Jeffrey Berger, Founder, Executive Director

Jeffrey's Journey: Pioneering the Specific Carbohydrate Diet for Healing and Unity

Jeffrey's life began with gastrointestinal challenges, necessitating surgery to correct pyloric stenosis at just 2 weeks old. His battle with health issues continued, and at the age of 18, he received the diagnosis of Crohn's Disease. In the early 1980's, the treatment landscape for this condition was limited, but Jeffrey discovered the profound impact of nutrition on his overall well-being. His body's reactions to different foods were readily apparent, confirming the direct link between food consumption and inflammatory bowel disease.

In 1984, while hospitalized as an inpatient, Jeffrey's theory was validated when he underwent bowel rest to reduce inflammation. The evidence was clear: the food he consumed directly influenced his entire body, including the course of Crohn's Disease.

In 1995, while residing in San Francisco, Jeffrey encountered a life-changing ad promoting the Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD). Elaine Gottschall, the author of "Breaking the Vicious Cycle Intestinal Health Through Diet," captivated him with her charismatic and informed approach. She demystified the science behind the SCD, emphasizing the transformative power of consuming healthy, nutritious, and easily digestible foods for healing.

Fortune smiled upon Jeffrey, granting him the opportunity to learn directly from Elaine Gottschall through numerous phone calls and faxes during the late 1990s. Adhering to the SCD entirely has proved challenging, but it has also been the key to his success. Remarkably, Jeffrey has experienced asymptomatic periods and clinical remission for 25 out of the last 30 years, a testament to the diet's efficacy.

Driven by his experiences and inspired by the thriving SCD Facebook Communities, Jeffrey founded 70 SCD groups, including the flagship "Breaking the Vicious Cycle-SCD Community," as well as the recently launched "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" communities. His primary goal is to foster an environment where members can learn from each other, find solace, and understand that they are not alone in their struggles.

These experiences led Jeffrey to establish the Specific Carbohydrate Diet Association, a platform to carry on Elaine Gottschall's legacy and promote the healing potential of the SCD. The Association's three pillars—raising awareness, unifying the community, and supporting future research—embody his commitment to positively impact the lives of those dealing with gastrointestinal challenges worldwide.

Beyond his dedication to the SCD Community, Jeffrey holds an impressive academic background, having earned a Bachelor's of Science in Health Services Administration and Long-Term Care Administration from Quinnipiac University and pursued his Master's of Science in Applied Management at Lesley University. Over the last 35 years, he has played pivotal roles in the healthcare industry, serving in various capacities from executive to consultant in human resources, travelling to many parts of the world.

Jeffrey's profound encounters with people from diverse backgrounds and his extensive global travels have unveiled a common thread—every individual possesses a unique story of resilience and progress. These shared narratives underscore the unity that binds us all together, encouraging a sense of compassion and empathy in every interaction.

In conclusion, Jeffrey's journey exemplifies the transformative power of the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and its potential to bring individuals together. His tireless efforts through the Specific Carbohydrate Diet Association, coupled with his rich experiences in the healthcare industry, have positioned him as a dedicated advocate and a beacon of hope for the SCD Community worldwide.