Popular Dietary Models - SCD and GAPS

Question 1

SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet):

Answer 1

SCD (Specific Carbohydrate Diet):
* Invented by American paediatrician Dr Sidney Haas and popularised by Elaine Gottschall (whose daughter was treated by Dr Haas), with her book Breaking the vicious cycle. Intestinal health through diet.

Question 2

GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet):

Answer 2

GAPS (Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet):
* Developed by Dr Natasha Campbell-McBride.

Question 3

SCD and GAPS Diet

Answer 3

SCD and GAPS are designed to support optimal health by:
* Improving the health and integrity of the digestive tract.
* Promoting a symbiotic relationship with the internal bacteria.

Question 4

Gastrointestinal Tract

Answer 4

SCD and GAPS propose a causal link between GIT disturbance and various neurological, auto-immune and allergic responses.
* People with neurological diseases frequently have concurrent GIT issues.
* Maldigestion of carbohydrates may promote the growth of pathogenic bacteria and yeasts.
* This can cause or exacerbate raised intestinal permeability and lead to malabsorption, allergies and food intolerances.
* Vaccination, Caesarean birth, antibiotic use and chemical exposure disrupt the healthy functioning of the GIT.

Question 5

Elimination and Stages

Answer 5

SCD and GAPS are strict elimination diets with three key stages:
1. Stage one —introduction phase.
2. Stage two—maintenance phase.
3. Stage three —reintroduction phase.

Question 6

Stage 1:
Introduction Phase

Answer 6

1. Stage one —introduction phase. Lasts up to a year depending on severity of symptoms and is the most restrictive phase. All starchy carbs are removed, with the diet based mainly on bone broths, stews and probiotic foods.

Question 7

Stage 2:
Maintenance Phase

Answer 7

2. Stage two—maintenance phase. Lasts 1.5–2 years. Diet includes vegetables and fermented foods, meat, fish, eggs, animal fats.

Question 8

Stage 3: Reintroduction Phase

Answer 8

3. Stage three —reintroduction phase. Reintroduces other foods one at a time and in small amounts. If no digestive symptoms occur the amount can be increased. Refined carbs should still be avoided.

Question 9

Benefits

Answer 9

• Encourages home-cooked meals made from fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry, fish (promotes organic foods, grass-fed meat).
• Does not allow convenience food, processed foods.

Question 10

Disadvantages

Answer 10

• Clinical reports show benefits in some cases, but more research is needed.
• Extremely restrictive, difficult to follow long term.
• Cuts out many nutrient-dense foods especially whole grains and legumes for lengthy periods.
• The diets are based heavily on animal foods.