gutModerate-High

SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet)

Grain-free, lactose-free, sucrose-free diet that allows only specific carbohydrates (monosaccharides) that are easily absorbed.

Evidence Score

76/100

Developer

Elaine Gottschall (based on Sidney Haas)

Duration

Minimum 1-2 years, many continue long-term

Steps

10 phases

Conditions

5 targeted

Protocol Overview

Grain-free, lactose-free, sucrose-free diet that allows only specific carbohydrates (monosaccharides) that are easily absorbed. Eliminates complex carbohydrates that feed pathogenic bacteria. Well-established for IBD.

Conditions Treated

Crohn's diseaseulcerative colitisIBSceliac diseasediverticulitis

Key Resources

Breaking the Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall, SCD Lifestyle website, pecanbread.com

Supplements & Herbs

Safety Profile

Contraindications & Risks
Requires cooking skills, more expensive, restrictive social eating, nut allergies (major food source)
Important Notes

Strong evidence base for IBD. Gottschall's daughter cured of UC on this diet. Mechanism makes sense (starve pathogenic bacteria). Can be combined with medication. Less restrictive than GAPS but still challenging.

Find a Practitioner

Connect with practitioners experienced in this protocol.

Browse Practitioners
EvidenceModerate-High
Evidence Score76/100
Categorygut
DurationMinimum 1-2 years, many continue long-term

About Evidence Score

The Evidence Score rates the strength of clinical and scientific evidence behind this protocol. Higher scores indicate stronger research support. This is a research tool, not medical advice.

Educational purposes only. Some alternative protocols carry serious risks. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment.