Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is a journey filled with challenges and discoveries. As someone who’s always been curious about the connection between diet and health, I recently embarked on an exploration of the carnivore diet. This eating plan, which involves consuming only animal products, has sparked plenty of conversations—and questions. In this blog post, I’ll share what the carnivore diet is all about, why fat plays a starring role, the potential benefits, and the concerns to keep in mind. Let’s dive in!
What Is the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is a unique eating plan that eliminates all plant-based foods—yes, that means no fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, or seeds. Instead, it focuses solely on animal-derived products like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and certain dairy items. Because it cuts out all carbohydrates, it’s often referred to as a “zero-carb diet.”
One of the key ideas behind this diet is the removal of plant anti-nutrients. These are natural compounds found in plant foods that can interfere with nutrient absorption or cause digestion issues in some people. While the concept of cutting out all plant foods is certainly unconventional, it’s also an intriguing form of elimination diet—one that challenges everything I was taught about nutrition.
The Unsung Hero: Why Fat Matters
In the carnivore diet, fat takes center stage. Without carbohydrates, fat becomes the body’s primary fuel source, and its importance cannot be overstated. Here’s how fat benefits the body and brain:
- Energy powerhouse: Fat provides steady, long-lasting energy without the sugar crashes associated with carbs.
- Brain fuel: Healthy animal fats, such as beef tallow and butter, nourish the brain—a significant consideration for anyone managing MS, which impacts the nervous system.
- Vitamin absorption: Fat is essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, ensuring your body gets the nutrients it needs.
So, don’t fear fat—it’s like the engine oil for your body on this diet. Without it, things can get a little clunky!
The Reported Benefits of the Carnivore Diet
Many people who follow the carnivore diet report a variety of benefits. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Reduced inflammation: Eliminating processed foods and sugars may help lower inflammation in the body.
- Improved digestion: Some individuals notice relief from bloating and other digestive issues when cutting out plant fibers.
- Clearer thinking and steady energy: Many report better focus and consistent energy levels throughout the day.
- Simplicity and fullness: Eating nutrient-dense animal foods can make meal planning easier and keep you satisfied for longer.
These potential benefits make the carnivore diet an interesting option for those with autoimmune conditions like MS. While it’s not a cure, it may help alleviate some symptoms.
Concerns to Keep in Mind
Of course, no diet comes without its challenges. Here are a few concerns associated with the carnivore diet:
- Missing nutrients: Eliminating plant foods might lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and fiber.
- Long-term sustainability: Sticking to a meat-only diet can be socially and financially demanding.
- Heart health: Some worry about the impact of a high-meat diet on cardiovascular health, though research is ongoing.
To address these concerns, I’m working closely with my doctor, regularly monitoring my bloodwork, and staying informed as I continue this dietary journey.
Why I’m Trying the Carnivore Diet
As someone who was trained in traditional nutrition, this diet initially felt counterintuitive. For years, I believed that a healthy diet required fruits, vegetables, and fiber. But what if we’ve been looking at nutrition all wrong? What if some people thrive without plant foods?
I decided to experiment with the carnivore diet after reading countless stories of people improving their autoimmune symptoms with this way of eating. For me, it’s about more than theoretical knowledge—I want to experience it firsthand. So far, I’ve noticed some positive changes, like feeling stronger during physical therapy sessions. While I’m still in the early stages, I’m documenting both the wins and the challenges to share with others who may be curious.
Let’s Learn Together!
As I continue this journey, I’ll be sharing updates on my experiences, including any negative effects I encounter. I’d also love to hear from you! What questions do you have about the carnivore diet? Have you tried it yourself, or are you considering it? Drop your thoughts and questions in the comments, and I’ll tackle them in future posts.
For those interested in learning more, I recommend checking out resources from medical professionals like Dr. Shawn Baker, Dr. Ken Berry, Dr. Anthony Chaffee, and Dr. Georgia Ede. Their insights offer valuable perspectives on this unconventional way of eating.
Ultimately, my goal is to explore how diet can play a role in improving symptoms and overall health for people living with MS and other autoimmune conditions. Let’s embark on this journey together—one bite at a time! 🥩
What are your thoughts on the carnivore diet? Share your experiences or questions below—I’d love to hear from you!