Dr. Anthony Chaffee talks with Jessica Roman, whose young daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called MMHS that severely affected her intestines and other organs. Facing a bleak prognosis, including the possibility of a multivisceral organ transplant, Jessica researched alternatives and discovered the “No Plant GAPS” diet, which focuses on animal-based foods, broths, and fermented dairy to support gut health. This approach, guided by naturopath Dr. Becky Plotner, ultimately allowed Jessica’s daughter to avoid transplant and drastically improved her condition.
Jessica shares how they began the diet by introducing pasture-raised, worm-fed chickens, gradually increasing her daughter’s intake to manage an intense detox period from intestinal fungal overgrowth. Her daughter’s body responded positively, showing rapid health improvements within just a week—her stomach flattened, skin regained color, hair grew, and her overall strength increased. Over time, the diet led to continued improvement, helping her daughter become independent from intravenous feeding (TPN) and reducing her dependency on various medical interventions.
Dr. Chaffee and Jessica discuss how the diet allowed her daughter’s digestive system to regain function that doctors initially thought was lost. Doctors who observed her dramatic recovery were astonished, with some even requesting Jessica to document the process. Her story has since sparked interest in the medical community, inspiring hope for others with similar conditions. Jessica has connected with other families, some of whom have also tried the diet, with mixed results due to varying severity in conditions and dietary adherence.
In addition to detailing her daughter’s progress, Jessica describes how her family adopted the diet together, emphasizing that children readily embrace nutritious foods when introduced early and consistently. She highlights the importance of holistic care, noting how she and her children thrive on the carnivore diet, achieving vibrant health without medications. This journey inspired Jessica to start a coaching platform, the Christian Health Collective, where she supports others exploring similar dietary changes for health recovery.
Dr. Chaffee and Jessica emphasize the need for the medical field to reconsider dietary protocols, especially for patients with digestive and metabolic issues. They discuss how dietary recommendations, like high-carbohydrate formulas, often exacerbate health issues in sensitive patients. Through their conversation, they hope to bring awareness to the therapeutic potential of animal-based diets in managing severe health conditions, aiming to inspire further research and support for patients and families seeking alternative treatments.