From Chest Pain to Freedom: Greg’s Carnivore Success Story
Greg struggles with mysterious health issues that have plagued him for years. At his heaviest weight of 297 pounds, he experiences terrifying symptoms – waking up in the middle of the night with a pounding heart, chest pain, and arm pain that make him fear he’s having a heart attack. Despite coming from a family with little history of heart problems, these episodes become so severe that he frequently ends up sitting on his front porch at 2-3 AM, trying to calm himself down and breathe.
The Frustrating Search for Answers
For four years, Greg battles these symptoms while attempting to eat what he believes is a healthy diet. He loves cooking diverse foods from around the world and always ensures his meals include meat and vegetables. After ongoing problems, he finally consults with doctors who diagnose him with anxiety and heartburn, prescribing medications for both. However, the medications don’t resolve his issues.
Further testing reveals multiple food sensitivities – milk, egg whites, crab, and gluten – along with allergies to the oak and hickory wood he uses for barbecuing. Despite eliminating these foods, his health continues to deteriorate.
“I ate more chicken and more salads in the last two years than I’ve ever eaten in my entire life and felt just horrible,” Greg recalls.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
In July 2024, Greg receives concerning news from his doctors – imaging reveals a dilated aortic root measuring 4.1 centimeters, essentially an aneurysm. This diagnosis increases his anxiety significantly as he awaits his cardiology appointment.
Following conventional wisdom, he believes he needs to avoid red meat, salt, and high-fat foods to manage his condition. His stress levels reach new heights, and his quality of life deteriorates further.
A Surprising Suggestion
During an August visit to his chiropractor, Greg mentions his diagnosis and dietary restrictions. His chiropractor makes an unexpected suggestion – looking into the carnivore diet. Initially skeptical, Greg begins researching on his drive home, listening to podcasts and reading about people who have followed the carnivore approach for years.
“I’m like, alright. So there’s plenty of people. Let’s try it. I’m gonna try it today,” Greg says. That night, he enjoys a porterhouse steak at a restaurant and commits to the carnivore diet.
Remarkable Transformation
The results speak for themselves. By the third day, Greg no longer needs his anxiety medication. After a month, he stops his heartburn medication entirely – something he previously took daily. His blood pressure, which had consistently measured around 138/90 even while on medication, drops dramatically to 115/72.
His weight loss is equally impressive. Starting at around 268 pounds in August, Greg now weighs 228 pounds just ten weeks later – a 40-pound transformation that friends and coworkers immediately notice.
Beyond Physical Health
The improvements extend far beyond Greg’s physical symptoms. His mental clarity sharpens significantly. Previously struggling with focus and memory, even stuttering while trying to recall basic information, Greg now thinks more clearly and communicates more effectively.
His energy levels surge, allowing him to engage more fully with life and his family. The anxiety that once crippled him has vanished, and he feels a renewed sense of purpose and wellbeing that he hasn’t experienced in years.
“I feel like I’m in my twenties sometimes,” Greg shares, “it’s just amazing.”
Finding What Works
Through experimentation, Greg discovers that his body responds best to beef – particularly burgers and steaks. Chicken doesn’t satisfy him the same way, leaving him hungry shortly after eating. He also notices that locally sourced meat makes him feel better than store-bought options.
Contrary to conventional advice, adding salt hasn’t negatively affected his blood pressure. In fact, his numbers have improved dramatically while following the carnivore approach.
Looking Ahead
Now approaching his 90-day milestone, Greg contemplates whether he might occasionally reintroduce some former favorite foods like his homemade pizza. However, he’s confident that the carnivore diet has become his foundation for health.
“I’ve already said this is too good to be true,” Greg reflects. “It’s too good for me.”
As Greg awaits his follow-up cardiology appointment next year, he’s embracing his newfound health with gratitude and optimism, encouraging others struggling with similar issues to consider giving the carnivore approach a try.
