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[log in to unmask] wrote:

> I would like to know what people on the List think about the Specific
> Carbohydrate Diet, in which ALL starches are eliminated, not just
> gluten.  For example, you exclude also rice and potatoes.  Some
> celiacs have reported success on this diet.

In a nutshell:  I don't think much of the diet.  It is too restrictive
in my opinion, and celiacs don't need to be that restrictive unless they
have MANY other sensitivities to the common sources of carbohydrates.

The specific carbohydrate diet is described in a book by Elaine
Gottschall.  The following comments on the book are from Janet Rinehart,
of the Houston Celiac Sprue Support Group, as written in the Jan. 1996
issue of the _Celiac ActionLine_:

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8.  _BREAKING THE VICIOUS CYCLE, Intestinal Health Through Diet, Diet
for Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis, Celiac Disease,
Cystic Fibrosis, & Chronic Diarrhea_, by Elaine Gottschall, B.A., M.Sc.
Ms. Gottshall says that "in various conditions, a poorly functioning
intestine can be easily overwhelmed by the ingestion of carbohydrates
which require numerous digestive processes.  The result is an
environment that supports overgrowth of intestinal yeast and bacteria
thus either initiating the chain of events or perpetuating it.  The
purpose of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet is to deprive the microbial
world of the intestine of the food it needs to overpopulate."  .  .  .

This 'resource' is not an orthodox way of looking at digestive diseases.
For Irritable Bowel, this restrictive diet may work for some people, at
least temporarily.  The therapy described in this book is not medically
accepted.  Celiacs can tolerate this diet for a while, but in longer
terms, they may run the risk of malnutrition and further complications
because the diet is not nutritionally balanced.  And if you thought a
gluten-free diet was restrictive....!  This diet will definitely not
cure Celiac Disease.  The recipes printed seem to be fine for a
gluten-free diet, although no mention is given to the avoidance of
distilled vinegar or alcohol.  _Breaking the Vicious Cycle_ is
definitely not recommended for celiacs.
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I also like the following comments, made by Jim Ricketts in a post to
the list last November:

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Date:         Thu, 7 Nov 1996 14:51:45 EET
From:         Jim Ricketts <[log in to unmask]>

In my opinion, leaving out *all* grains, for uncomplicated celiac
disease, is not only unnecessary, but incorrect.  We have usually just
gone through a prolonged period of what amounts to malnutrition, and
what we need at this time is good nutrition as soon as possible.  The
best way to achieve this is with the gluten free diet...

"Grains" are the seed of a variety of grasses, such as wheat (including
spelt), rye, barley and oats - which are all considered dangerous for
celiacs - as well as rice and millet and corn.

The term also is applied to non grass grains such as buckwheat.

There is a degree of debate at a very acedemic level about how much of
the diet should be made up of starches, but considering the nature of
celiac disease and the small effects postulated for these alternative
diets - the standard celiac diet is best for most of us.  Use what ever
flours you can, and eat a balanced diet within these limits.
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I don't agree with Ms. Gottschall's theory about carbohydrates.  Yes, a
celiac will get better (probably) on her diet (which is a gluten-free
diet, but also excludes a good deal more than just the gluten-containing
grains).  But most will also get better just as quickly on a "normal"
gluten-free diet without excluding other carbohydrates, and have far
more variety in what they eat.

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