About the SCD Web Library   About the SCD Web Library        The SCD Web Library was founded in 1996 and is an edited, purposeful compilation of listserve communications of thousands of people that are getting real results from dietary adjustments. The scdiet.org domain was purchased for this site in 1999. The site contains important listserve discussion from 1996 - 2001. With the advent of self-archiving email listserves and ancilliary SCD listserves, since 2001 this site is updated primarily when new research, testimonials, and SCD resources are submitted. Daily discussion, debate, and current news are best found on one of the many SCD listservers and groups.   read about the editors and webmasters     About the Specific Carbohydrate Diet        The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is a strict grain-free, lactose-free, and sucrose-free dietary regimen intended for those suffering from Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac Disease, IBD, and IBS. 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 SCD works by severely limiting the availability of carbohydrates to intestinal microbes. When carbohydrates are not digested, they are not absorbed. They remain in the intestinal tract, thus encouraging microbes to multiply by providing food for them. This can lead to the formation of acids and toxins which can injure the small intestine. Once bacteria multiply within the small intestine, they can destroy the enzymes on the intestinal cell surface, preventing carbohydrate digestion and absorption. At this point, production of excessive mucus may be triggered as the intestinal tract attempts to "lubricate" itself against the irritation caused by the toxins, acids, and the presence of incompletely digested and unabsorbed carbohydrates. The SCD 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 SCD 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 SCD was developed by Dr. Sydney Valentine Haas, and is described in his book, "The Management of Celiac Disease". Elaine Gottschall's daughter was saved by the SCD, causing Elaine to further research the diet and to describe it in further detail in her own book, "Breaking The Vicious Cycle: Intestinal Health Through Diet".   more about the diet itself   about Elaine Gottschall   visit Elaine's official web site: BreakingTheViciousCycle.info   read Chapter One   more about IBD, Crohn's Disease, and Ulcerative Colitis