HSA | FSA CARDS ARE NOW ACCEPTED

Specific Carbohydrate Diet (Plant-Based)

This specialized meal plan is designed to support individuals managing Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) through a strict, plant-focused approach that eliminates complex carbohydrates. Based on the framework of the original Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD), this protocol allows only monosaccharides - simple sugars that are easily absorbed - to help reduce digestive distress and starve harmful gut bacteria. To accommodate your specific needs, this plan is naturally gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and soy-free, making it a robust option for those with multiple sensitivities or those adhering to a pescatarian or plant-based lifestyle. This approach is particularly relevant for your genetic profile, as it addresses pathways associated with the TNF, IL6, and IL23R genes, which can influence your body’s inflammatory response and susceptibility to gut irritation. Additionally, because this diet relies heavily on vegetables and fruits for nutrients, it supports genetic factors related to nutrient conversion and absorption, such as the BCO1 gene, ensuring you maintain optimal vitamin levels while healing your gut.

The core philosophy of this program is to maintain nutritional balance while strictly avoiding "illegal" carbohydrates that contribute to inflammation. The plan focuses on preventing common deficiencies found in the SCD - such as vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, iron, and potassium - by strategically incorporating nutrient-dense plant foods. Scientific evidence supports the following nutritional strategies for this protocol:

  • Prioritize High-Fiber, Grain-Free Foods: Aim for up to 55 grams of fiber daily from "legal" sources like lentils, peas, nuts, and fruits to support digestive health and reduce inflammation.
  • Boost Antioxidant Intake: Consume red peppers, pistachios, squash, citrus fruits, and tomatoes to supply Vitamin A and C, which support immune function and help counteract oxidative stress.
  • Enhance Iron Absorption: Pair iron-rich plant foods like spinach and lentils with Vitamin C sources (like citrus) to maximize absorption, addressing common iron gaps in plant-based diets.
  • Focus on B-Vitamin Sources: Include plenty of green leafy vegetables and nuts to ensure adequate folate, thiamine, and vitamin B6, which are essential for energy metabolism and often low in SCD restrictions.

To fully customize this plan to your preferences, click the button below to access your PlexusDx meal planning tool. You can easily modify any meal to better fit your taste or ingredient availability using our swapping feature. Follow these steps to find the perfect alternative:

  1. Locate the meal you wish to change on your daily planner.
  2. Click the three dots in the corner of the recipe card.
  3. Select “Swap recipe” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Choose “Swap” to change just that meal, or “Swap all” to replace it for the entire week.
  5. Keep clicking “Swap” to find alternatives that match plan rules like GF/DF/egg-free.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice. Always discuss genetic findings, test results, symptoms, and treatment decisions with your healthcare provider or an allergist to determine appropriate care for your situation.