How the Specific Carbohydrate Diet Supports Gut Healing in Ulcerative Colitis & Crohn’s

Could the SCD Be a Helpful Tool in Your Gut-Healing Journey?

When you’re living with ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease, food quickly becomes more than just food. It becomes something to question, something to worry about, and sometimes, something to fear.

One day, a meal sits fine. The next, it sends you spiralling into cramps, bloating, or urgency. And after enough of those unpredictable reactions, it’s normal to wonder: Is there something more I can do?

I’ve been there myself, wondering if food could be part of the problem or the solution.

That’s where therapeutic diets come in. Not as magic fixes, but as tools that some people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) use to feel more in control of their symptoms and more supported in their healing.

One of the most well-known approaches in this space, and one I followed for many years after my initial diagnosis, is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, or SCD. First introduced nearly a century ago and later adapted for IBD by biochemist Elaine Gottschall, the SCD has grown into a widely discussed (and debated) dietary framework for gut health.

So, what exactly is the SCD? Can it help people with Crohn’s or UC? And what does science say? Let’s explore this approach realistically and without the pressure of perfection.

What Is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)?

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is highly structured, removing all grains, refined sugars, most dairy, legumes, and starches. Instead, it centres around whole foods and simpler carbohydrates, ones believed to be easier to digest, particularly for people with compromised gut function.

The core idea is that some carbs are harder for the body to break down. When digestion is already strained, as it often is in IBD, these harder-to-digest carbs may ferment in the gut, feeding unhelpful bacteria and contributing to inflammation. By removing them, the SCD aims to create a more balanced and calm environment in the digestive tract.

Where Did the SCD Come From?

The SCD was originally developed in the 1920s by Dr. Sidney Haas, who used it to treat children with celiac disease. It later gained renewed interest when Elaine Gottschall, a mother and biochemist, began using the diet to support her daughter’s ulcerative colitis symptoms. After witnessing significant improvement, Gottschall researched the science behind the approach and wrote Breaking the Vicious Cycle, a book that’s still widely used in the SCD community today.

Gottschall’s theory suggests that by eliminating complex carbs (like starches and disaccharides) and focusing on simpler sugars (monosaccharides), the diet reduces bacterial overgrowth and gives the gut lining a chance to heal.

Can the SCD Support Gut Healing in Crohn’s and UC?

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet has become a bit of a buzzword in the IBD world, not just because of its structured food lists, but because of the community of people who say it has changed their lives.

While personal stories can be powerful (and often very real), they don’t always reflect the full picture. So, what does the current understanding say about how, and if, the SCD can help support healing in Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis?

Let’s look at what we know, what we’re still learning, and what it might mean for your own gut-healing journey.

1. The Theory Behind the Diet

The SCD is built on the idea that certain carbs, especially disaccharides and polysaccharides, can remain undigested in the gut, where they feed harmful bacteria. These bacteria can produce gas, increase inflammation, and worsen digestive symptoms.

By removing those complex carbs and focusing on monosaccharides (like those found in honey, ripe fruit, and some vegetables), the SCD aims to “starve out” these bacteria, rebalance the microbiome, and give the gut lining a chance to repair.

There’s also a strong emphasis on homemade, unprocessed food, which, for some people, helps reduce exposure to additives, preservatives, and other common gut irritants.

2. What the Research Says

Research into the SCD is growing, but it’s still relatively limited, especially in adults. Here’s a quick summary of where things currently stand:

In Crohn’s disease: Some small studies, especially in children, have shown promising results, including reduced inflammation and improved symptoms. However, a 2021 study in Gastroenterology found that adults following the SCD didn’t have significantly better outcomes than those on the Mediterranean Diet, which is more flexible and less restrictive.
In ulcerative colitis: Evidence is even more limited. While there are case reports and individual stories of improvement, there aren’t yet large-scale clinical trials confirming its effectiveness in UC. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t work for some, just that we don’t have the data to say for sure how or why.

The bottom line? The SCD may help some people reduce symptoms, especially in the short term. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, and it may not work for everyone, especially without support and planning. I always remind clients that curiosity, not pressure, is a good place to begin.

