ABSTRACT
Patients diagnosed with a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder may engage in restrictive food patterns as an effort to alleviate symptoms. The presence of GI symptoms may also lead to food aversions and thus to an impaired relationship with the diet. This chapter reviews popular diets used in gastroenterology, the evidence of claims made by these diets, and practical applications for their use in GI disorders. The specific carbohydrate diet (SCD) aims to eliminate foods composed of disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides from the diet. Elimination of poorly digested carbohydrates will reduce bacterial fermentation and allow the GI tract to heal. Monosaccharides are the only source of carbohydrates permitted for consumption in the diet because monosaccharides do not require digestion. Patients with GI disorders are appropriate for the Mediterranean diet. A discussion should take place with the patient about the rationale for the diet and to review what plant-based foods should be consumed in greater frequency at meals.
