A Glimpse into the Past
In 2013, Ashley’s life took a turn. With a one-year-old in tow, she was battling the aftermath of gaining 60 pounds during her pregnancy. Like many new mothers, she faced a myriad of health challenges: acid reflux, migraines, sleepless nights, irregular periods, postpartum depression, and anxiety. These challenges weren’t just about her; they were about the kind of mother she wanted to be for her child.
First Steps: Trying the Keto Diet
Determined to find relief and regain her health, Ashley decided to give the ketogenic (keto) diet a shot. The results were impressive; she lost a significant amount of weight. However, not all was perfect. Vegetables, a staple in many diets, became a source of discomfort for Ashley, leading to persistent digestive issues.
Turning Towards Carnivore: A New Hope
Curiosity and the desire for better health led Ashley to explore the carnivore diet. Having already been leaning into a meat-heavy keto regimen, the transition seemed natural. She eliminated high sulfur vegetables and nightshades, which were identified as the root causes of her digestive troubles. Gone were the days of brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, and peppers. In their place, Ashley found nourishment in red meats, eggs, dairy, and butter. Red meat became her staple, providing the energy she sought, while chicken played a secondary role, always accompanied by another type of meat. Ashley became a proponent of maintaining electrolyte balance, focusing on magnesium, potassium, and sodium intake. And while many in the carnivore community embraced organ meats, Ashley admitted she wasn’t quite there yet, though she remained open to the idea.
The Carnivore Effect
Ashley soon began to see improvements. For two years before adopting carnivore, she suffered from annual bouts of pneumonia. However, since making the switch, she hasn’t fallen sick once, even amidst a pandemic. The daily annoyances of sneezing and sniffles? Only when there’s too much dairy or when fields are cut near her home.
Ashley also celebrates freedom from medications. Her antianxiety medications, supplements, and constant need for antacids are all a thing of the past. More importantly, she’s noticed a significant improvement in her hip mobility and pain levels. Previously, she dealt with abnormal hip sockets which made walking and sitting a challenge. Now, with the weight off and inflammation reduced, her hips function better than ever.
And it wasn’t just the physical benefits; the emotional and internal ones were just as profound. Ashley’s menstrual cycles became more manageable, and she could live her life without dreading the pain and discomfort that used to accompany them.
As with any diet, there were lessons to be learned. Ashley discovered her sensitivity to certain seasonings, like liquid aminos, which could still trigger her acid reflux. However, these instances were rare and manageable.
Ashley’s journey with the carnivore diet has been transformative. From the challenges of postpartum health issues to the discovery of a dietary solution that works for her, she has found a path to a healthier, happier life.
