In a recent episode of The Plant-Free MD podcast, Dr. Anthony Chaffee sat down with Jessica Roman, who shared a truly transformative journey centered on her daughter Riley, a child who had faced one of the most severe digestive disorders a young person could experience. Jessica’s story is not just about overcoming a rare genetic condition but about discovering the profound impact that a carefully tailored diet can have—even in cases where traditional medicine offers little hope.
The Life-Altering Diagnosis
Riley was born with a rare genetic disorder called MMIHS, which severely affects the smooth muscles of the intestines and bladder. From the start, Jessica’s journey as Riley’s mother was filled with medical emergencies, countless hospital visits, and complex procedures. Riley required multiple surgeries, and by the age of two, was fully dependent on TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition), which bypasses the digestive system and supplies nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Doctors told Jessica that Riley would likely need a bowel transplant in the near future and that her prognosis was bleak, often giving her only a few years to live.
A Last Hope: The No-Plant GAPS Diet
Jessica’s breakthrough came when she encountered Dr. Becky Plotner, a certified GAPS practitioner who introduced her to the no-plant GAPS diet. This diet, an extreme version of the carnivore diet, is specifically designed for patients with severely compromised digestive systems. It consists mainly of organ meats, homemade broths, and fermented dairy—all foods aimed at supporting a sensitive digestive system without causing further harm. Jessica was told to go back to basics: boil pasture-raised chickens, blend the meat with broth, and start feeding Riley just a few milliliters at a time through a G-tube.
What happened next was nothing short of remarkable. Within a week, Riley’s chronic abdominal distention—a problem that had plagued her since birth—began to subside. Her skin started to take on a healthy color, her hair began growing, and her energy levels transformed. Slowly but steadily, Riley’s need for TPN faded, and she even began experiencing regular bladder control, something her condition had previously made impossible.
The Power of Personalized Nutrition
Dr. Chaffee and Jessica discussed the powerful, often overlooked role of diet in managing severe illnesses. Traditional medicine, Jessica explained, had little to offer beyond medication and surgery. Fiber and carbohydrates, which are commonly recommended, had only worsened Riley’s symptoms by fueling harmful gut bacteria. However, once she transitioned to the no-plant GAPS diet, her health rapidly improved.
For Riley, eliminating all plants and focusing on nutrient-dense animal foods was the key to stabilizing her condition. Jessica recalls that Riley’s doctors were stunned by her progress; many had assumed that her only future lay in experimental surgeries and a lifelong dependency on IV nutrition.
A Family’s Transformation
Inspired by Riley’s progress, Jessica and her entire family embraced the no-plant GAPS lifestyle. Jessica herself had battled autoimmune issues, which dramatically improved on this diet. She found herself with renewed energy and resilience, even after long hospital stays with Riley. Jessica, her husband, and her other two children continue to follow a similar regimen, which has become a grounding, supportive lifestyle for the whole family.
Christian Health Collective: Sharing the Hope
Jessica’s experience has motivated her to support other families facing similar challenges. She founded Christian Health Collective, an organization focused on holistic health and nutrition. Through coaching and educational resources, she now helps families understand how personalized dietary interventions can transform health outcomes—even when traditional medical approaches fall short.
She is also releasing a book, Dying to Thriving, which chronicles Riley’s journey and provides a roadmap for parents and caregivers navigating similar health crises. Jessica hopes that her story will inspire other parents to question dietary norms and to work with medical professionals open to exploring new approaches, especially in cases where the stakes are high.
A New Path Forward
Jessica’s story is a testament to the impact of diet on health, especially in cases where conventional treatments provide little relief. It also highlights the importance of staying curious and open to alternative therapies. For parents facing overwhelming diagnoses, Jessica’s story is a beacon of hope. Through tireless research, a willingness to try something unconventional, and a holistic approach, Jessica found a way to give her daughter a future full of health, vitality, and possibilities.
If you’d like to learn more about Jessica Roman’s work or get updates on her upcoming book, visit cHealthCollective.org.