IBS

February 9, 2012 by Dr. Kristi Wrightson

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The Specific Carbohydrate Diet

Q: I had a flare up of IBS in the new year and my doctor suggested I go on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (on many sites on the Internet and also in the book Breaking the Vicious Cycle). Within 4 days, I noticed positive changes regarding my IBS symptoms. And within 2-3 months on the diet, I noticed positive changes regarding Chronic Fatigue. I have now been on the diet religiously for 6 months and I have energy, stamina and endurance which I haven't had in years. (Although I am still cautious about my energy envelope).
I haven't been bothered with brain fog for months. My sleep at night is much improved. My need for rest in the day is much reduced. I wonder if indeed I had Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or whether the crisis, which started it in September 2008, worsened everything, including my gut and digestive process. (I had always - although not consistently - had some digestive issues.) Was my body overburdened by trying to digest food which was not digestible for my system? And is my digestive system now healing?

Only 2 things have changed: the diet which I began in February and regularly practicing meditation (at least 3 times a day for a minimum of 20 minutes a time), which I began faithfully towards the end of April. However, by that time I had already noticed many improvements, which I'm sure is due to the diet. - Jenny
A: Essentially this diet excludes carbohydrates other than fruits, honey, properly prepared yogurt, vegetables and nuts. It specifically excludes gluten-containing foods. We asked Dr. Kristi Wrightson - our consulting Naturopathic Doctor specializing in nutrition and chronic disease - about the diet. Following is Dr. Wrightson's thinking on the subject:
I have seen the specific carb diet work. It can be really useful for people with IBS, especially in the acute phase of their disease. It basically advocates a very whole foods-based diet without the use of any processed foods or sugar. The reason most people are successful on the diet is that it reduces inflammation in the gut and allows for proper digestion (which we know can influence a whole host of symptoms).
Typically the people who have the most success are the ones who have undiagnosed food allergies, and when they reduce their intake of these items they have decreased symptoms.
It is a hard diet to follow, so compliance is a big issue. Also, occasionally I see someone who does not react positively to the diet. Sometimes this is because they could have an allergy to one of the components that are ‘legal’ on the diet (fermented cheeses, yogurt, some fruits, etc).
Most of my comments end with “consult your doctor,” and for anyone considering such a diet, this is not an exception. It is often hard to discern what is causing a symptom and how to treat it without the help of someone to aid you in this matter. If you do not have a physician who is trained in treating chronic conditions through diet and supplements, these websites can help you find a doctor in your area:
http://www.naturopathic.org - to find a Board-certified naturopathic doctor
http://www.acam.org - to find a medical doctor focusing on integrated holistic care - Dr. Kristi Wrightson, ND, MS, RD