Q: I find I feel better when I eat “grain free.” Sometimes when I eat something GF, like a GF bagel, I feel just as bad as if I had a a regular bagel. I realize that it could be something else in the bagel (most “added” oils and fats make me pretty sick)…but it seems strange to me. Do you think that means I should stay away from all grains, including GF?
A: When your intestines are so damaged you can’t digest any grains. The specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) is a grain free, lactose free, sucrose free diet that is used to treat Celiac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, IBS, Chronic Diarrhea, candidiasis, and autism. I also stumbled upon it being helpful for some kids with Down Syndrome. It is a paleo diet which consists of food which early man ate before the introduction of agriculture: meat, eggs, fish, vegetables and low sugar fruits. The idea is to starve the bad bacteria of their source of energy: grains, sugar and preservatives. But like the GF diet, you need to be 100% on the SCD to benefit from this healing regimen. The Specific Carboydrate Diet was created by Elaine Gottshall to cure her daughter’s Ulcerative Colitis. According to Elaine Gottschall’s book Breaking the Vicious Cycle: “Many cases of celiac disease, spastic colon and diverticulitis appear to be cured by the end of the year.” For other conditions it can take longer. The SCD diet starves the intestines of sugars allowing only sugars that are easily digestible allowing the gut to heal. Perhaps you are a person who who would benefit from an SCD diet. Or perhaps you have already stumbled upon it.
GFOnWallStreet - That’s terrific insight! What would really help me now is some specifics on forming an “eating plan”. Keep in mind, I am living in a GF environment where there are alot of other grains and especially sugars floating around. Not only do I need a great plan, but I really need willpower to keep myself healthy. Can you help me come up with 3 breakfasts, lunches and dinners that I can rotate (and 2 snacks) that will give me requisite protein and natural sugar to keep my energy up and that will be easy to prepare in a household that is GF, so I don’t get anybody else sick. Also, because of my long hours at work, I probably eat 2 or 3 meals out of home everyday. Do you suggest I “brownbag” it, or can I do it with outside places?
Thanks so much!
gfcfmom - I will work on a plan for you. You can also look at the graph on
http://www.pecanbread.com/new/scdfoods1.html#menu
or
http://www.breakingtheviciouscycle.info/legal/legal_illegal_a-c.htm
to get some ideas of foods that are legal and illegal.
GFOnWallStreet - Thanks! I can’t wait to see what plan you devise for me. I am pretty good at sticking to plans when somebody gives me good direction, so that is really a blessing.