2.20.2013

Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)

I am able to do all things through Christ 
who strengthens me.
                                        Phillippians 4:13


It has been several years since Miles has been on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). He began with the GFCF diet for 6 months then began the SCD which eliminates soy, starch and sugar.  Miles' D.A.N Doctor oversees and directs any dietary changes based on his test results.


What is The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)?
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet was developed from the work of Dr. Sydney V. Haas, a pioneer in Celiac Management by the late Elaine Gottschall, B.A., M. Sc.,. She was a biologist and scientist who successfully healed her daughter from Ulcerative Colitis using SCD.
How Does It Work?
Research indicates starches and certain sugars feed microbes, such as bacteria, yeast and fungi. These harmful microbes in the intestinal tract can cause GI problems, autism and other illnesses. SCD eliminates these microbes by starving them while continuing to nourish the body.  As the body heals the gut/brain connection is repaired.
How Is It Different From GFCF?
You can remain GFCF on SCD. SCD is gluten free, but does not allow starch and sugar. SCD includes dairy that is virtually lactose free and contains denatured casein. However, dairy foods are not mandatory on SCD. Pam Ferro, of The Gottschall Autism Center and Hopewell Clinic, says the first three months for ASD children should be dairy free.  The majority of ASD children begin SCD without dairy and many successfully integrate dairy back into their diet after some healing occurs.
What Do I Need To Get Started?
The information to get started on SCD can be found in the book:
“Breaking the Vicious Cycle, Intestinal Health through Diet” by Elaine Gottschall.
Online information is available at:
Support
  • To receive help with SCD you can join the SCD children’s list “Pecanbread.” The Pecanbread Yahoo group provides help, encouragement and motivation from Veterans of SCD and from other families doing the SCD.


Did you know there's sugar in salt?! Nor did I.....this meant I had to learn a new way of cooking and baking. It sounds more daunting than it is but I discovered the freezer was my friend!

With a stand up freezer I was able to make many dishes and desserts to keep on hand for Miles. The freezer meals lasted him about 3 to 4 months (he was the only one in the house eating these meals). Honestly this is one of the best items I've ever invested in because I still use our freezer today with the GFCF Diet.


The more comfortable I became at cooking on this diet the more willing I was to experiment and mix things up.  I did not want Miles to become bored with eating the same things over and over. Thank goodness Miles is a rules based kid because he stuck with the diet and never cheated by sneaking food, even though he was missing the store bought candy he enjoyed eating. 


Miles made a lot of progress with his gut healing. He was having no more stomach pain, his behaviors and stimming/TICS decreased. Miles experienced more creativity and an interest in building which is still going strong today!



Needless to say, after his D.A.N Doctor informed us that Miles had been successful on the SCD and was allowed to go back on the GFCF Diet, Miles was VERY happy!


Again, every child is different and what works for one child may not work for another. As with any treatment or therapy you might have to give it 6 months to a year before you begin seeing changes. For Miles this has been a very beneficial treatment and I am glad that the Lord lead us to his wonderful D.A.N Doctor! 

The Bio-Medical approach is not cheap but there are organizations who can help with the cost of some of these treatments (see
 Autism Resources for more information). 


The SCD information provided can be found at TACA

No comments:

Post a Comment