From Diabetes to Carnivore Vitality
Leo, a 59-year-old regenerative rancher from Florida, has a remarkable story of health transformation through the carnivore diet. His journey from battling diabetes to reclaiming his health is both inspiring and instructive for those seeking alternative approaches to managing chronic conditions.
A Dire Diagnosis and Determined Response
In late 2018, Leo received devastating news from his doctor: his diabetes was out of control, and he would need to start insulin therapy. Having witnessed his mother’s struggles with insulin dependency for 50 years, Leo was determined to find another way. “I cannot live the life that my mom lived,” he recalls thinking. This moment of crisis became the catalyst for Leo’s quest for better health.
The Path to Discovery
Leo’s search for alternatives led him through various approaches. He initially considered a 21-day cleanse program but found it unavailable. Then, by chance, he stumbled upon Dr. Jason Fung’s work on fasting and its potential to manage blood sugar levels. This discovery sparked Leo’s interest in fasting and low-carb diets.
Keto Success and a Skeptical Doctor
Leo’s next step was adopting a ketogenic diet. The results were beyond his expectations. Within 90 days, his health markers showed dramatic improvements. His triglycerides plummeted from 689 to around 100, and his A1C and blood sugar levels normalized. However, his doctor remained skeptical, warning that the high-fat diet could lead to heart problems.
The Calcium Score Surprise
Despite his doctor’s concerns, Leo persisted with his new lifestyle. A year later, a follow-up calcium score test revealed a significant reduction, dropping to nearly undetectable levels. This unexpected improvement left his doctor astounded and questioning the validity of the tests.
Embracing the Carnivore Lifestyle
Leo’s success with the ketogenic diet eventually led him to adopt a full carnivore approach. Now, after three and a half years on the carnivore diet, Leo reports feeling healthier than he did in his 20s and 30s. His commitment to this way of eating extends beyond personal health; it has become a mission to help others regain control of their well-being.
Beyond Diabetes: Addressing Chronic Pain
Leo’s health transformation wasn’t limited to managing diabetes. Prior to his dietary changes, he suffered from chronic knee pain and back issues stemming from his time in the Venezuelan army. These conditions often made his work as a rancher challenging. However, since adopting the carnivore lifestyle, Leo has experienced a remarkable reduction in pain. He hasn’t had issues with his knees in the past four to five years and can now perform tasks that were previously difficult or impossible.
A Rancher’s Perspective on Quality over Quantity
Leo’s personal health journey has deeply influenced his approach to ranching. He operates a 100-acre farm where he raises cattle, hogs, and lamb. His focus is on producing high-quality, pasture-raised meat, prioritizing the animals’ well-being and the nutritional value of the final product. Leo is adamant about maintaining this quality, even as he considers expanding his operations. “I do not want to jeopardize the quality of my beef or any of our meats in order to just go ahead and get a massive amount of product,” he states.
the Message of Food as Medicine
Leo’s experience has made him a passionate advocate for the healing potential of proper nutrition. He encourages others to understand that food can significantly impact health and that many conditions deemed “incurable” by some doctors may be manageable or reversible through dietary changes. While acknowledging that changing one’s diet can be challenging, Leo firmly believes the benefits far outweigh any perceived sacrifices. “If I am born again, this is the lifestyle that I want to live,” he affirms.
Through his personal journey and his work as a regenerative rancher, Leo exemplifies the potential for food to be a powerful tool in reclaiming health. His story serves as an inspiration for those seeking alternative approaches to managing chronic conditions and a testament to the transformative power of the carnivore diet.
