The Specific Carbohydrate Diet

Of all dietary components, carbohydrates have the greatest influence on intestinal microbes (yeast and bacteria) which are believed to be involved in intestinal disorders. Most intestinal microbes require carbohydrates for energy. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet works by severely limiting the availability of carbohydrates to intestinal microbes.

The diet is based on the principle that specifically selected carbohydrates, requiring minimal digestion, are well absorbed leaving virtually nothing for intestinal microbes to feed on. As the microbes decrease due to lack of food, their harmful by-products also diminish. No longer needing protection, the mucus producing cells stop producing excessive mucus and carbohydrate digestion is improved. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet corrects malabsorption, allowing nutrients to enter the bloodstream and be made available to the cells of the body, thereby strengthening the immune system's ability to fight. Further debilitation is prevented, weight can return to normal, and ultimately there is a return to health.

The recipes in this cookbook are based on the SCDiet and the book "Breaking the Vicious Cycle" by Elaine Gottschall. Please note this diet may not work for everyone nor will some of these recipes. These recipes should be introduced after 90 days on the diet and symptoms are beginning to lessen and or have diminished. Some of the recipes call for products that may not be available to your area, caution should be taken and if necessary substitute with only fresh products and not canned as suggested.