3. Things to Be Aware Of

Like any therapeutic diet, the SCD comes with both potential benefits and some important warnings:

Nutritional deficiencies: Because it removes many food groups, there’s a risk of falling short on key nutrients like vitamin D, calcium, folate, and fibre. Working with a dietitian can help minimise this risk.
Mental load: The SCD requires time, prep, and mental energy. Everything from sauces to snacks needs to be homemade, and even things like “natural flavours” on labels can be off-limits. This can feel empowering for some, but overwhelming for others.
Emotional relationship with food: Strict food rules can sometimes lead to increased anxiety or disordered eating patterns, especially if you’re already feeling vulnerable. If you notice that food is starting to feel fear-based or obsessive, that’s worth paying attention to and seeking support for.

What Can You Eat on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet?

The SCD food list can feel a little overwhelming at first glance, especially when you’re coming from a place of restriction fatigue or food anxiety (which, let’s be honest, many people with IBD are). But once you settle into its rhythm, the diet is surprisingly whole-foods based and centred around simple, nourishing ingredients.

Here’s a closer look at what the SCD includes and what it avoids, so you can start to understand whether this approach feels doable for your lifestyle, preferences, and current health needs.

What’s Allowed

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet includes foods free from complex carbs and considered easier to digest. These include:

Unprocessed meats (beef, chicken, fish, lamb, turkey)
Eggs
Most fresh fruits and non-starchy vegetables (like carrots, spinach, apples, and ripe bananas)
Nuts and nut-based flours (like almond flour)
Aged cheeses (such as cheddar and Parmesan)
Homemade 24-hour fermented yoghurt (this fermentation process removes virtually all lactose - you can find a recipe on my blog here)
Fats and oils (like olive oil, ghee, and coconut oil)
Honey is the only approved sweetener

Meals are typically made from scratch, with an emphasis on simplicity and digestion, roasted veggies, baked fish, soups made with bone broth, and homemade treats using almond flour and honey.

The Breaking the Vicious Cycle website provides detailed food lists and an FAQ section for those who want to go deeper.

What’s Not Allowed

These are foods that the diet eliminates, either because they contain complex carbs that are harder to digest, or because they are processed in ways that can interfere with gut healing:

All grains (including rice, oats, wheat, corn, quinoa, and barley)
Starchy vegetables (potatoes, sweet potatoes, and parsnips)
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, beans, soy)
Milk and soft cheeses (due to lactose content)
Sugar and artificial sweeteners
Juices from concentrate and beverages with additives
Processed foods, canned goods, or anything with preservatives and “natural flavours”

It’s important to note that even naturally healthy foods, like oats or sweet potatoes, are excluded from the SCD due to their carbohydrate structure. This can be surprising, especially if you’ve followed other gut-health diets before.

Is the Specific Carbohydrate Diet Right for Everyone?

There’s no doubt that the SCD has helped some people with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis feel more in control of their symptoms, especially when they felt like nothing else was working. But as with any approach to healing, it’s important to remember that what works beautifully for one person might not work (or feel sustainable) for someone else.

And that’s okay.

It Might Be a Fit If…

Some people with IBD find the SCD to be a helpful option when:

They’re recovering from a flare and want to simplify their meals
They’re sensitive to highly processed foods or certain types of carbohydrates
They want to try a diet that feels more proactive and structured
They enjoy cooking and have the time or support to prepare meals from scratch
They’re working closely with a healthcare provider or dietitian to stay nutritionally supported

If this sounds like you, starting with a gentle phase of the SCD, like broths, eggs, and soft-cooked veggies, may be a way to test how your body responds before committing to the full plan.

But It Might Not Be the Best Choice If…

The SCD is a highly restrictive diet, and that means it comes with real challenges. It may not be suitable if:

You have a history of disordered eating or anxiety around food
The idea of avoiding “off-limit” foods creates stress or guilt
You’re already underweight, fatigued, or struggling with malnutrition
You don’t have the time, capacity, or access to cook most meals from scratch
You’re managing a condition like small bowel strictures, where high-fibre foods could cause complications

Some clinicians have also expressed concern over the potential for nutritional deficiencies in people who follow the SCD long-term. For example, vitamins D, B6, A, C, calcium, and folate may all be harder to maintain on this plan, particularly if no supplements or professional guidance is used. For those interested in alternative guidance around IBD and diet, the Mayo Clinic is a great website to check out.

Tips for Getting Started (Without the Overwhelm)

If you’re thinking about trying the SCD, or even just dipping your toes in, the most important thing to remember is this: you don’t have to do it all at once. This isn’t a race, and there’s no gold star for following it perfectly from day one.

