SCD and GAPS Diet

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Specific Carbohydrate Diet and GAPS Diet are grain-free and starch-free.

Grains and starches can be difficult to digest, especially for some people, such as those with microbiome imbalance and gastrointestinal disorders, and can cause irritation – and even inflammation – of the gut, impacting the gut microbiome. The gut and brain are closely tied so when the gut is irritated, the brain is often negatively impacted.

Gastrointestinal disorders and an imbalance microbiome are very common in neurological conditions including ADHD, anxiety, and autism. Some people, including those with autism, have reduced numbers of carbohydrate digesting enzymes or an imbalanced microbiome. Reducing starch and grain intake gives the gut a chance to heal, and can help reduce other systemic reactions and symptoms.

Specific Carbohydrate Diet

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD) is designed to restrict disaccharides (double-sugars) and polysaccharides (starches), however, natural monosaccharides, such as honey, fruits, and non-starchy vegetables are allowed. SCD was developed on the basis that some individuals struggle to digest carbs, due to damaged mucosa in the small intestine.

The premise of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet is based on an inability to digest these “double-sugars” and starches – which are instead then eaten by gut bacteria and yeast. This causes microbial overgrowth and restricts enzymes from breaking down carbohydrates further, contributing to more damage in the gut. Avoiding eating double sugars and starches should bypass this, and help to heal the gut.

SCD is often used to help those with gastrointestinal conditions and symptoms like chronic diarrhea, gut inflammation, and intestinal pain.

Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) Diet

The Gut And Psychology Syndrome (GAPS) diet is based on the diet principles on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet above, with a few tweaks. The GAPS diet is named for the link between the gut and brain, and more emphasis is placed on bone broths and eating fermented foods to help heal the gut microbiome. This diet was created for people with gastrointestinal problems that are causing neurological symptoms; such as autism and ADHD.

Your child is unique and so are their diet and nutritional needs. Learn how personalized nutrition can help your child today. Download our guide: “12 Nutrition Steps to Better Health, Learning, and Behavior.”

Explore our SCD/GAPS Diet recipes below. Be sure to read all of the instructions before beginning in case diet-compliant substitutions are described in the introduction.

SCD/GAPS Recipes