So a lot of us seem to have problems even after going gluten-free or gluten-free/CF. I'm one of them. I'll feel better for a day or two, then it's like I go 10 steps back, almost like I was still eating gluten or casein. And I'm not, because I'm being so careful and I'm not eating out.

But I was re-reading the first few chapters of the SCD book and I got some ideas which I thought I'd run by you all.

1. She makes a big deal out of the sugars/carbs/starches, with her discussion of the sugar molecule types (mono- di- and poly-). The goal with SFD is to limit yourself to the single molecule sugars which can be more easily digested by a compromised digestive system. She emphasizes that sugars other than a monosaccharide can't be broken down adequately, and this would be made worse by the presence of excess mucus in celiacs which prevents the breaking down of the complex molecules.

2. If you look at all the ingredients of various gluten-free products, they are full of sugar (di-saccharide type) and various starches....tapioca starch, corn starch etc (polysaccharide types)....I'm presuming that since they are labeled starches they have those starch attributes, which makes them hard to break down, and hence, they upset the system. The lactose in milk

SOOO.....for so many of us, when we eat these sugar and starch laded goodies (breads, crackers, cakes etc etc) we are making our digestive system continually have problems because these sugars/starches just can't be broken down, gas is created, etc etc.

So I'm concluding that for me at least, I'm simply not going to improve until I really knock all this processed stuff out of my diet and basically follow the SCD diet to the letter! It all makes sense now why it would work as it does, and why it's important.

I just hope that at some point, having been on the diet for whatever time it takes, I can then introduce occasional treats and gluten-free bread etc. back into the mix.

It makes sense to me.

Yup...and when those starches and sugars dont get broken down and digested they ferment and become food for the bacteria and yeast.

It makes so much sense to me, it's not even funny! hahah....no, really though. Since I have started this diet, I have not had ANY gas! okay, seems like a little thing, but obviously, it's because things are running more smoothly when I eat. And the bloat is gone. And the pains that go along with being so tight and bloated (back aches, stomach aches, chest tightness) is all gone. Not to mention other random symptoms that are already clearning up. I'm starting to think I'll stay on this diet forever! I would be so scared to eat even a piece of gluten free bread or cookies. But then again, I'm sure the day will come when I'll want a little something. But I'm really sticking to this diet, 100%.. it just makes TOO much sense! haha

This all ties in very nicely with my other autoimmune disease which it is believed by many doctors to stem from leaky bowel syndrome and bad bacteria in the bowels. Anyway, that particular diet is low starch since the bug believed to be the root cause eats starch. I was kind of feeling smug since I got dx'd with this after I started SCD which works essentially the same. The people doing the LSD (low-starch diet) include fasts too to try to starve out the bad bug. But I was thinking that doing something like eating nothing but meat for a few days might be just as good.

I've looked over that diet and prayed I'd never have to do it but......
with more and more allergic foods popping up..I'm wondering about the starches too.
OH LORD tomorrow is another day.
just keeping gluten-free soy and dairy for now. trying to limit the gluten-free breads...oie.
judy in philly


Rachel--there you are.
I was wondering where you were. Since i got home I haven't seen your posts but then I haven't been the 'sharpest' knife in the drawer lately.
HOW ARE YOU FEELING. ARE YOU DONE WITH THE NASTY DRUG????
jUDY IN PHILLY