Overview

This research will evaluate the effect of diets on bloating/distention, assess changes in abdominal pain, and overall gastrointestinal symptom burden in Systemic Sclerosis. The researchers will do this by comparing outcomes of people assigned to 3 different diets. Following the research specifics of the diets will be available upon contact with the details listed below.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) as per ACR/EULAR classification criteria

  .• Self-reported moderate to severe gastrointestinal bloating or distension, with a UCLA SCTC-GIT 2.0 bloating Scale score ≥2.00 on (0.00-3.00 scale) at screening.

• Willingness and ability to comply with dietary intervention and study procedures.
• Ability to provide informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or celiac disease.
• Use of systemic antibiotics within 4 weeks prior to baseline.
• History of gastrointestinal surgery (other than cholecystectomy or appendectomy unless in the last 3 months).
• Severe cognitive impairment or psychiatric illness that would limit ability to follow dietary instructions.
• Known allergy or intolerance to major components of any of the study diets (e.g., lactose, gluten) unless manageable within diet framework.
• Current or recent (within 3 months) dietary intervention for managing GI symptoms (e.g. gluten-free diet, low FODMAP diet, etc.).
• Clinically significant self-reported (≥10 percent weight loss) in the last 3 months
• BMI less than 20
• Ongoing tube feeds or TPN
• Participating in another interventional trial
• Pregnancy or lactation, or planning pregnancy in the next 6 months