Start small. Start gently.

1. Begin With One Meal at a Time

You do not need to go and throw everything out of your pantry tomorrow. For many people, simply starting with one SCD-aligned meal a day is a manageable (and far less stressful) first step. Something like a warm chicken soup, a soft-cooked vegetable dish, or a breakfast of eggs and ripe banana can help ease you into the rhythm.

Pay attention to how you feel, not just physically, but emotionally. Does this feel empowering? Restrictive? Helpful? Exhausting? Let your body and mind give you feedback as you go.

2. Focus on Nourishing, Not “Perfect”

It’s very easy to get caught up in the rules. But healing doesn’t come from being rigid; it comes from nourishment, support, and feeling safe in your body again. Choose meals that feel grounding and doable. Leave room for flexibility when life gets messy (because it probably will).

There’s no failure here. If something doesn’t work, you haven’t done anything wrong; you’ve simply learned.

3. Build a Support Team if You Can

Consulting a dietitian, especially one who understands IBD, can make a huge difference. They can help you:

Avoid nutritional gaps
Adapt the diet to your specific needs
Reintroduce foods safely
Offer mental and emotional support when the journey gets tough

If you’re not able to work with a dietitian right now, consider browsing trusted recipe creators like Creative in My Kitchen by Claudia Curici, who shares delicious, SCD-friendly meals and resources on her website and Instagram.

FAQS: The Specific Carbohydrate Diet for Crohn’s and UC

Q: Is the SCD a cure for Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis?

No, the SCD isn’t a cure. But for some people, it may help manage symptoms, support gut health, and reduce the frequency or intensity of flares. The key is that it works as one tool in a broader healing plan, not a silver bullet.

Q: How long do I need to be on the SCD to see results?

Everyone’s timeline is different. Some people notice improvements within a few weeks, especially in symptoms like gas or urgency. Others may take months before they see changes. It also depends on how consistently the diet is followed and how severe your symptoms are to begin with.

Gottschall recommended sticking to the SCD for at least one year after the last flare, but there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. The most important thing is to go at your own pace and adjust as needed.

Q: Can I follow the SCD while on medication?

Absolutely. The SCD is often used alongside medical treatment, not instead of it. Many people with IBD take medications while also exploring supportive dietary strategies. Always talk to your doctor before making changes to your treatment plan.

Q: Is it okay to modify the SCD to make it more sustainable?

For some, yes. While “fanatical adherence” is a common phrase in SCD communities, many people find that adapting the diet by adding back certain foods like oats, rice, or starchy vegetables helps make it more practical and less stressful. If this feels like a better fit for your life, that’s valid. Healing should feel supportive, not punishing.

Q: Is the SCD backed by research?

There is emerging research, especially in children with Crohn’s disease, showing potential benefits. But the evidence in adults, and particularly for ulcerative colitis, is still limited. Some studies suggest that less restrictive diets (like the Mediterranean Diet) may offer similar benefits with fewer barriers. More research is needed.

Q: What if I try it and it doesn’t help?

Then you’ve learned something valuable. Trying the SCD is a way to gather insight about how your body responds, and if it’s not the right fit, that doesn’t mean you’ve failed. There are other supportive approaches out there. Healing from IBD is rarely linear, and your path is allowed to shift.

Final Thoughts: Support, not Perfection

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet has helped many people with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis feel calmer in their bodies, more in control of their meals, and more connected to their healing. But it’s not the only way. And it’s not the “right” way for everyone.

What matters most is finding a way of eating and living that supports you. That helps you feel nourished, grounded, and less afraid of your symptoms. For some, that’s the SCD. For others, it’s a more flexible approach. And for many, it’s a blend of trial and error, small steps, and self-compassion.

If you’re considering the SCD, take your time. Learn a little. Try a meal or two. See how it feels. You don’t have to decide everything today. And you’re allowed to change your mind as you go.

Whatever path you take, know this: you’re not broken. You’re not doing it wrong. And you’re not alone.

If you want to know more, I cover the Specific Carbohydrate diet as well as many other popular diets in my book Well Now: Reclaim Your Life from Ulcerative Colitis, available on Amazon.

If you’re curious about the idea of using foods to support healing, I’ve written more about that here: The Power of Food Pairing for Gut Healing.