Be aware: this is only the goal of this diet, not necessarily its outcome. Results vary from person to person. Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any other) diet.
The specific carbohydrate diet (SCDiet) was originally used to treat celiac disease. Nowadays, the gluten-free diet is used for this purpose.
On the homepage you can compare this diet with other diets.
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Sindney Haas developed the SCDieet for children with coeliac condition. The diet made extensive use of bananas as a source of carbohydrates, which earned it the nickname "the banana diet". Later, Elaine Gottschall did more research on the diet and wrote the book Breaking the Vicious Cycle.
If you follow the SCDiet you eat less of certain carbohydrates: disaccharides and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are allowed.
Disaccharides and polysaccharides consist of 2 or more monosaccharides (simple carbohydrates or sugars). When you eat these carbohydrates, they are broken down into monosaccharides in your intestines.
Monosaccharides are also called fast carbohydrates. Whereas other carbohydrates have to be broken down in your gut, monosaccharides can be absorbed directly and therefore reach your bloodstream faster.
So when you follow the specific carbohydrates diet you mainly consume fast carbohydrates. In other diets these carbohydrates are avoided, for instance in the Low GI diet, the Almased diet and the Happy Eater.
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The theory behind the specific carbohydrates diet is that the (incomplete) digestion of complex carbohydrates, and the substances they release, leads to bowel problems for some people. By eating less of these carbohydrates, the bowel problems should decrease and the intestines get space for recovery, according to the inventors.
Consult your doctor or dietician before starting this (or any) diet, especially if you suffer from intestinal problems.
Besides the book by Elaine Gottschall, several cookbooks have been published for the SCDiet.
An example of another diet that focuses on bowel problems is the FODMAP diet. In addition, the Gut and Psychology/Physiology Syndrome (GAPS) diet is based on the SCDiet.
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As you see fit
With the professional help of a dietitian it should be easier to reach your goals. Please contact a dietician in your area or talk to a doctor before starting any diet.
Please take note that most diets do not have a scientific basis.
Consult your doctor or dietician before starting a diet, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lung disease or kidney disease.
If you think you might have an eating disorder (like anorexia or bulimia), it is important to look for professional help. Contact your (house) doctor or find help elsewhere. Here you can find a list of several websites that can provide (online) help. These sites also provide information for people that know someone with an eating disorder.