SCD or Special Carbohydrate Diet, is a diet that removes those types of saccharides that our bodies cannot process completely or at all. I will attempt to explain the principles of SCD in layman’s terms. Should you be interested in deeper and more accurate explanations, you can find them in Elaine Gottschall’s book “Breaking the Vicious Cycle”.
Our bodies are able to completely absorb monosaccharide, or simple sugar, because of this, they are also known as quick-sugar. The best monosaccharide is found in nature, fruits and vegetables, dried nuts. These foods bring their own enzymes and spend almost no time in the stomach, so their energy is used to their full potential in the intestine. Fiber has its own purpose later on in the colon.
The situation becomes markedly different when we consume disaccharides, such as grain, flour, refined sugar, lactose, maltose and others. The body needs to reduce these to monosaccharides before it can use their energy. These foods are generally processed as well, meaning they do not bring enzymes of their own. The body has to use its own enzymes and exert a lot of effort to process them. These foods also cause the body to be more acidic, which the body counters with its own reserves of alkali, which is calcium, taken from bones. Body can’t process the disaccharides completely and what remains goes to the intestines.
Our bodies have the most laborious work with polysaccharides, complex sugars, AKA starch. Examples would be potatoes, rice, corn, and other foods that you can find in our Legal – Illegal list. These have to be reduced to double and then to simple sugars. Among the populace, only peak athletes can fully utilize and absorb starch, everyone else sends the unprocessed remains to the intestines.
And here is the deal. The unprocessed remains are being feasted upon by bacteria living in our intestines. Most importantly, the malicious bacteria that release toxins during their activities are thriving. These toxins can create inflammations, damage tissue, but also travel through the bloodstream into the brain. There, they can lead to such reactions as hyperactivity, dyslexia, and all kinds of other dysfunctions, but also epilepsy, or even autism.
That’s enough of that. Now the good news. First off, I would like to assuage the fears of the people who are worried about the quality of meals. Even though it is technically a diet, you will not be forced to eat bland or even poorly tasting meals. It’s the exact opposite. The other good news is that SCD can stop any of the aforementioned (and many other unmentioned) issues. The idea is simple as you may suspect by now. It is all about the elimination of the complex sugars and starving out the enemy bacteria, by eating delicacies made from simple sugars/carbs. And in doing so, healing the body and mind.
How long can results take? When it comes to mental and mood issues caused by these toxins, results come faster. Mostly within a week or two, you will notice a calming effect and gradual disappearance of symptoms. When it comes to inflammations, it depends on the degree of damage and the process can take even two or three years. Noticeable improvement can be felt within months, however. And that’s from personal experience. During the recovery on SCD, specifically when it comes to inflammations, relapses do occur.
The first relapse most often comes after 3 or 5 months, and another within a year or so. Some people have no relapse, others have it last longer than usual. It’s necessary to persevere. Continue with SCD nutrition and wait for another improvement. Everyone is different. I myself went through two relapses, each lasting two months.
Elaine talks about returning to “regular” diet. I myself though, am not planning to do any such thing. Not after my experience with SCD, and having eaten better than before in my whole life. This return just doesn’t make sense to me, anymore. After some time we even eliminated meat, even though SCD does not prohibit it. The decision was spontaneous, our bodies just let us know. After that we both noticed further improvements in our physical and spiritual well-being. But that depends on each one of us, how much do we want to listen to our bodies.
It also depends on each one of us whether you decide to truly commit to SCD or if you will cheat and make exceptions. In such case, you only cheat yourself. And you will probably rationalize it saying that it’s not working anyway or some such. The most important thing to realize here is, that it’s time to stop hurting yourself.
If you love yourself and your body and you care for the vehicle of your brain, spirit, soul, mind or whatever you prefer to call it. And you also realize that this vehicle is the only one you are getting for the entire life. Think about what if someone gave you a car and told you it’s the only one you are ever getting, how would you treat that car? And how do you treat your body?
Last bit of advice when it comes to doctors and medicine. If you are someone who has been taking pills for 15 years, like I used to, keep going to the appointments and checkups so you can monitor how much better you are getting. Eliminate the pills only after consulting with your provider. Should you mention SCD to your doctor or not, I will leave up to you. Some providers become curious and try SCD with their other patients. Those not interested in new knowledge after graduation and are only in it to make money are better off not knowing. They will only cause you grief.
If you are truly determined, I cordially invite you to – Heal With Meal
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