diet into your daily routine, it’s important to first familiarize yourself with the rules of the diet, as well as the allowed and forbidden foods. It’s also a good idea to consult with a doctor who can rule out any contraindications to Dr. Haas’ dietary model. Following that, visiting a qualified dietitian can address any questions and help you properly balance your SCD meal plan.

When starting the SCD diet, it’s important to gradually transition through each stage. Introduce new foods slowly to observe how your body reacts.

Additionally, focusing on proper hydration and suitable supplementation is crucial to minimize the risk of nutrient deficiencies. It’s also recommended to ensure that your daily meals are diverse and varied, as this will make the diet more enjoyable and prevent you from getting discouraged from following the SCD principles.

Risks and potential dangers of the SCD diet - what to watch out for

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is used in the treatment of digestive disorders, but further scientific research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of Dr. Haas’ dietary model for gastrointestinal diseases.

Since the SCD diet is an elimination diet that removes many essential foods from your daily menu, it may provide insufficient calories and essential nutrients, leading to an inadequate diet that could result in unintentional weight loss. Therefore, when deciding to follow the SCD diet, it’s important to ensure the appropriate intake of calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients. If your health worsens, it’s important to stop following the SCD diet.

Bibliography:

1. https://breakingtheviciouscycle.info/
2. https://www.gikids.org/files/documents/digestive-topics/english/IBD-Specific-Carbohydrate-Diet.pdf
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33291229/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36771373/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35762695/
6. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29173519/