From Multiple Autoimmune Conditions to Vibrant Health: A Carnivore Success Story
At age 48, Alison’s health journey reads like a medical textbook. Multiple autoimmune conditions, including Meniere’s disease, Graves’ disease, and uveitis, had significantly impacted her quality of life. Add to that severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and a 45-pound weight gain, and she knew something needed to change.
A Standard American Upbringing
Growing up in Indiana, Alison’s childhood reflected typical American eating habits. Her family followed a meat and potatoes diet, deliberately avoiding saturated fat and cholesterol due to her grandfather’s early death from heart disease. This foundation would shape her early understanding of nutrition.
The Breaking Point
In 2022, after experiencing a severe uveitis flare-up and an allergic reaction to what she thought was “healthy” food – nuts, seeds, and spinach smoothies – Alison began researching elimination diets. She discovered the carnivore diet and decided to try it for two weeks.
Unexpected Mental Health Benefits
Within days, Alison noticed significant changes. Her constant urge to drink wine disappeared. After two months, she realized her severe anxiety had diminished considerably. The intrusive thoughts that had plagued her – occurring 3-4 times per hour – had largely subsided.
Physical Transformations
The carnivore diet’s impact on Alison’s physical health has been remarkable. Her inflammation levels dropped significantly. Her uveitis, which had previously required intensive medical intervention, improved dramatically. She’s lost the excess weight she’d carried for years.
Sustainable Success
Now 18 months into her carnivore journey, Alison finds the diet surprisingly sustainable. As an “abstainer” personality type, she appreciates the simplicity of eliminating problem foods rather than trying to moderate them. She no longer experiences food cravings and finds freedom in not having to think about food constantly.
Family Impact
Alison’s success has influenced her family members. Her husband joined her on the carnivore diet a month after she started and has lost 20 pounds. Her mother and brother have also adopted the diet. Her teenage daughters, while not fully carnivore, have developed a better understanding of nutrition and the role of protein and fats in a healthy diet.
Beyond Diet: A New Lease on Life
The improvements in Alison’s health have enabled her to pursue new physical challenges. She recently started CrossFit with her family, something she never imagined possible during her years of chronic illness. Her energy levels have increased significantly, and her sleep has improved.
Cost Considerations
Contrary to common assumptions about the carnivore diet being expensive, Alison finds it economical. She and her family have eliminated food waste, no longer buy numerous specialty items, and have simplified their grocery shopping. They’ve invested in bulk meat purchases, like buying half a cow, which has proved cost-effective.
Moving Forward
Today, Alison feels healthier than ever before. Her anxiety is manageable, her autoimmune conditions are well-controlled, and she’s maintained her weight loss. As she approaches her 50th birthday, she’s focused on building strength and maintaining her newfound health.
While she sometimes wishes she had discovered this way of eating earlier, particularly given her family history of health challenges, she’s grateful for the transformation she’s experienced. Her journey from multiple chronic conditions to vibrant health demonstrates the potential impact of dietary changes on both physical and mental well-being.
