Has anyone tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet to help with ulcerative colitis symptoms?

[Anonymous]

My DH is considering it but I am concerned it's a scam. It's sooo restrictive, so I hate to have him go to all that trouble for nothing.

[Anonymous]

Not a scam, but it doesn't work for everybody. I tried it for Chron's Disease, and it didn't work for me. My friend with UC tried it, and it all but cured him....

It's worth a try if you're willing to adhere to it.

[Anonymous]

I've never heard of it. I have UC and I'm desperate. I've realized that for me, eliminating milk helps a lot, but, as my body proved to me this morning, it's not enough. PP: Does your friend have to follow this diet indefinitely in order to keep symptoms in check?

[Anonymous]

Will you please explain what it is or a link that explains it.
Thanks

[Anonymous]

11:30 and 15:43, have you consulted with a specialist about your symptoms and about this diet? I've had UC for 20 years and know how much difference the right doctor can make. I've seen many good ones in this area, but Robyn Chutkan in Chevy Chase, MD, is my favorite. Diet has never made a difference in my treatment (which may not be typical), but the right doctor and the right medication made a huge difference.

On the SCD, here's what the Crohns and Colitis Foundation has to say on the subject:

"Often, patients have questions regarding The Specific Carbohydrate Diet ™ (SCD), popularized by Elaine Gottschall, M.S., author of Breaking the Vicious Cycle. At this time, the SCD is supported only by patient testimonials, not by systematic studies. With diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, the only way to see if any treatment has widespread value is by appropriate, rigorous testing.The diet itself is not particularly unbalanced, but many patients find it particularly onerous to maintain. Decreasing poorly digestible carbohydrates may decrease symptoms of gas, bloat, cramps, and diarrhea in patients with IBD, but that is not the same thing as decreasing the inflammation, or affecting the disease process. Unlike the gluten-free diet for celiac sprue, which has a well-researched basis, and well-demonstrated track record for affecting the underlying mechanisms at work in the disease process, the SCD does not. Bottom line: it may be worth a try (there are plenty of other diets being touted in the marketplace), but do not abandon your conventional treatment, and keep in touch with your doctor."

[Anonymous]

1. Agree with the recommendation for Dr. Chutkan, she has transformed my DH's life (ulcerative colitis)

2. has anyone ever talked to your DH about pharmaceutical-grade probiotics? These are nothing like the capsules you could buy OTC at Whole Foods, they're 200 times more potent and cost a fortune from the pharmacy. but, this has really helped the inflammation in my DH's system.

[Anonymous]

We tried SCD for DD's digestive issues, but we could not stay on the diet. It did not have enough carbs for a growing child, who was always hungry. We still try to adhere to some of the diet though, keeping carbs as low as possible. DC is gluten- and dairy-free as well.

A gut disease like UC has to respond to diet, whether the SCD or something else. Try it and see if it helps. It's not harmful. Do a 30-day test, then quit, or modify it. See what works for you.

I took gluten and dairy out of my diet, and my eczema cleared up. Plus I felt so, so much better. I don't have allergies to either, nor do I have celiac, and it's a PITA to stay gluten- and dairy-free, but it's worth it. Whenever I eat some gluten or dairy, I get eczema flare-ups and other problems (stuffy noses, headaches). Ice cream and pastries are not worth the headaches, literally.

[Anonymous]

I was diagnosed with severe Ulcerative Colitis and put on Asacol by my doctor. It made me feel worse. I did tons of research and discovered the SCD. Within months of being on the diet, I was symptom free and med free and have been ever since. The diet, along with important natural supplements, has healed my body and I would highly recommend it for anyone dealing with digestive issues. Contrary to what you might hear, it is not all that difficult to follow. There are lots of great resources on the internet nowadays with helpful tips and recipes, etc. Feel free to visit my blog at www.comfytummy.com
All the best to you!