I never thought I would be writing an article about how a strict carnivore diet brought me back from the edge of type two diabetes and helped me lose 50 pounds. But here I am, a living example of how elimination diets can work wonders for people who are struggling with chronic diseases, allergies, inflammation, diabetes, and every other associated disease.
First, let me tell you a little bit about my journey. A few years ago, I was diagnosed with type two diabetes. At that time, I was overweight and struggling with a host of health issues, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My doctor prescribed me medication to control my blood sugar, and I was told to follow a low-carbohydrate diet. I did my best to follow that diet, but it was hard, and I struggled with cravings for sugar and carbs.
Then, I stumbled upon the idea of an elimination diet. I had heard that eliminating certain foods from your diet could help with inflammation and other health issues, so I decided to give it a try. I started with a basic elimination diet that cut out dairy, gluten, soy, and processed foods. I noticed an improvement in my symptoms almost immediately.
But it wasn’t until I tried a strict carnivore diet that things really started to change. A strict carnivore diet is exactly what it sounds like – you only eat meat, fish, and animal products. No fruits, vegetables, grains, or other plant-based foods. At first, it seemed extreme to me, but I was desperate to get my health under control, so I gave it a try.
To be honest, the first few days were tough. I was used to eating a lot of carbs and fiber, and I missed them. But after a week or so, I started to notice some amazing changes. My blood sugar stabilized, and I didn’t need as much medication to control it. My energy levels increased, and I felt more alert and focused. And, of course, I started to lose weight.
After a few months on the strict carnivore diet, I had lost 50 pounds, and my blood sugar was under control without medication. My doctor was amazed, and he encouraged me to keep going. He did caution me, though, that a strict carnivore diet was not sustainable in the long term, and that I would need to start adding some plant-based foods back into my diet at some point.
That brings me to where I am now. I’m still on a strict carnivore diet, but in a few weeks, my cardiologist will be adding what he calls “fruits” to my diet. What he means by that is yellow squash, zucchini, olives, and avocado – all low-carbohydrate plant-based foods that won’t spike my blood sugar.
I’m excited to see how this new phase of my diet will go. I’ve heard that adding some plant-based foods back into your diet can help with gut health and overall wellness. But I’m also a little nervous. I don’t want to slip back into old habits and undo all the progress I’ve made.
That’s where cheat days come in. I don’t believe in being a calorie-counting extremist, and I don’t think it’s necessary to be perfect all the time. Sometimes, I indulge in a piece of chocolate or a bowl of ice cream. And that’s okay. It’s all about balance.
Now, let’s talk about some of the scientific evidence behind elimination diets. There is a lot of buzz out there about how elimination diets can help with chronic diseases, allergies, inflammation, diabetes, and more. But is there any actual scientific evidence to back up these claims?
The answer is yes. There have been numerous studies done on elimination diets, and the results are promising. For example, one study published in the journal Nutrition & Metabolism found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet (similar to a carnivore diet) led to significant improvements in blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Another study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that an elimination diet that removed specific allergenic foods led to significant improvements in symptoms in individuals with eosinophilic esophagitis (a type of inflammatory condition in the esophagus).
And a study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism found that a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet led to significant reductions in inflammation markers in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Of course, it’s important to note that these studies are just a few examples and that the scientific community is still exploring the benefits and risks of elimination diets. But the evidence so far suggests that elimination diets can be a powerful tool for improving health and managing chronic conditions.
That being said, it’s also important to approach elimination diets with caution. It’s easy to get caught up in the hype and try to eliminate every food group under the sun. But that can be dangerous and lead to nutrient deficiencies, especially if you’re not working with a qualified healthcare professional.
It’s also important to remember that elimination diets are not a one-size-fits-all solution. What works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. It’s important to listen to your body and work with a healthcare professional to determine what diet is best for your individual needs.
In conclusion, my experience with a strict carnivore diet has been life-changing. It has helped me manage my type 2 diabetes, lose weight, and feel better overall. But I also recognize that it’s not a sustainable long-term solution and that adding some plant-based foods back into my diet is necessary for my health and well-being.
Elimination diets can be a powerful tool for improving health and managing chronic conditions, but they should be approached with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. And remember, it’s okay to have cheat days and not be a calorie-counting extremist. It’s all about balance and finding what works best for you.