The Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ has helped millions of people who suffer from various forms of bowel disease and other ailments to vastly improve their quality of life. It is a diet intended for those suffering from Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, diverticulitis, cystic fibrosis and chronic diarrhea. It has also been effective in the treatment of autism.
Breaking The Vicious Cycle explains the powerful connection between food and intestinal health, focusing on conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, celiac disease, cystic fibrosis, and chronic diarrhea. The book presents the science and practical application of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ (SCD™)—a nutritional approach designed to restore balance in the digestive tract and support the body’s natural ability to heal.
Elaine Gottschall describes the cycle of inflammation, dysbiosis, and bacterial imbalance that occurs in many intestinal disorders. She explains how carefully chosen carbohydrates can help interrupt this cycle, reduce symptoms, and allow normal intestinal function to return. The book combines clear scientific explanation with decades of clinical and personal experience.
A dedicated chapter on Autism and the Gut–Brain Axis reviews research linking intestinal health to neurological and developmental conditions. It explores how dietary intervention with the Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ has helped many families address symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, and attention deficit disorder (ADD).
The book also includes a comprehensive recipe section featuring simple, everyday meals as well as gourmet-style dishes, all based on the scientific principles of the SCD™. These recipes provide practical guidance for making the diet sustainable and enjoyable for individuals and families.
Many people are eager to begin the Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ as soon as they learn about it. To help you get started, this website offers a Beginner’s Guide, introductory food lists, and community resources. However, to fully understand and safely implement the diet, it is essential to read Breaking The Vicious Cycle carefully. You can explore the book’s foreword and read testimonials from people around the world who have benefited from Elaine Gottschall’s work.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet is a well-researched and studied nutritional therapy for Celiac, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis and other autoimmune diseases.
The PDF gives you the opportunity to see all the items listed or print it for quick reference.
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet has entered the world of autism through “the back door”- the intestinal tract.
The SCD Video Library provides free live streaming presentations from clinicians and people sharing their personal journeys.
The SCD Global Network of Facebook Communities offers inspiration, guidance, education and support on your journey.
The purpose of SCDWiki is to make it easier for people to be successful in implementing the Specific Carbohydrate Diet.

Elaine Gottschall, Specific Carbohydrate Diet Pioneer
The Specific Carbohydrate Diet Association was created as a US IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2018 to raise awareness of the benefits of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet™ (SCD™) while unifying the community including followers, parents, caregivers, doctors, clinicians, companies and others around the world. We provide resources, support, guidance and inspiration via social media platforms and conferences for the public and community to learn, network and support each other. The association also promotes research into the diet.
Copyright © 2026 Kirkton Press Inc. - All Rights Reserved.
Information published on this website is intended to support the book Breaking The Vicious Cycle by Elaine Gottschall. It is for information purposes only. It is not the intention of this site to diagnose, prescribe, or replace medical care. Your doctor or nutrition expert should be consulted before undertaking a change of diet. Specific Carbohydrate Diet™, SCD™, Breaking the Vicious Cycle™ are trademarks owned by Kirkton Press Inc.

Newly restored archive: Elaine Gottschall’s historic interviews have been added to our video library, featuring her teachings in her own voice.