SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet)
A grain-free, lactose-free, sucrose-free diet that allows only carbohydrates that are easy to absorb (monosaccharides).
52/100
Elaine Gottschall (based on Sidney Haas)
Often 1 to 2 years, many continue long-term
11 phases
2 conditions
Protocol Overview
A grain-free, lactose-free, sucrose-free diet that allows only carbohydrates that are easy to absorb (monosaccharides). It is based on the idea that removing harder-to-digest carbohydrates reduces bacterial overgrowth and gut inflammation. Studied mostly in inflammatory bowel disease, used alongside medical care.
Used For
Key Resources
Supplements & Herbs
Further Reading
Safety Profile
Gottschall reported that her daughter's ulcerative colitis improved on this diet. Small studies, mostly in children with Crohn's disease, report symptom improvement. In a 2021 randomized trial in adults with mild to moderate Crohn's disease (DINE-CD), symptom remission at 6 weeks was similar with SCD (about 46%) and a Mediterranean-style diet (about 44%), and the Mediterranean diet is easier to follow. Use it alongside your treatment, not instead of it.
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The Evidence Score (0 to 100) rates the strength of evidence from studies in people for the uses listed: higher means stronger, more consistent research. It does not measure safety. It is not medical advice.
For education, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed clinician before you start, and never stop or change a prescribed medication without your prescriber.