Following dietary therapy can be challenging. The Specific Carbohydrate Diet has evolved over the years since Dr. Sydney Haas first reported on it. Since then we have learned much but there is still much more for us to learn. Below are foods that are allowed (legal) and foods that are not allowed (illegal) based off of Dr. Sydney Haas's initial description of the diet and Elaine Gottschal's Breaking the Vicious Cycle and our current research. In addition this food list includes up to date evidence based information on current research in foods.
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| Type of Food | SCD Approval | Explanation | NiMBAL Research |
| Echinacea | Legal | An herbal supplement taken to prevent respiratory illness. | Echinacea fed to an animal model of colitis led to a lower disease activity index as well as fewer pro-inflammatory molecules. |
| Edamame | Illegal | Soybeans served in the pod, found in Asian cuisines. | While no studies have been done examining the effects of edamame on IBD, isoflavones from soy alleviated colitis in an animal model, and soy was also shown to increase anti-inflammatory cytokines in this colitis animal model. |
| Edam cheese | Legal | A cheese from the Netherlands. May be eaten occasionally. No lactose. | Consumption of cheese has been shown in this study to support healthy bacterial species and decrease harmful bacterial species. |
| Eggplant | Legal | Also known as aubergine. A meaty, purple fruit. | Eggplant is rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants. |
| Eggs | Legal | Look for the omega-3 fatty acid-enriched variety! | This epidemiological study found no risk associated with high consumption of eggs and IBD. |
| Elderberry | Legal | A rich source of vitamin B6 and C. | Elderberries contain quercetin, a polyphenol which has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown in this study to shift the gut microbiota to a healthier, more anti-inflammatory profile. |
| EMPower | Illegal | Has many illegal ingredients, like brown rice bran, FOS, Bifidus, and flax seeds. | No research has been done examining the effects of EMPower on IBD. Complex carbohydrates (such as FOS) act as food for bacteria, leading to excessive fermentation and intestinal permeability. |
| Endive | Legal | Closely related to chicory root and radicchio. | According to this review, endives contain the flavonoid kaempferol, which has been effective in reducing colitis in an animal model. |
| Ethanol | Legal | Ethanol is alcohol. | While a little alcohol is okay every now and then, it has been shown that alcohol causes inflammation, overgrowth of bacteria, and intestinal permeability in this review. |
| Evaporated cane juice | Illegal | A fancy name for sugar. | High sugar intake has been linked to increased risk for ulcerative colitis in this epidemiological study. |
| Ezekiel Bread | Illegal | Sprouted grain breads are illegal. Contains gluten. | This cross-sectional study showed that a gluten-free diet reduced clinical symptoms in patients with IBD. |
