At the 2021 Crohn’s and Colitis Congress, a randomized clinical trial was presented by the University of Pennsylvania. This trial showed remission of Crohn’s by following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet or the Mediterranean diet. In fact, 47% and 44% percent achieved remission after six weeks respectively. Not only were inflammation levels lowered, checked by C-reactive protein or calprotectin, but quality of life and symptoms were improved significantly as well.
This study, unlike most, was patient driven. After asking what IBD patients wanted to know more about, the effect of diet (SCD in particular) was the resounding answer. To study the effects of the SCD diet on Crohn’s, the researchers would need another diet to compare it to. The Mediterranean diet was chosen for its known health benefits to the general population.
After a 12-week study with 194 patients, there is substantial evidence that these diets can help with disease remission. At the 12-week mark clinical remission rates were at 40% and 47%. It was concluded that both of these diets were well tolerated and improved remission rates equally, even if inflammation was not present at the time of starting.
So, what are the main differences in these diets? The Specific Carbohydrate diet is based on the avoidance of complex carbohydrates that promote the growth of bad bacteria which will lead to inflammation. It is characterized by avoiding grains of all kinds, refined sugar, and traditional dairy products. It promotes unprocessed meats of almost all kinds, eggs, most vegetables, fruits, and nuts. The Mediterranean diet on the other hand, does allow some grains and cereals as well as some processed meats and wine. It is similar in the oils, fruits, and vegetables that SCD uses. This diet has long been known for its health benefits that include; lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and extending overall life expectancy. The Mediterranean diet is characterized by oils, fish, poultry, fruits, and vegetables. It limits intake of red meat and sweets. Researchers were surprised to find that patients did well tolerating the fruits and vegetables in these diets, as IBD patients are often told to avoid them altogether.
For this study, in the first six weeks, patients were given prepared meals adhering to their assigned diet to make the process easier. This also allowed the patients to acquaint themselves with the foods that they could eat before making meals on their own. I also want to note that 50% of patients were on biologics, 60% had non stricturing and nonpenetrating disease. While 25% had solely an ileum, and ⅓ of overall patients had undergone surgery for their Crohn’s disease. I note these things to show that no matter how far along in your diagnosis you are, if you take biologics or not, or have had surgery; these diets were shown to improve symptoms, remission rates, and overall quality of life.
I have seen first-hand how much the SCD diet has helped my UC symptoms and quality of life. I am glad to see diet being addressed by Western medicine, as it is a vital tool to help heal IBD from the inside out. I hope this is the first of many studies conducted on IBD and diet. If you are still experiencing symptoms of your Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative Colitis, I challenge you to look at your current diet to see how it matches up with the SCD and Mediterranean diets. By evaluating your food intake and eating foods that your body can easily digest and use, you can start your journey to remission today. So, what are you waiting for?
New to SCD? I’m here to help! Under the ‘What is the SCD Diet?’ tab on my site HERE you can learn the ins and outs of the SCD diet, lifestyle, and additional supplements. I also will show you easy SCD compliant recipes, as well as up and coming medications and treatments on the horizon. Still have questions? Reach out by clicking on the ‘Get in Touch’ tab or emailing me HERE!
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